In the realm of music bands, conflicts, whether minor or monumental, can serve as a turning point, potentially straining not only camaraderie but also jeopardizing the band’s continuity. An illustrative case is that of the renowned group, Pink Floyd. The enduring discord between Roger Waters and David Gilmour, both integral members, has persisted over time, leading to a transformation of their relationship into one of adversaries.
Instances of mutual criticism between the two musicians have been witnessed on various occasions. In an exclusive 2019 interview with Rolling Stone, Roger Waters divulged a significant development in their relationship. A pivotal meeting had taken place, aimed at resolving their differences – a meeting wherein Waters, the erstwhile bassist, conceived a comprehensive reconciliation strategy.
The conversation between the bandmates had occurred approximately two months preceding the interview. Waters disclosed the outcome of this encounter, conveying:
“Our dialogue took place in June. During this substantial rendezvous, I outlined an extensive framework for reconciliation. Regrettably, these efforts did not materialize into a meaningful resolution.”
Hopes for an optimistic resolution were shared by fans, but the eventual outcome did not align with these aspirations. Waters elaborated on this aspect:
“I believe countless devotees of Pink Floyd share in the disappointment. There existed a collective desire for a harmonious rekindling, envisaging a world brimming with comfort and positivity. Nevertheless, such a reality would not seamlessly integrate into my personal journey. A decision prompted by my departure from Pink Floyd back in 1985.”
Despite the divergence, Waters successfully persevered with his creative endeavors. He concluded with a reaffirmation of his commitment:
“Fortuitously, my creative pursuits continued unabated. The pursuit of artistic expression stands as its own gratification. A notable highlight emerged when the review of the movie underscored the interconnection between seminal works such as ‘Dark Side of the Moon,’ ‘Animals,’ [Waters’ solo album] ‘Amused to Death,’ and ‘Is This the Life We Really Want?’ This recognition was deeply rewarding. However, it is prudent not to delve further into this topic. I have perhaps divulged more than warranted.”
A significant legal altercation emerged in 1986, when Waters took legal action against Gilmour and drummer Nick Mason. The objective was to prevent the use of the Pink Floyd moniker, with Waters asserting that the band’s creative vitality had been depleted, coupled with his assertion of being coerced into leaving the band.
Ultimately, a resolution was reached, allowing the remaining members to continue under the Pink Floyd name, while reverting certain conceptual rights back to Waters. In hindsight, Waters expressed remorse over the legal dispute, conceding that his decision to litigate against the band was a source of regret.
15 comments
I think most fans are over and done with it, and DO NOT care if these two ever make up.
Agreed, I’m happy with things as they are. The post Waters Floyd is far better than where Roger was taking it, The Final Cut was a Waters solo album imo. Amused To Death is a very good album, I don’t care for anything else of his. On the other hand I love all of Gilmours’ work.
I wouldn’t mind seeing them bury the hatchet, but I’m certainly not going to hold my breath.
There is never going to be another Pink Floyd album or tour so show cares? Let Roger do his thing, David do his thing, Richard is gone and Nick enjoys his car collection. It’s done.
Saw that last Roger Waters show and it was a pretty rickety ride. He looked and sounded frail. Granted, he is old. Way too much emphasis on politics and lost the plot of previous shows that used to be so o spectacular. The Us And Them tour was amazing. It’s a little too late to rekindle any further Flyod magic. Thanks for everything everyone gave.
Gilmour sermos to have builded a Wall betwren him and Waters. In Live 8 It hás been visíble. But we até talking about tão human brings wiht their limitations, as anyone hás.
Lol.. yeah, as long as you’re going to be an insufferable egomaniac narcissist, you can use all the eloquent words in the English language and you’ll still be a c*nt. Fk you, Roger. no one likes you anyway.
David knows, unlike the frog 🐸 that is convinced to give the scorpion 🦂 a ride across the river, only to be pincered whilst swimming across, that a scorpion will always be a scorpion.
Roger Waters cannot but help being Roger Waters. 🤨😎
By now, they’re old and irrelevant. As much as I like Pink Floyd, I’d prefer to hear it as it was, not as it would be today. It’s time to retire, put up the remastering equipment, leave the body of work alone, move on, enjoy your twilight time, you’ve earned it.
With Richard Wright having passed away, it makes sense to retire Pink Floyd. They’re my favorite band and would love to hear what they could put together. But like Led Zeppelin without John Bonham and Rush without Neil Peart, it’s best to move on.
If they got back together I couldn’t afford a ticket. Which is true probably true for the majority of fans. Come inside boy, have a cigar….
You can’t have one side build an arrangement, and expect the other part to go along with it, in whole or in part. It makes RW seem more like a virtue-signaler.
They should have mutually agreed to co-draft an amicable agreement and timeline together, and then execute. But if DM wasn’t game, then who knows? We, as fans certainly don’t know anything about it.
Who cares about an Egotistical Bas Player …. His Version of DSOM is/was TOTAL CRAP.
this is ludicrous
Sudden bolts of lightning, very, very, frightening me.
oh Mama Mia … Mama Mia
sing it Rog !!!
Neither side has produced the same level of musicality since Roger Left. I do really like the post Waters Pink Floyd stuff but its not as good as the work they did together. I have not been impressed at all with Waters work post floyd.
Dark Side of the Moon is without a doubt the peak of their collaborative work. The success that DSOTM brought increased egos to the point that their ability to work together to produce incredible music gradually declined with Waters taking more and more control. The Final Cut while labeled as a Pink Floyd Album had virtually no contributions from Gilmour and Rick Wright has been fired from the band.
Momentary Lapse of Reason actually started out as a Gilmour Album but with contributions from Bob Ezrin, Rick Wright, and Nick Mason it became the return of Pink Floyd sans Waters. Division Bell was also a solid album that I like, but this album, along with MLOR it lacks the edge and the lyricism that Waters contributed. Some of the lyrics contributed by Gilmour’s Wife, Polly Samson are very good, particularly High Hopes, overall they don’t flow as well as Roger’s lyrics in past collaborative albums.