Nicholas Berkeley Mason, born in 1944 in Birmingham, remains the sole constant member throughout the entire lifespan of the rock band Pink Floyd. His career as a drummer and composer spans from the group's mid-sixties formation to his contemporary performances, establishing him as a fixture in the history of British rock music and the recording industry.
Early Career and Formation
Educated at the Hall School, Frensham Heights School, and the University of Westminster, Mason studied architecture before focusing on music. During the early 1960s, he co-founded Sigma 6, an ensemble featuring Roger Waters, Bob Klose, and Richard Wright. This group served as the foundational precursor to Pink Floyd, which released its debut studio album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, in 1967.
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Mason performed on every Pink Floyd album. While his primary role was behind the drum kit, he contributed to writing compositions including Echoes, Time, Careful with That Axe, Eugene, and One of These Days. His percussive style, influenced by jazz and big band music, evolved from early harsh beats to a more melodic, laid-back timbre. He utilized diverse gear throughout his career, transitioning from Premier and Fibes drums to Drum Workshop kits, while consistently favoring Paiste cymbals.
Collaborations and Recent Projects
Beyond his tenure with Pink Floyd, Mason worked with various musicians, including Steve Hillage, Robert Wyatt, the Damned, Gong, and Michael Mantler. In 2018, he formed Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets, a band dedicated to performing early psychedelic material from the Pink Floyd catalogue. This group, which includes Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt, released the live album Live at the Roundhouse in 2020.
Industry Recognition and Personal Interests
Mason received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. He documented his tenure with Pink Floyd in the 2004 memoir Inside Out. Outside of music, he maintains a long-standing interest in classic cars and competitive motorsport, frequently participating in racing events.
Fast facts
- Born: 1944, Birmingham
- Primary Instrument: Drums
- Notable Band: Pink Floyd
- New Project: Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets
- Award: Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Education: University of Westminster
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
Questions readers ask
Was Nick Mason a member of any band before Pink Floyd?
Yes, he was a founding member of the band Sigma 6 in the early 1960s.
Has Nick Mason ever released a memoir?
Yes, he published Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd in 2004.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Instruments: drum kit
- Genres: progressive rock
