David Gilmour Reflects on Fractured Relationship with Roger Waters
In a recent interview with Mojo, Pink Floyd co-founder and legendary guitarist David Gilmour opened up about his fractured relationship with former bandmate Roger Waters. Despite the tension between them, Gilmour expressed no regrets about his recent tweet condemning Waters’ alleged antisemitism.
Background and Conflict
The tensions between Gilmour and Waters began to escalate when Waters criticized Pink Floyd’s song "Hey Hey Rise Up," which was released as a protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Waters referred to the song as "content-less" and "flag-waving."
Things took a turn when Gilmour’s wife, Polly Samson, posted a scathing critique of Waters on Twitter, accusing him of being a "Putin apologist and a lying, thieving, hypocritical, tax-avoiding, lip-synching, misogynistic, sick-with-envy megalomaniac." Gilmour reinforced his wife’s claims by adding, "Every word demonstrably true."
Waters responded to the criticisms by stating that the matters were "private" and declined to comment further.
Gilmour’s Perspective
In his interview with Mojo, Gilmour spoke about his thoughts on the ongoing feud with Waters, saying that he found it "wearisome." When asked about Waters’ remake of Pink Floyd’s classic album The Dark Side of the Moon, Gilmour revealed that he didn’t listen to it and expressed his disdain for the ongoing drama between the two.
"Do you know what decade of my life I was in when Roger left our pop group?" Gilmour asked. "My 30s. I am now 78. Where’s the relevance?"
Upcoming Projects and Tour Dates
Despite the tensions with Waters, Gilmour is keeping busy with his upcoming live shows in the US, starting on October 29, and a European tour beginning on September 27. He has stated that he may not perform songs from Pink Floyd’s 1970s albums, citing his discomfort with some of the lyrics and themes.
"There are songs from the past that I no longer feel comfortable singing," Gilmour said. "I love the music for The Wall, but all that, "You’d better run, run, run,’ I now find that all rather, I don’t know… a bit terrifying and violent."
Gilmour also revealed that he plans to focus on performing his own music, which he feels a stronger connection to. "Comfortably Numb," "Wish You Were Here," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond," and maybe some other songs will make it onto the setlist," he said.
Conclusion
The ongoing feud between David Gilmour and Roger Waters is a sad reminder of the sometimes-rocky relationships that can arise in the music world. Despite the tension between them, Gilmour’s comments suggest that he has moved on and is focusing on his own projects. As fans, it’s disheartening to see two legends of the industry at odds, but Gilmour’s decision to prioritize his own music and well-being is admirable.
FAQs
- What was the controversy between David Gilmour and Roger Waters?
- Gilmour and Waters clashed over Gilmour’s tweet condemning Waters’ alleged antisemitism and Polly Samson’s critique of Waters on Twitter.
- Will David Gilmour perform Pink Floyd’s 1970s songs in his upcoming tour?
- Gilmour has expressed his discomfort with some of the lyrics and themes from that era and may not perform those songs.
- What are David Gilmour’s upcoming tour dates?
- Gilmour is scheduled to perform in the US starting on October 29 and in Europe beginning on September 27.
