The Challenges of Leading Pink Floyd
Throughout Pink Floyd’s illustrious career, lead guitarist David Gilmour never felt entirely comfortable filling the role of de facto leader of the band. This was largely due to the fact that the band’s former leader and key songwriter, Roger Waters, departed suddenly in 1985. Gilmour’s admission came during a recent interview with The Sun, in which he revealed that he felt more of a collaborative approach was better suited to him.
The Formation of the Gilmour Era
With the exit of Waters, Pink Floyd decided to move forward without their principal songwriter, an unusual decision given the immense popularity and success of their classic era with Waters. Wright had previously left the band in 1981, and Waters’ departure brought about the end of the classic Pink Floyd line-up. Despite the void left behind, the remaining members – Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Wright (who eventually returned to the fold) – came together to forge a new era of the band.
A More Collaborative Approach
Gilmour faced an unfamiliar position, becoming the band’s de facto leader without the guidance and songwriting prowess of Waters. The new leader approached the role with humility, believing a more collaborative approach would better suit him and the band. The 1987 release of A Momentary Lapse of Reason showcased the band’s resilience, marking a successful return for Pink Floyd, and further solidifying their ability to thrive even without the involvement of their beloved bassist.
Conclusion
Pink Floyd’s ability to continue flourishing, even without Roger Waters and the original line-up, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and artistic potential of the band. The partnership between David Gilmour and Nick Mason saw the band’s musical quality maintained, with Richard Wright returning for key contributions. While this departure from the classic era resulted in some creative experimentation, it still led to the release of significant hits like The Division Bell, showcasing the band’s ongoing viability even outside of the iconic era featuring Roger Waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did David Gilmour join Pink Floyd?
A: David Gilmour initially joined Pink Floyd in 1967 to fill the role left by departing co-founder Syd Barrett.
Q: Why did Roger Waters leave Pink Floyd?
A: Roger Waters’s decision to leave Pink Floyd stemmed from creative and personal disagreements among band members, culminating in an unceremonious quit in 1985.
Q: Were Richard Wright’s returns a critical part of Pink Floyd’s resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s?
A: Yes, Wright’s returns played a vital role in providing balance and depth to Pink Floyd’s live performances and studio albums, specifically for A Momentary Lapse of Reason and The Division Bell.
Q: What’s David Gilmour’s upcoming tour in support of his new album Luck and Strange?
A: The European leg of the tour is already set to take place, followed by US dates, which will bring him to Los Angeles (4 shows) and New York (5 shows at Madison Square Garden from November 4-10).
