Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd
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Inside Out, published on 28 October 2004 in the United Kingdom, is Nick Mason's personal history of Pink Floyd. Initially a hardback release (cover by Storm Thorgerson shown), it has since appeared in at least two different paperback editions. The book marks the first time that a group member has written a recollection of their experiences of life in the band. Mason – the only member of the band to have been a part of it in all incarnations and line-ups – covers the Floyd's entire career, from the initial coming together and the Syd Barrett–led psychedelic era of the late 1960s through their dominance of the 1970s to the present day, via the legendary acrimonous splits of the 1980s. As of 2005, a new paperback version was available, now including an updated section on the band's final reunion at Live 8 and apparent making peace at last. Given the 'serious' nature of Pink Floyd's output and reputation, the humoressness of the book surprised many.
Inside Out was featured in a Top Gear episode where Mason agreed to lend his Enzo Ferrari to the programme-makers in return for Top Gear's promotion. Jeremy Clarkson – well known as a big fan of the Floyd – gleefully took the plugging of the book to ludicrous lengths.