Pink Floyd members Roger Waters and David Gilmour have always had a somewhat troubled relationship, despite their enormous success, selling millions of records, finishing world-beating tours, and establishing themselves as one of the largest bands the music business has ever known. It’s a relationship that only seems to become sourer with time.
The band’s successes have sometimes been overshadowed by the long-running conflict between David Gilmour and Roger Waters, two of its core members. In a recent interview with ABC Radio, drummer Nick Mason expressed his conflicting views on the subject and proposed that the conflict may have really been a gift in disguise for the venerable group.
Gilmour and Waters’ creative conflict has been well-documented over the years, and a number of events have further fueled their animosity. Mason asserted that, despite the hostility, Pink Floyd had really profited from the battle. He emphasized that many other bands go through similar problems, yet the tension may contribute to the development of famous music.
Even their most recent dispute on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine hasn’t diminished their artistic legacy. While Waters urged both parties to reach a peace agreement and Gilmour supported Ukraine by removing Pink Floyd music from all Russian streaming services, the latter also blasted the Ukrainian government for supporting extremist nationalists.
Mason recently acknowledged that he regretted not being able to mediate between Gilmour and Waters but still wishes he could have. Instead of being likened to Henry Kissinger as some have claimed, he made a lighthearted comparison to the Neville Chamberlain of rock and roll.
Regarding the conflict between David Gilmour and Roger Water, Nick Mason said:
“It’s odd, really, being famous for fighting. It’s sometimes quite hard work, but I think my usual sort of when it breaks out, maybe try and remember that actually, it’s people who don’t get on who quite often produce some of the best work. I mean, there are a number of other bands that managed to turn out incredible things, even if they’re punching each other out on stage.
The real thing is, as far as I am concerned, there’s not much I can do about it. If I can be a peacemaker, that would be great, but someone once suggested that I was a Henry Kissinger of rock n’ roll and that I’m the same. No, I’m not; I’m the Neville Chamberlain if anything.”
Pink Floyd has created some of the most inventive and iconic songs in rock history despite their turbulent relationship. Nick’s observations on the conflict between Gilmour and Waters offer a distinctive viewpoint on how creative disagreements may occasionally inspire musical brilliance. It is clear that the discord within the band has not diminished its influence but rather added to its long-lasting success as Pink Floyd’s legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.
