Animals Tour

A dystopian spectacle of industrial decay and floating pigs that defined late-seventies rock.

The Animals Tour stands as a defining chapter in Pink Floyd's live history, serving as the massive global vehicle for their concept album Animals. Following the monumental success of The Wall era's theatricality, this tour returned to a more industrial and political aesthetic, translating the album's biting social commentary into a visceral stage experience. It is remembered not just for the music, but for its controversial and iconic visual centerpiece that became synonymous with the band's identity during the late 1970s.

Last updated 2026-09-28 from the source article.

Quick Facts

Concert tour name: In the Flesh
Number of legs: 5
Number of shows: 55
Artist: Pink Floyd
Location: Europe, North America
Albums: Animals, Wish You Were Here
Start date: 23 January 1977
End date: 6 July 1977

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

The most enduring symbol of this tour was the massive inflatable pig, which served as the physical embodiment of the ruling class. While often seen floating high in the sky or tethered to the stage structure, its presence loomed over the audience like a judgmental eye watching the 'Sheep' below. The imagery suggested that those in power were detached from reality, literally elevated above the struggles of the common people, yet vulnerable to the chaotic elements of the world they controlled.

Reader's Guide

The tour was characterized by a raw, industrial aesthetic that contrasted sharply with the elaborate sets of previous eras. The stage often featured towering scaffolding and stark lighting rigs designed to mimic a bleak urban skyline or a factory floor. The centerpiece was undoubtedly the giant inflatable pig, which varied in size and placement throughout the run. Sometimes it floated freely above the crowd, tethered by cables, while other times it sat on the stage or was suspended from the roof of arenas like Wembley. Musically, the setlist focused heavily on Animals, with extended instrumental sections allowing for improvisation. The band also performed selected tracks from their earlier catalog, including hits that had defined their career up to that point. Technical innovations included advanced lighting control systems and the logistics of managing a massive inflatable object in varying weather conditions, particularly during outdoor festivals where wind was a constant challenge.

Did You Know?

The inflatable pig was originally intended to be painted with political slogans but was left plain to avoid censorship issues in various countries.
During one famous incident at the Reading Festival, the pig deflated and landed in the crowd before being re-inflated mid-show.
The tour marked a period of increasing tension within the band, foreshadowing the eventual departure of Roger Waters.
Some venues refused to allow the pig due to local regulations or concerns about public reaction.