"Rock Bottom" is the second solo album by former Soft Machine drummer Robert Wyatt, released on July 26, 1974, by Virgin Records. Produced by Pink Floyd's drummer Nick Mason, the album was recorded after a 1973 accident that left Wyatt a paraplegic. It features contributions from various musicians, including Ivor Cutler, Hugh Hopper, Richard Sinclair, Laurie Allan, Mike Oldfield, and Fred Frith, and is celebrated for its innovative sound and emotional depth.
After the disbandment of Matching Mole following the release of Little Red Record in 1972, Robert Wyatt began composing material for Rock Bottom. His creative process was profoundly impacted by an accident on June 1, 1973, during which he fell from a fourth-floor window at a party, resulting in paralysis from the waist down. Wyatt described this event as a turning point in his maturity, allowing him to continue working on his music in the hospital, where he felt free to dream and explore his creativity.
Despite the intense and deeply personal nature of the album's music and lyrics, Wyatt emphasized that much of the material had been conceived before the accident, particularly during a stay in Venice in early 1973. His partner at the time, Alfreda Benge, was working on a film there, providing Wyatt with inspiration. Within six months post-accident, he was back in the studio and even performed at benefit concerts supported by Pink Floyd and Soft Machine, showcasing his resilience and commitment to his art.
