The Definitive Pink Floyd Saxophone Solo: Dick Parry's Masterpieces

When discussing the greatest saxophone solos in rock history, Pink Floyd's catalog invariably enters the conversation. The band's use of the saxophone, while not as frequent as their pioneering synthesizer work, created some of the most memorable moments in progressive rock. Determining which Pink Floyd song features the "best" saxophone solo ultimately leads to a discussion of two iconic tracks from The Dark Side of the Moon—"Money" and "Us and Them"—both performed by the same legendary session musician.

The Man Behind the Saxophone

The saxophonist responsible for Pink Floyd's most famous horn parts is Dick Parry, an English musician who passed away in May 2026 at the age of 83. Parry's connection to Pink Floyd predates the band's global fame; he met guitarist David Gilmour as a teenager in Cambridge, where both were active in the local music scene during the mid-1960s. Gilmour, who joined Pink Floyd in 1967, later brought Parry into the fold for the recording of The Dark Side of the Moon.

Beyond "Money" and "Us and Them," Parry's distinctive tenor saxophone tone graced other Pink Floyd classics including "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" from Wish You Were Here (1975) and "Wearing The Inside Out" from The Division Bell (1994). He also performed with the band on their tours in the 1970s and returned for the 1994 world tour, as well as the Live 8 reunion in 2005.

"Money": The Blues-Infused Breakthrough

The saxophone solo on "Money" stands as one of the most recognizable in classic rock. It arrives just before the two-minute mark, following the song's iconic cash register sound effects and 7/4 time signature guitar riff. The solo triggers a mesmerising shift in the song's feel, conducting what one writer described as "one of the greatest musical switches in history".

What makes Parry's performance on "Money" exceptional is its bluesy, soul-inflected character. Parry drew inspiration from artists like Booker T. and the Staples Singers, incorporating a jazz and soul sensibility that he and Gilmour felt could enhance Pink Floyd's sound without being overtly derivative. The solo "warbles and shakes and moves and grooves before it seems to explode," according to one critic. Its skillful blues intonations create a sound that feels both timeless and instantly familiar—a testament to Parry's mastery of his instrument.

"Us and Them": The Jazz-Influenced Counterpart

If "Money" represents the aggressive, bluesy side of Parry's playing, "Us and Them" showcases his more contemplative, lyrical approach. The song, the longest on The Dark Side of the Moon at 7 minutes and 51 seconds, features not one but two saxophone solos—one at the beginning and another toward the end.

The opening saxophone line immediately establishes the song's quiet, jazz-influenced atmosphere. The chord progression incorporates unusual elements rarely found in 1970s rock, including a D minor with a major seventh, giving the piece a sophisticated, modal character. Parry's breathy, expressive tone on the tenor saxophone creates an intimate, almost vulnerable quality that perfectly complements the song's themes of conflict, ethnocentrism, and human disconnection.

The Verdict

While both solos are masterpieces, the consensus among critics and musicians tends to favor "Money" as the definitive Pink Floyd saxophone moment. Its raw energy, perfect placement within the song's structure, and iconic blues phrasing have cemented it as one of classic rock's greatest instrumental breaks. However, the elegant, jazz-influenced solos on "Us and Them" demonstrate Parry's versatility and his ability to convey deep emotion through his instrument.

Ultimately, Dick Parry's contribution to Pink Floyd's sound cannot be overstated. As David Gilmour wrote in his tribute following Parry's death, "His feel and tone make his saxophone playing unmistakable, a signature of enormous beauty that is known to millions and is such a big part of songs such as 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond', 'Wish You Were Here', 'Us And Them' and 'Money'". Whether through the explosive energy of "Money" or the melancholic beauty of "Us and Them," Parry's saxophone remains an indelible part of Pink Floyd's legacy.

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