March 1, 2023, was the 50-year anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon.” The band has released some new merchandise for the occasion, including shirts, mugs, vinyls, and other miscellaneous items. The 50th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set is the most expensive item, listed for $299.98. It includes two CDs, two LPs, multiple audial DVDs+Blu-rays, two books, and a few other unique items. It can be preordered here. 

There was a mixed response to the announcement: some users on social media claimed Pink Floyd was “going woke” for the use of their classic rainbow logo, although the cover, designed by Hipgnosis, has stayed the same since its release. A lot of feedback was positive, but some complained the band was just fishing for money. One commenter said, “Just repacking (already) releases. No videos, nothing new. Come on its the … 50th anniversary. Its a shame.”

The anniversary is a big one- “The Dark Side of the Moon” defined alternative music in the 70s and 80s and led to a surge in popularity for Pink Floyd. It was their eighth studio album, but quickly became their most popular. Today, it is one of the most influential and widely-recognized albums in modern history:  Since its release in 1973, it has sold more than 30 million copies and has received heaps of critical acclaim. 

As Janelle Okwodu writes for Vogue, “Experimental, ambiguous, and conceptual, it looms large as one of rock’s seminal statement pieces.” Pink Floyd dared to do what most artists at the time were not- their obscure sounds had never quite been played with before, and if you compare it to other popular albums during the era such as those by Simon & Garfunkel and the Jackson 5, it is much more exploratory and unique.

Roger Waters, a co-founder of the band, claims he is in the process of re-recording the entire album without the help of the other members, who don’t seem to be in close contact with him anyway. David Gilmour, especially, has spoken out against Waters in response to his support of Russia in the invasion of Ukraine.