October 1st, 2009, sees the publication in France of new book "Pink Floyd Magiciens, alchimistes et milliardaires" [which translates as "Magicians, Alchemists and Billionaires"; click thumbnail to the left to see cover] by author Jean-Michel Oullion. Oullion is a respected music biographer, having written histories of Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen and Moby, and is a self-confessed big fan of Pink Floyd.

The book, written in French, is said to give a full retrospective of the Pink Floyd saga, detailed analysis of all the band's albums and solo excusions, and looks at many of the key personnel who have been instrumental in their story. It also covers some of the trivia relating to the band, such as the asteroid named after them, and the circumstance of the band being banned for life from London's Royal Albert Hall after letting off a cannon during "A Saucerful of Secrets".

More information on this title as we get it; in the meantime, it can be preordered from Amazon France and Amazon Canada. Our thanks to Ddondestan for the info.

Whilst at London's Abbey Road Studios yesterday recording the Bandaged charity album, Nick Mason was grabbed by BBC reporters to find out his views on not just the recording itself, but also the phenomenon of video games such as Rock Band, what the future might hold for Pink Floyd's extensive catalogue, and his views on Irish broadcasting legend Sir Terry Wogan, who announced his retirement from his long-running BBC Radio 2 breakfast show two hours earlier.

"Everyone knows he's incredibly important to broadcasting," Nick said. "It's even more exciting that he's been replaced by Chris Evans - which seems to have driven people into a frenzy of excitement and fury." In a video report on the BBC 10pm News last night, Nick suggested protesting listeners might storm the BBC with pitchforks!

Nick Mason was amongst the stars assembling today at London's legendary Abbey Road Studios to help record a charity version of a Beatles classic. Nick has been joined by a host of others, including former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, Peter Gabriel, and Bryan Ferry, to record their bit, and finalise the recording.

The "supergroup" came together to perform a version of All You Need Is Love, which will be used on the forthcoming Bandaged Together album that will be raising money for Children In Need. Read on for details of what Nick thinks about Abbey Road, how the project came about, how you can get your hands on a Children in Need bandana signed by Nick, and where you'll be able to buy the album...

For the second time, Richard Wright's hugely talented daughter Gala has been nominated for an Elle Decor Designer award for her inspired furniture. To vote for her, and to be in with a chance of winning a Rado True high-tech ceramic watch (worth around £1000), go to www.TheBritishDesignAwards.com and vote for "Viable London - Milton range for Habitat" in the design category; it is second from the bottom of the first page that comes up.