Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour has stated that a reunion with former bandmate Roger Waters is not possible. Gilmour's comments confirm the long-standing rift between the two musicians. Their relationship has been strained for decades since Waters departed the iconic rock group in 1985.
Key Takeaways
- David Gilmour confirmed there is no chance of a Pink Floyd reunion with Roger Waters.
- The musicians have been in a public feud for decades, dating back to Waters' exit in 1985.
- Pink Floyd's music rights were sold in 2024 for over half a billion dollars.
- Gilmour cited the desire to avoid further arguments as a reason for the rights sale.
- Polly Samson, Gilmour's wife, has publicly criticized Waters' views.
No Path to Reconciliation for Gilmour and Waters
David Gilmour, known for his guitar work and vocals in Pink Floyd, recently spoke about the possibility of rejoining Roger Waters on stage. In an interview with The Telegraph, Gilmour was asked what circumstances would lead him to consider such a reunion. His answer was direct and unambiguous.
"Nothing. There is no possible way that I would do that."
This statement reinforces previous indications that the personal and professional differences between Gilmour and Waters are insurmountable. The two musicians have been embroiled in one of music's most public and enduring feuds.
Decades of Disagreement
The animosity between David Gilmour and Roger Waters began significantly after Waters left Pink Floyd in 1985. Waters was a primary songwriter and conceptual force behind many of the band's most celebrated albums, including The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. His departure led to legal disputes over the band's name.
Public Accusations and Responses
The tensions between the former bandmates have often spilled into public view. Gilmour has criticized Waters for his political stances. He previously claimed Waters "supported genocidal and autocratic dictators like Putin."
In 2023, Polly Samson, Gilmour's wife and a lyricist for Pink Floyd, also made strong accusations against Waters. She publicly stated that Waters was "antisemitic to his rotten core." These comments were made on social media.
Waters' Rebuttal
Roger Waters responded to Samson's accusations through his official accounts. He stated he was "aware of the incendiary and wildly inaccurate comments made about him on Twitter by Polly Samson, which he refutes entirely." This exchange highlighted the depth of the personal conflict.
The Reasoning Behind Public Statements
Polly Samson explained her reasons for speaking out against Roger Waters. In the new interview, she clarified that her intent was to distinguish her husband's views from Waters'.
She noted that being married to a Pink Floyd member sometimes led to uncomfortable situations. People would give her "quite strange looks." Samson wanted to make it clear that the controversial views were not held by her or by David Gilmour.
"If they knew you’re married to someone from Pink Floyd, half the time people were giving me quite strange looks and it was really uncomfortable and I just wanted to draw a line and make it clear that these were not views held by me or the person I was married to."
This desire to separate their public identities underscores the significant ideological and personal differences that exist.
Pink Floyd's Historic Music Rights Sale
In 2024, Pink Floyd completed one of the largest music deals in history. The band sold their music rights, along with their name-and-likeness rights, for more than half a billion dollars to Sony Music. This significant transaction included the iconic artwork associated with their albums.
- Key Albums Included: The deal covered classic albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and Animals.
- Artwork: The distinctive album art, largely created by British design company Hipgnosis, was part of the agreement.
Motivations for the Sale
Gilmour shed light on the band's motivation for selling their valuable catalog. He indicated that the decision was less about financial gain and more about alleviating ongoing disputes and management burdens.
He expressed a desire to be "rid of the decision making and the arguments that are involved with keeping it going." The sale represented an opportunity to move past the continuous disagreements surrounding the band's business affairs.
"Getting Out of the Mud Bath"
Gilmour described the process of managing the band's legacy as a "mud bath." He stated that the sale was primarily about "getting out of the mud bath that it has been for quite a while," rather than a "financial standpoint." This highlights the toll the internal conflicts have taken on the members.
The sale of the rights marks a new chapter for the legacy of Pink Floyd. While their music continues to be celebrated globally, the prospects of a reunion involving both Gilmour and Waters remain non-existent. The musicians have clearly moved in separate directions, both personally and professionally, with no signs of future collaboration.
The band's enduring popularity, despite internal strife, is evident in the value of their music catalog. The deal with Sony Music ensures the continued availability and promotion of their iconic works for future generations of listeners.