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David Gilmour Confirms “No Possible Way” He’ll Work With Roger Waters Again

David Gilmour Confirms “No Possible Way” He’ll Work With Roger Waters Again

Valeriy Bagrintsev Valeriy Bagrintsev
6 minute read

David Gilmour Confirms “No Possible Way” He’ll Work With Roger Waters Again

David Gilmour firmly rules out any future collaboration with Roger Waters, citing deep personal and political differences.

The Rift Between Pink Floyd Legends Widens

If you’re a fan of Pink Floyd — or just fascinated by the drama behind rock legends — you’ve probably kept tabs on the ongoing feud between David Gilmour and Roger Waters. These two iconic musicians, once the creative heartbeats of one of the most influential rock bands ever, have been at odds since Waters left the group back in 1985. Over the years, their disagreements have spilled into public view, growing more personal and politically charged with time.

Recently, Gilmour didn’t just hint at the divide — he slammed the door shut for good. In a candid 2024 interview with The Telegraph, when asked what it would take for him to work with Waters again, Gilmour gave a blunt, definitive answer: “Nothing. There is no possible way that I would do that.”

David Gilmour and Roger Waters during their Pink Floyd days

David Gilmour and Roger Waters during their Pink Floyd era — once collaborators, now divided.

Why the Cold Shoulder? Politics and Personal Values

Gilmour has never been shy about his stances. Just last year, he openly criticized Waters for supporting controversial political figures, saying he’d rather “steer clear of people who actively support genocidal and autocratic dictators like Putin and Maduro” than consider reuniting.

This latest interview expands on those feelings. Gilmour pointedly mentions his refusal to share a stage with someone who “thinks such treatment of women and the LGBT community is OK.” That’s a powerful statement reflecting how deep their ideological chasm has become.

In stark contrast, Gilmour expressed how much he’d cherish the chance to perform again with the late Pink Floyd keyboardist Rick Wright, describing him as “one of the gentlest and most musically gifted people I’ve ever known.” If you’ve followed the band’s history, you know Wright was beloved for his subtle genius and warm personality — a true musical soulmate in the Floyd story.

A Look Back: The Soundtrack of a Rift

It’s hard to talk about Gilmour and Waters without revisiting the legendary Pink Floyd tracks that defined generations. Here’s a classic reminder of their shared genius:

Watching this video transports you to a time when the band’s unity was palpable, even if the cracks were already beginning to show behind the scenes.

The Family Feud Goes Public

The tensions between Gilmour and Waters have also drawn in their families. Gilmour’s wife, Olly Samson, didn’t hold back in 2023, openly denouncing Waters’ politics with fierce language. She accused Waters of being “anti-Semitic to [his] rotten core” and slammed him as “a Putin apologist and a lying, thieving, hypocritical, tax-avoiding, lip-synching, misogynistic, sick-with-envy, megalomaniac.” Gilmour reposted her statement, affirming, “every word [is] demonstrably true.”

Waters fired back with a statement calling Samson’s remarks “incendiary and wildly inaccurate,” firmly denying all accusations and saying he was seeking legal advice about the claims. The verbal volley only deepened the divide, making any hope of reconciliation seem even more remote.

Too Old for This Drama?

Gilmour has also voiced how exhausting it is to keep talking about Waters. “Do you know what decade of my life I was in when Roger left our pop group? My thirties. I am now 78. Where’s the relevance?” he joked in a 2024 interview with Mojo. But he did hint in a Rolling Stone chat that there may still be stories from the past worth telling “one day.”

Fans can only hope that someday, some behind-the-scenes tales will emerge, shedding more light on one of rock’s most famous fallouts.

Here's a glimpse of their iconic collaboration from the past:

That Live 8 reunion was a rare and poignant moment when decades of tension were put aside, if only briefly.

Business Moves and New Releases

While their personal relationship remains chilly, Pink Floyd’s music continues to make waves. Last year, the band sold their back catalog for a staggering $400 million in a deal with Sony. Gilmour said the move was less about money and more about “getting out of the mud bath that it has been for quite a while,” hinting at struggles behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, Gilmour keeps busy with new projects. On October 17, 2024, he released the live concert film David Gilmour Live At The Circus Maximus, Rome on Blu-ray, capturing his masterful stage presence.

Fans can also look forward to the 50th anniversary deluxe edition of Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here, set to drop December 12. This box set promises unheard versions and a fresh look at an album that’s been a cornerstone of rock history.

Earlier in 2024, Pink Floyd achieved their seventh UK Number One album with the live record Pink Floyd At Pompeii – MCMLXXII, proving their timeless appeal remains unshaken.

Wrapping Up the Gilmour-Waters Saga

The story of David Gilmour and Roger Waters is one of brilliance, artistry, and bitter estrangement. For fans who grew up with the band’s soaring anthems and haunting melodies, it’s tough to witness such a deep fracture between these iconic musicians.

While Gilmour’s words leave little room for hope of a reunion, his dedication to music and honoring the legacy of his bandmates like Rick Wright shines through. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than the most dramatic of rock ballads.

FAQ

  • How long have David Gilmour and Roger Waters been estranged?
    Their public feud began after Waters left Pink Floyd in 1985, and tensions have simmered ever since.
  • What are the main reasons why Gilmour refuses to work with Waters again?
    Gilmour cites political differences, especially Waters’ support for controversial figures, and opposing views on social issues like women’s and LGBT rights.
  • Has there ever been a moment where Gilmour and Waters performed together after their split?
    Yes, notably at Live 8 in 2005, which was a rare and memorable reunion.
  • What is the significance of Pink Floyd’s back catalog sale?
    The $400 million deal with Sony was more about resolving ongoing disputes and moving past conflicts than just financial gain.
  • Are there any upcoming Pink Floyd releases to look forward to?
    Yes, including the 50th anniversary deluxe edition of Wish You Were Here coming December 12, 2024.

Feeling nostalgic for the timeless art of Pink Floyd? Check out our collection of iconic album cover posters to celebrate the legacy of these rock legends. Brighten your space with the spirit of rock history here.

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