Pink Floyd releases a new 25-minute continuous mix of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” for the 50th anniversary of Wish You Were Here.
The band presents “Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Pts. 1-9, New Stereo Mix)”, an unprecedented version unifying the entire piece into a single track. Previously divided into two parts on Wish You Were Here, the work now receives a new stereo mix by James Guthrie and will be featured in the 50th anniversary box set, released on December 12 by Sony Music.
“Shine On You Crazy Diamond” became a rock legend and remains Pink Floyd’s most iconic tribute to Syd Barrett. The composition expresses grief, frustration and guilt over the decline of the artist’s health. One of the most striking moments in the band’s history occurred when Syd appeared unexpectedly at Abbey Road during the final mix, initially unrecognised by his former bandmates.
To celebrate Syd’s legacy, comedian, actor and artist Noel Fielding created original paintings inspired by his image. The artworks feature in a new video accompanying “Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Pts. 1-9, New Stereo Mix)”, reaffirming Syd’s unique impact.
Noel recalls discovering Pink Floyd at age 12, when he borrowed The Piper at the Gates of Dawn from a library. He describes Wish You Were Here as a surreal and timeless combination of sound and visual art that echoes Syd Barrett’s essence.
The collaboration follows the release of Dear Pink Floyd, a poem written and performed by Simon Armitage to commemorate the album’s 50th anniversary. The poem is included in the Deluxe Box Set.
Wish You Were Here 50 arrives in several formats, including 3LP, 2CD, Blu-ray, digital and a Deluxe edition. The digital version features a new Dolby Atmos mix, 25 bonus tracks, studio rarities and previously unreleased live recordings captured by Mike Millard in Los Angeles in 1975. The recordings were restored by Steven Wilson.
The physical editions include three films screened during the 1975 tour and a short film by Storm Thorgerson. The Deluxe Box Set compiles all formats, transparent exclusive LPs, a Blu-ray disc, an art book with unpublished photographs, Armitage’s poem, a comic-style tour programme and a Knebworth show poster.
For decades, Wish You Were Here has ranked among the greatest albums of all time. Following the global triumph of The Dark Side of the Moon, the record delivered a powerful response to worldwide fame. In 2025, its influence remains enduring and widely celebrated.
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment
