How Pink Floyd Handled Dick Parry’s Sax Solo on the 1975 ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ Live

Dick Parry didn’t just play the iconic saxophone solos on the studio version of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” — he also toured with Pink Floyd for their 1975 Wish You Were Here concerts. So there was no need for a backing track. Parry stood on stage, often off to the side, and played both the first and second sax solos live, note for note.

That 1975 tour was the only time Pink Floyd performed the full nine-part “Shine On” suite in concert. Parry’s presence gave the performances an extra layer of authenticity. Without him, the band would have had to rely on a tape, but they chose to bring the real player along for the ride.