David Gilmour, Pink Floyd, Roger Waters: A Timeline of Tensions

The Early Years

David Gilmour joined Pink Floyd in 1967, replacing Syd Barrett. He quickly became a key member of the band, contributing to their groundbreaking albums The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here.

Roger Waters was also a key member of Pink Floyd, writing many of their most famous songs. However, tensions between Gilmour and Waters began to emerge in the late 1970s.

The Wall Era

The release of Pink Floyd's album The Wall in 1979 was a major turning point in the band's history. The album was a commercial success, but it was also met with criticism for its dark and pessimistic tone.

Waters was the driving force behind The Wall, and he clashed with Gilmour over the album's direction. Gilmour felt that the album was too personal and self-indulgent, while Waters felt that Gilmour was not committed to the project.

The Final Years

The tensions between Gilmour and Waters continued to grow in the early 1980s. Waters increasingly dominated the band's creative process, and Gilmour felt sidelined.

In 1985, Waters left Pink Floyd. Gilmour and the remaining members of the band continued to record and tour, but they never achieved the same level of success that they had with Waters.

The Reunion

In 2005, Gilmour, Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright reunited for a one-off performance at the Live 8 concert. The performance was a huge success, and it led to speculation about a possible Pink Floyd reunion tour.

However, a full reunion never materialized. Waters has since said that he has no interest in working with Gilmour again.

The Legacy

The tensions between David Gilmour and Roger Waters have had a lasting impact on Pink Floyd's legacy. The band's music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world, but the story of their internal conflicts is a reminder of the challenges that can arise when creative people work together.