Who's behind the notes? Discover Pink Floyd: The Architects of Psychedelic Rock
"Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2" is one of Pink Floyd's most iconic songs, released in 1979 as part of their rock opera album "The Wall." Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Conceptual Origin: The song is part of Pink Floyd's concept album "The Wall," which tells the story of Pink, a character who builds a metaphorical wall around himself to protect against the outside world. The album explores themes of alienation, war, and the impact of authoritarianism.
School Choir: The distinctive sound of children singing in the chorus is from a choir of 23 children from the Islington Green School in London. They were recruited by music teacher Alun Renshaw, who answered an ad placed in a newspaper by the band's management.
Legal Troubles: The song faced legal issues when the headmaster of Islington Green School, Alun Renshaw, tried to prevent the single's release. He was concerned that the negative portrayal of the school system might harm the school's reputation. Nevertheless, the single was released, and it became a massive hit.
Chart Success: "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2" became Pink Floyd's only single to top the charts in both the UK and the US. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart on December 22, 1979, and on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 22, 1980.
Sound Effects: The song is known for its unique sound effects, such as the sound of a classroom and the unmistakable guitar solo. The solo, played by David Gilmour, is considered one of the most famous in rock history.
No. 1 Protest Song: The song is often seen as a protest against rigid and oppressive schooling systems. Its success reflects a resonance with a broader audience who related to the themes of rebellion and frustration against authority.
Censorship: The song faced censorship in South Africa during the apartheid era because it was seen as a rallying cry for the anti-apartheid movement. The phrase "We don't need no education" was perceived as a threat to the government's control over education.
Grammy Nomination: "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2" received a Grammy nomination for Best Performance by a Rock Duo or Group with Vocal in 1981 but did not win.
The song remains a classic and is often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.