The Grand Vizier's Garden Party

Album: Ummagumma (1969)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is Nick Mason's addition to Pink Floyd's ambitious album Ummagumma, one disc of which featured live performances and the other a song written by each member of the group.
  • This song is split up into three parts: Entrance, Entertainment, and Exit.
  • Except for "Speak To Me" from Dark Side of the Moon, this is the only Pink Floyd song were Nick Mason received sole writing credit.
  • The Grand Vizier was the title of the Pharaoh's second hand man in ancient Egypt. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bill - Erie, PA, for all above

Comments: 5

  • Azagthoth from OhioI really like Ummagumma and would give it no less than a 7/10 . some of the music from the solo parts think it was grand visors garden party was used in a 90s Era ancient Egyptian documentary. I caught the last 30 min of it and never have seen it again. if anyone knows the name of the documentary please let me know. I have been looking for a long time,with no luck.
  • Ray from Baltimore Good assessment Mike; however, "more and obscured by clouds " should be 10's. The final cut should be a 2
  • Sam from Hipsville, CaMichael--------ahhh, if you could only drop a potent dose of whatever, Ummagumma would suddenly transform into a wonderful experience...i agree it's very experimental, still; there are some cool moments on it.
  • Madalyn from Greensburg, Pai think relics should be on that list for 10/10....mike you are a true floyd fan and i have to agree with most of your ratings...all though i think that they are all 10's compared to the garbage out today
  • Michael from OxfordUmmagumma is a load of failed experimental hogwash. It is in my opinion the only truly bad Pink Floyd album. Here's my assessment of the band's full output:

    THE PIPER AT THE GATES OF DAWN - 10/10

    A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS - 8/10

    MUSIC FROM THE FILM MORE - 7/10

    UMMAGUMMA - 3/10

    ATOM HEART MOTHER - 7/10

    MEDDLE - 10/10

    OBSCURED BY CLOUDS - 8/10

    THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON - 10/10

    WISH YOU WERE HERE - 10/10

    ANIMALS - 10/10

    THE WALL - 10/10

    THE FINAL CUT - 10/10

    A MOMENTARY LAPSE OF REASON - 9/10

    THE DIVISION BELL - 9/10

    Anyone else agree with me here?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn YankeesSongwriter Interviews

Revisit the awesome glory of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees: cheesily-acted videos, catchy guitar licks, long hair, and lyrics that are just plain relatable.

John Parr

John ParrSongwriter Interviews

John tells the "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)" story and explains why he disappeared for so long.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.

Graduation Songs

Graduation SongsFact or Fiction

Have you got the smarts to know which of these graduation song stories are real?

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.