Nick Mason Facts: In Pink Floyd, Mason was the only member to be featured on every album and was part of all the band’s line-ups since its formation. His contributions to the band were primarily as a drummer, but he also provided some sound effects and occasionally contributed vocals.
Nick Mason Facts
- Full Name: His full name is Nicholas Berkeley Mason.
- Birth: He was born on January 27, 1944.
- Birthplace: He was born in Birmingham, England.
- Pink Floyd: He is best known as the drummer of the rock band Pink Floyd, which he co-founded.
- Consistency: Mason is the only member of Pink Floyd to have appeared on all of the band’s albums.
- Architecture: Before becoming a full-time musician, Mason was training to be an architect, which is how he met his fellow band members Roger Waters and Richard Wright at the Regent Street Polytechnic.
- Writing: He wrote a book called “Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd,” which is a memoir of his time in the band.
- Car Collection: Mason is a major car enthusiast and collector, particularly of classic and exotic sports cars.
- Racing: He has participated in numerous auto racing events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Ferrari 250 GTO: One of the most notable cars in his collection is a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, one of the most valuable cars in the world.
- Solo Work: Mason has also released solo work, including the albums “Nick Mason’s Fictitious Sports” (1981) and “Profiles” (1985).
- Film Work: He has contributed to film soundtracks, such as for the movie “White of the Eye.”
- Honors: He was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2019 for his services to music.
- Family: He has two children from his first marriage to Lindy Rutter and two children from his second marriage to Nettie Mason.
- Education: He attended Frensham Heights School in Surrey, and later went on to study at the Regent Street Polytechnic.
- Band Formation: Pink Floyd was formed when Mason along with Roger Waters, Richard Wright and Syd Barrett joined together to form the band initially known as Sigma 6.
- Music Style: Mason’s drumming style is noted for its idiosyncratic nature during live performances. He often integrates complex fills and unusual time signatures into his drum parts.
- Automobile Club: Mason is a notable member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club.
- Charity: He is involved in charity work and has performed in concerts to raise money for charitable causes.
- Business Interests: Mason owns Ten Tenths, a company through which he manages his classic car collection. The company also sponsors motor sports events.
- Drumming Style: His style is often characterized by intricate and complex drum fills and patterns.
- Collaborations: Beyond Pink Floyd, Mason has collaborated with artists like Robert Wyatt and The Orb.
- Racing Licenses: He holds competition licenses for both cars and aircraft.
- Aviation Interest: Besides cars, Mason is also interested in aircraft. He has a private pilot’s license.
- Music Gear: Mason used a diverse range of percussion instruments in Pink Floyd’s music, including timpani, gong, roto-toms, and even a saw blade.
- Solo Albums: His solo album “Nick Mason’s Fictitious Sports” was actually a collaboration with jazz musician Carla Bley.
- Porsche 962: He drove a Porsche 962 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
- Documentary Appearance: Mason appeared in the 2019 documentary “Lamborghini – A Legend’s Legacy,” reflecting on the history of the iconic car brand.
- Pink Floyd’s Visuals: He had significant influence on the visual and stage elements of Pink Floyd’s performances.
- London Olympic Games: In 2012, Mason performed at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in London with Ed Sheeran and other members of Pink Floyd.
- Beatles Connection: In 1967, he and Pink Floyd were photographed by Beatles’ art director Peter Blake, who created the cover for the Beatles’ album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
- Travel: He is a keen traveller and has visited many parts of the world both for music and for racing.
- Music Influences: His influences range from jazz to hard rock, reflecting in the eclectic styles of Pink Floyd’s music.
- Public Speaking: Mason occasionally gives public talks about his experiences in music and auto racing.
- Pink Floyd Reunions: He has been involved in all Pink Floyd reunions since the band’s dissolution, including the Live 8 concert in 2005.
- Continued Music Work: Mason formed a band called “Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets” in 2018 to perform Pink Floyd’s early songs.
- Audiobook Narration: Mason narrated the audiobook version of his memoir, “Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd.”
- Music Education Advocacy: He is an advocate for music education and has spoken publicly about its importance.
- Philanthropy: Mason has participated in a number of charity car events to raise money for causes such as the UK’s ChildLine service.
- Influence: As a member of one of the most influential rock bands in history, Mason has had a significant impact on the music industry and has inspired countless other musicians.
