Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 16, 2024 6:50 pm GMT
David Gilmour, the iconic guitarist of Pink Floyd, has made it abundantly clear: he has no intention of reuniting with former bandmate Roger Waters. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Gilmour stated he would “absolutely not” share a stage with Waters, highlighting major differences in their political views.
Political Divide Between Bandmates
Gilmour’s strong stance stems from Waters’ support for controversial political figures and statements concerning serious global issues. According to Gilmour, he prefers to avoid associations with individuals who, in his opinion, support “genocidal and autocratic dictators” such as Vladimir Putin of Russia and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela.
He expressed his thoughts saying, “I tend to steer clear of people who actively support genocidal and autocratic dictators.”
Additionally, Gilmour condemned Waters’ comments on sensitive topics, including the treatment of women and the LGBTQ+ community. He elaborated, “Nothing would make me share a stage with someone who thinks such treatment of women and the LGBT community is OK.”
Waters’ Controversial Remarks
Roger Waters has drawn criticism for his statements regarding:
- Israel, which he has controversially compared to Nazi Germany
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, for which he claimed was “not unprovoked”
The situation escalated when Gilmour’s wife, Polly Samson, denounced Waters on social media, accusing him of being “anti-Semitic to your rotten core.” Gilmour supported his wife’s claim by asserting that “Every word [is] demonstrably true.”
In response, Waters labeled these comments as “incendiary and wildly inaccurate,” but the damage seems to have impacted his professional relationships.
BMG’s Departure and Other Fallout
In light of Waters’ statements, several music industry partners have distanced themselves from him. For instance, BMG, a music publishing company, ended its partnership with Waters. This move happened when Thomas Coesfeld, the new CEO, decided to cancel a project involving a remake of Pink Floyd’s classic album, “Dark Side of the Moon.”
Ultimately, the album was released through Cooking Vinyl, a UK-based label, rather than BMG.
Impact on Pink Floyd’s Legacy
The friction between Gilmour and Waters has also affected Pink Floyd’s financial dealings. According to reports, Waters’ comments were a factor in delaying a multi-million dollar deal with Sony Music, which had acquired the rights to the band’s name and legacy for approximately $400 million.
Amid this tension, Pink Floyd’s drummer, Nick Mason, suggested the idea of using artificial intelligence to reconcile and create new music, indicating a desire among some members of the band to navigate these turbulent waters.
Gilmour’s Reflections on Their Time Together
Despite the ongoing discord, Gilmour fondly remembers his late bandmate, Rick Wright. He expressed his wish to perform with Wright again, calling him “one of the gentlest and most musically gifted people” he ever knew, highlighting a more positive aspect of the band’s history.
Gilmour’s enthusiastic recollection of Wright adds another layer to the complex narrative of Pink Floyd, illustrating how personal connections and professional disagreements can shape legacy.
The Future of Pink Floyd
The estrangement between Gilmour and Waters suggests that the band’s legendary status may stay intact, kept alive by the music they once created together rather than any future collaborations. With sentiments voiced by Gilmour and varied reactions from Waters, it seems unlikely that fans will see a reconciliation.
In a world where political opinions often influence artistic collaborations, it appears that Pink Floyd’s legacy remains firmly aligned with Gilmour’s convictions.
While some fans may mourn the idea of a reunion, others understand the implications of such significant political differences in the music industry. It is a clear reminder that music is not only an art form but also a vehicle for important messages and beliefs.
David Gilmour and Roger Waters have a long history of making music together, but they are very different people. Because of these differences, it seems unlikely that they will reunite anytime soon. Their story teaches us important lessons about how personal beliefs can affect working relationships.
