Pink Floyd’s 1975 Bootleg Was So Good They Released It Themselves

The year was 1975, and Pink Floyd was dominating the music scene with a five-night performance at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Fans were eagerly anticipating songs from the band’s upcoming album, Wish You Were Here, the sequel to their iconic 1973 release, The Dark Side of the Moon.

Despite the heightened security at the venue, one individual, Mike ‘The Mic’ Millard, a 23-year-old technician, devised a clever plan to record the show. Millard, with the help of his friend Jim Reinstein, utilized an old wheelchair to conceal a tape recorder under the seat and microphones in his hat. This innovative method allowed him to capture the concert without attracting suspicion.

While Millard’s tactics may have been questionable, his intentions were pure. He vehemently opposed profiting from his recordings and even embedded markers in the tapes to identify any unauthorized circulation. His dedication to preserving live performances by various artists, including Pink Floyd, ensures that future generations can enjoy these historical recordings.

Millard and Reinstein meticulously selected their recording positions and seats to capture the best audio quality. Their attention to detail paid off, as the resulting tapes were of exceptional clarity and fidelity. Despite facing challenges, such as security breaches and suspicions, the duo continued to record various concerts with unmatched precision and dedication.

Unfortunately, Millard’s recording endeavors came to an end when he was caught in 1983. Despite this setback, his friend Reinstein continued digitizing his recordings for public access. The superior quality of these audience recordings, particularly the Pink Floyd bootleg, garnered widespread acclaim within the music community.

The band recognized the significance of Millard’s recordings and enlisted remixer Steven Wilson to enhance the bootleg for an official release. Wilson’s remix of the Pink Floyd performance became part of the Wish You Were Here 50th-anniversary deluxe edition, showcasing the exceptional work of Millard and Reinstein. Fans can now experience this historic concert in its full glory thanks to their dedication and passion for preserving live music.

In tribute to Mike ‘The Mic’ Millard’s legacy, his recordings have been made available on not-for-profit platforms, allowing music enthusiasts to appreciate his unparalleled contributions to the bootleg recording scene. The upcoming release of the Pink Floyd bootleg on vinyl for Record Store Day is a testament to his enduring impact on the music industry.

The story of Mike Millard and his groundbreaking bootleg recordings serves as a reminder of the passion and dedication of fans who go above and beyond to capture and preserve live music for future generations. Through his innovative techniques and unwavering commitment, Millard has left a lasting legacy in the world of bootleg recordings and live music preservation.