What Does “Psychedelic” Mean?

Have you ever heard your parents or grandparents talk about “psychedelic” rock from the 1960s? They might mention bands like the Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, or the Grateful Dead. But one of the most famous psychedelic rock groups of them all is Pink Floyd. Their music and wild light shows totally captured the far-out, trippy vibe of the era. But what does “psychedelic” even mean? Read on to find out!

The Word “Psychedelic”

The word psychedelic comes from the Greek words “psyche” meaning mind or soul and “delos” meaning reveal. So psychedelic literally means “soul-revealing” or “mind-manifesting.” It describes things that reveal parts of your inner world that are usually hidden.

In the 1950s, psychedelic started being used to describe the effects of drugs like LSD or magic mushrooms. People noticed that these drugs could alter your consciousness and perception in very intense ways. So the word became connected with brightly-colored, weird visions and experiencing the world in new “far out” ways.

Acid Rock and the 1960s Counterculture

Psychedelic drugs became popular in the 1960s among hippies and people involved in the counterculture movement. The 1960s were a time of rapid social change, when many young people questioned traditional values and experimented with new ideas of freedom.

Besides political activism, part of the counterculture involved expanding your mind with psychedelic drugs, Eastern spirituality, abstract art, and of course…psychedelic music! “Acid rock” was an early name for the emerging genre, since LSD was a huge inspiration for many bands and fans. Concerts often felt like loud, colorful acid trips, especially with the trippy light projections.

Going to a psychedelic show wasn’t just about the music – it was about having a far-out experience. And Pink Floyd’s concerts back then were some of the most psychedelic ever!

Pink Floyd’s Psychedelic Years

Pink Floyd came together in 1965 in London around two architecture students – Roger Waters and Nick Mason. They soon recruited the super talented but eccentric guitarist, Syd Barrett, as their leader and main songwriter.

Barrett brought a completely unique, psychedelic flavor to the band. Songs like “Astronomy Domine” and “Interstellar Overdrive” had spacey lyrics and long, freaky instrumental jams. Barrett’s gifted guitar playing sounded almost otherworldly.

Pink Floyd quickly became stars of London’s mind-blowing underground scene. Their early concerts were as much about weird performance art as the music. Bright, splashy lights pulsed in time with the music, shooting around the club. The band also brought more props on stage like paintings, clocks, and even a giant mirror ball!

Some people claim Barrett’s prolific creativity was due to his frequent LSD use. Sadly, by 1968 his drug use led to a mental breakdown ending his time with Pink Floyd.

New Directions

After losing Syd, Pink Floyd struggled but soon found their footing again with members Roger Waters and David Gilmour leading the band. While they moved away from formal “psychedelia”, trippy experimental jams remained a signature part of their long concerts. Echoing guitars, thumping basslines, and floating keyboard textures became their new trademark sound.

Concept albums like 1973’s The Dark Side of the Moon wove together songs into mind-expanding sonic journeys filled with spiritual themes and philosophical questions. Pink Floyd attracted generations of fans by creating music for both space cadets and science nerds alike!

Legacy of Psychedelic Rock

The wild artistic energy of 1960s psychedelic rock influenced countless later bands. Echoes of Pink Floyd’s cosmic vibe can be heard today in groups from Radiohead to Tame Impala. Psychedelic music opened the doors of perception and inspired millions to never stop questioning reality!

So in summary, “psychedelic” describes anything mind-altering that lets you see the world through kaleidoscopic eyes. For Pink Floyd, it meant mixing innovative sounds, trippy lights, and far-out concepts to take audiences on a heavy musical journey to inner space! Turn on, tune in, and float downstream to the psychedelic sublime!