Bundle Drum Sheet & Drumless – Pink Floyd – Sheep

The song began life in 1974 under the working title “Raving and Drooling.” At that point, Pink Floyd were road-testing long, aggressive new pieces while touring Europe and the UK. Roger Waters had written lyrics inspired by George Orwell’s Animal Farm, but they were rough, confrontational, and more abstract than the final version. Musically, the band was already experimenting with tension and release: slow, ominous builds followed by explosive passages. Nick Mason’s drumming was crucial here, anchoring these early versions with a restrained but insistent pulse while the rest of the band stretched the form night after night.

By the time Pink Floyd entered Britannia Row Studios in 1976 to record Animals, “Raving and Drooling” had evolved into “Sheep.” The composition became tighter, darker, and more disciplined. Mason’s drums reflect this shift perfectly. Instead of flashy fills, he focused on groove, weight, and inevitability. The delayed, almost mechanical snare feel gives the song a marching quality, reinforcing the idea of conformity and control. His tom patterns and cymbal work subtly grow in intensity as the track progresses, mirroring the sheep’s slow awakening and eventual rebellion. For drum fans, it’s a masterclass in how minimalism and dynamics can be more powerful than speed or complexity.

“Sheep” was played live extensively before its official release, particularly between 1974 and 1977. Early performances took place in venues across Europe and at shows like Wembley Empire Pool, where the song could stretch well beyond its studio length. Once Animals was released in January 1977, “Sheep” became a centerpiece of the “In the Flesh” tour. These shows were theatrical and confrontational, with massive inflatables and overwhelming volume. Mason’s drumming had to cut through layers of synthesizers, bass, and effects, and he did so by staying rock-solid, turning repetition into menace.

After 1977, “Sheep” largely disappeared from Pink Floyd’s live setlists, making those performances even more legendary. Today, the song stands as a reminder that Nick Mason’s strength wasn’t flash—it was control, feel, and psychological impact. For anyone who listens closely to drums, “Sheep” is proof that the groove can tell the story just as powerfully as the lyrics.