Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour has addressed the long-standing fan theory that The Dark Side of the Moon was designed to synchronise with The Wizard of Oz, a claim that’s captivated Pink Floyd fans for years.
Gilmour appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on November 7 to discuss the theory. When asked if it was true, he joked: “Well, of course it was.”
He went on to explain further: “We listened to it… Polly [Samson, Gilmour’s wife] and I, years ago. Somebody said you put the needle on at the third roar of the MGM lion. And there are these strange synchronicities that happen.” He also acknowledged “There are these strange coincidences.”
The theory suggests that when you start The Dark Side of the Moon at a specific point in The Wizard of Oz—at the third roar of the MGM lion—the album’s music aligns with the visuals in a surreal way. Gilmour’s comments suggest that while it wasn’t planned, the synchronicities are real.
The “Dark Side of the Rainbow” theory has been circulating for decades, with fans claiming the album’s psychedelic soundscapes align perfectly with the film’s visual cues, creating a surreal experience. Gilmour’s comments seem to confirm that, while not intentionally crafted, the phenomenon does exist—though he remains mum on whether it was purely coincidence or not.
In 2016, another fan theory emerged claiming that The Dark Side of the Moon also synced with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. A video surfaced showing the album and film playing in time with each other.
During his Fallon appearance, Gilmour also performed Dark And Velvet Nights, a song from his new album Luck And Strange. It’s his first solo record in nearly 10 years, following Rattle That Lock in 2015.
Check out Gilmour’s full interview below.
MORE IN Music
