How Roger Waters and David Gilmour’s Feud in Pink Floyd Started
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Pink Floyd, one of the most influential rock bands in history, continues to captivate generations of music lovers with their groundbreaking sound and profound lyrics. However, behind the scenes, two of its core members, David Gilmour and Roger Waters, have been embroiled in a bitter feud for decades.
The Origin of Conflict
The tensions between David Gilmour and Roger Waters first emerged during the production of Pink Floyd’s 1982 album, “The Final Cut.” Disagreements arose over the inclusion of recycled songs from “The Wall,” with Waters accusing Gilmour of not contributing enough to the band’s lyrical output. The conflict escalated to the point where Waters removed Gilmour’s name from the album credits, marking a significant blow to their collaboration.
A Fateful Dinner Meeting
In 1984, the members of Pink Floyd gathered for a dinner meeting to discuss the band’s future. Unfortunately, the meeting only deepened the divide between Gilmour and Waters. While Waters believed that Pink Floyd had disbanded, Gilmour and Nick Mason expressed hope in resolving their issues and continuing their musical journey together.
The Contract Controversy
The disagreement took a legal turn when Waters dissolved his management and attempted to sever his contract with EMI and Columbia Records, who represented Pink Floyd at the time. Gilmour perceived Waters’ actions as an attempt to sabotage the band’s legacy and responded by asserting his intention to carry on using the Pink Floyd name. This led to a back-and-forth battle, with Waters arguing that the band was already in breach of contract by not producing new albums. He also claimed that he was forced out of the group by other members threatening legal action. Seeking an official dissolution of the band and the end of the Pink Floyd name, Waters brought the case to England’s High Court.
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A Fragile Resolution
After protracted legal proceedings, Gilmour and Waters eventually reached an out-of-court settlement. The decision allowed the Pink Floyd name to persist, ensuring the band’s legendary status endured. However, the resolution did little to repair the shattered friendship between the two iconic musicians.
Momentary Reunions
Despite their ongoing feud, Gilmour and Waters reunited on three occasions, albeit with a lack of the previous spark that characterized their collaborations. In 2005, they performed together at Live 8, a renowned benefit concert in London to raise awareness about poverty. Another reunion took place in 2010, as they shared the stage at a charity event supporting the Hoping Foundation, which raises funds for Palestinian children. The final reunion occurred in 2011 during Waters’ performance of “The Wall” in London. Regrettably, their interactions only served as reminders of the irreparable divide between them.
The Latest Episode
The animosity between Gilmour and Waters recently resurfaced in response to an interview Waters gave to the German newspaper Berliner Zeitung. In the interview, Waters expressed controversial views about Israel, the war in Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin. He also expressed disappointment in Gilmour and Mason for recording a protest song under the Pink Floyd name with Ukrainian musician Andrij Chlywnjuk.
Polly Samson, Gilmour’s wife and a renowned Pink Floyd lyricist, took to Twitter to criticize Waters. She accused him of being “antisemitic to [his] rotten core” and labeled him a “Putin apologist” and a range of other derogatory terms. Gilmour, standing by his wife’s words, quoted her post and affirmed, “Every word demonstrably true.” At the time of writing, Waters had not responded to these remarks.
Sadly @rogerwaters you are antisemitic to your rotten core. Also a Putin apologist and a lying, thieving, hypocritical, tax-avoiding, lip-synching,misogynistic, sick-with-envy, megalomaniac. Enough of your nonsense.
— pollysamson (@PollySamson) February 6, 2023
The feud between David Gilmour and Roger Waters shows how even famous rock bands can face conflicts. Pink Floyd’s music still inspires many, but Gilmour and Waters’ strained relationship remains. Despite efforts to make up and legal fights over the band’s name, their personal and creative differences highlight the complexities in rock music.
