Nick was joined at the press event which took place on 14th May 2024, by Hipgnosis founder and original sleeve designer Aubrey 'Po' Powell. The evening featured a special listening session for 'Animals' in full Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio, as well as interviews with both Mason and Powell, and was presented by writer Daryl Easlea.
It ended with a short Q&A session, and when questioned by eonmusic's Eamon O'Neill about what it as like to listen to 'Animals' in such a grand manner, Nick said; "It sounds silly to say it, but I really enjoyed it! I mean, more than I expected."
Originally released in 1977, and without a definable hit song, 'Animals' has in some ways been seen as the black sheep of the band's output, as admitted by the drummer. He continued; "I think it was always seen as an album that was made in a slightly different way, and didn't quite seem to fit in with the other things that were done either side of it"; referring to the preceding 'The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)', and 'Wish You Were Here' (1975), and follow-up 'The Wall' (1980)], "but actually, I think it held its own".
When asked if he had to choose another album to listen to, his "go-to Pink Floyd album", the drummer initially said; "Oh, I'm not sure", before correcting himself and admitting; "well I AM sure, actually. I'd probably listen to 'Saucerful of Secrets', because it's an album I really like, and it would be nice to listen to it again, now, as a complete piece. Yeah, I think!"
Released in 1968, 'A Saucerful of Secrets' was the sophomore album release from Pink Floyd, and the only one to feature both original front man Syd Barrett, and his replacement David Gilmour. Mason, coincidentally. now tours with his own band who are named after the album.
'Animals (2018 Remix)' comes to blu-ray and digital services from 17th May 2024.