In the transformative era of the late 1960s, rock and roll evolved beyond mere party anthems. Iconic bands like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin led this revolution, pushing boundaries within the studio.
Roger Waters of Pink Floyd emerged as a distinct voice, prioritizing thoughtful concepts over mere amusement. After the exit of Syd Barrett, Waters stepped up, weaving profound messages into his songs—addressing themes like the allure of materialism in “Money” and the fleeting nature of life in “Time.”
Simultaneously, the innovative band Genesis, under Peter Gabriel’s guidance, melded rock, jazz, and classical music in standout albums like ‘Foxtrot’ and ‘Selling England by the Pound’. The band’s dynamics shifted when Gabriel left, making room for Phil Collins, who balanced leading Genesis with a thriving solo journey.
Waters and Collins, while both monumental in their contributions, approached music differently. Waters aimed for deep emotional resonance through his lyrics, whereas Collins found a niche in the commercial pop sphere.
Waters once voiced his perception of Collins, hinting at superficiality and even labeling him as a jester in the music scene. Collins, in contrast, might not have been an ardent Pink Floyd admirer but acknowledged their shared musical roots.
As Waters expressed to Musician Magazine, “I often find myself critiquing Phil Collins. It somehow reflects the state of much in the industry.”
He continued, “Perhaps he sees things differently, as might his fans. But to me, his portrayal as a songwriter feels like a facade. It lacks authenticity.”
Regardless of the friction, both maestros carved out spectacular paths—both solo and within their bands. Collins showcased his range with projects like the ‘Tarzan’ soundtrack for Disney, while Waters stayed true to his conceptual vision with Pink Floyd.
