Roger Waters

Roger Waters: biography

Roger Waters is a British musician, singer-songwriter, and composer. Waters is best known as the co-founder and bassist of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd. He played a significant role in shaping the band's sound and lyrical themes throughout its existence.

Childhood and youth

Roger Waters was born on September 6, 1943, in Great Bookham, Surrey, England. He grew up in a middle-class family, with his father, Eric Fletcher Waters, serving as a schoolteacher and his mother, Mary Duncan Waters, working as a housewife. Waters had one brother named John.

During his childhood, Waters displayed an early interest in music and learned to play the piano at a young age. Tragically, his father, who had served in the British Army during World War II, was killed in action in Italy when Waters was just a few months old. The loss of his father had a profound impact on Waters and influenced many of the themes of loss, war, and absence that would later appear in his music.

Growing up in post-war Britain, Waters witnessed the social and political changes taking place around him. These experiences, along with his own personal struggles, shaped his perspective and fueled his desire to challenge authority and advocate for justice through his music.

Waters attended the Cambridgeshire High School for Boys, where he met and formed a friendship with future Pink Floyd bandmate, Syd Barrett. This friendship would later play a crucial role in the formation of Pink Floyd.

During his youth, Waters explored various musical genres and developed a passion for rock and roll. Inspired by artists like Elvis Presley and Little Richard, he began playing the bass guitar and started performing in local bands.

Waters' childhood and youth experiences, combined with his musical pursuits, laid the foundation for his future success as a musician and his contributions to the world of rock music.

Music career

Roger Waters' music career is primarily associated with his role as the bassist, lyricist, and co-founder of the influential rock band Pink Floyd. Waters joined Pink Floyd in 1965 and played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound and lyrical direction.

In the early years of Pink Floyd, Waters collaborated closely with guitarist Syd Barrett, helping to craft the band's psychedelic and experimental sound. However, as Barrett's mental health deteriorated, Waters assumed a greater leadership role within the band and became the primary songwriter.

Waters' introspective and thought-provoking lyrics became a hallmark of Pink Floyd's music. His themes often explored human alienation, political and social issues, and the struggles of modern life. Albums such as "The Dark Side of the Moon" (1973), "Wish You Were Here" (1975), and "Animals" (1977) showcased Waters' lyrical depth and conceptual storytelling.

One of Waters' most significant contributions to Pink Floyd's discography was the album "The Wall" (1979), which he conceptualized and co-wrote. It delved into themes of isolation, war, and personal alienation, drawing on Waters' own experiences and emotions. The album spawned iconic tracks like "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" and "Comfortably Numb" and remains one of Pink Floyd's most acclaimed and commercially successful works.

However, creative differences and personal conflicts within the band led to Waters' departure from Pink Floyd in 1985. He subsequently pursued a solo career, releasing albums that showcased his distinctive songwriting and continued exploration of political and social themes. His solo albums, including "The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking" (1984) and "Amused to Death" (1992), received critical acclaim.

While Waters has reunited with his former Pink Floyd bandmates for special occasions, including the Live 8 concert in 2005, a full reunion has not materialized. Nonetheless, his impact on Pink Floyd's catalog and his solo endeavors have solidified his status as a revered musician and influential figure in the realm of progressive rock.

In January 2020, Roger Waters made an announcement regarding his upcoming arena tour titled "This Is Not a Drill." Originally scheduled to take place in North America and conclude a month before the 2020 presidential election, the tour faced rescheduling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, the concerts were held from July to October 2022, with additional dates added in Europe from March to June 2023.

During the pandemic, Waters revealed that he had embarked on writing a memoir, providing fans and readers with insights into his life and career. This project allowed him to reflect on his experiences and share personal stories.

In December 2022, Waters treated his fans to a new EP titled "The Lockdown Sessions." The EP comprised six fresh versions of songs from both his solo career and his time with Pink Floyd. This release served as a musical offering that showcased his creativity and provided a fresh perspective on familiar tracks.

In early 2023, Roger Waters gave an interview where he declined to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a stance that drew criticism. He also expressed his disapproval of Pink Floyd's 2022 track "Hey, Hey, Rise Up!", which was released in support of Ukraine. The differing viewpoints sparked controversy and further exchanges between Waters and other individuals associated with Pink Floyd.

Polly Samson, the wife of David Gilmour and a lyricist for Pink Floyd, took to Twitter to accuse Waters of being antisemitic and described him using strong language, labeling him as various negative attributes. Gilmour himself responded to Samson's tweet on Twitter, stating that every word she said was demonstrably true.

In response to the heated exchange, Waters released a statement on Twitter acknowledging the "incendiary and wildly inaccurate" comments made by Samson. He mentioned that he was seeking advice regarding his position on the matter.

The incident highlighted the deep divide and tensions within the Pink Floyd camp, with differing opinions regarding political issues and personal conflicts coming to the forefront. Waters' statements and the subsequent reactions from Samson and Gilmour stirred considerable public attention and discussion.

Throughout his career, Waters has remained politically engaged and outspoken. He has used his music as a platform to express his views on war, capitalism, and social justice. Waters' concert performances are known for their elaborate theatrical elements, incorporating visual spectacles and thought-provoking imagery.

Personal life

In 1969, Roger Waters married his childhood sweetheart Judith Trim, who was a school teacher and potter. Trim was featured on the gatefold sleeve of the original release of Pink Floyd's album "Ummagumma," although her presence was later removed from CD reissues. They did not have any children and divorced in 1975. Sadly, Trim passed away in 2001.

In 1976, Waters entered into a marriage with Lady Carolyne Christie, who was the niece of the 3rd Marquess of Zetland. Together, they had a son named Harry Waters, who has pursued a career as a musician and played keyboards with his father's touring band since 2002. They also had a daughter named India Waters, who has worked as a model. However, Christie and Waters divorced in 1992.

Following his divorce from Christie, Waters married Priscilla Phillips in 1993. They had a son named Jack Fletcher. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in 2001.

In 2004, Waters became engaged to actress and filmmaker Laurie Durning. They tied the knot on January 14, 2012. However, they filed for divorce in September 2015.

Waters later married Kamilah Chavis, his former chauffeur, in October 2021, marking his fifth marriage.

Waters' personal life has seen a series of marriages and relationships, each with its own chapter and experiences. Despite the ups and downs, he continues to pursue his music career and remain a prominent figure in the world of rock music.

Discography

Here is a revised list of Roger Waters' main solo albums, other notable works, and tours:

Main Solo Albums:

• "The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking" (1984)
• "Radio K.A.O.S." (1987)
• "Amused to Death" (1992)
• "Is This the Life We Really Want?" (2017)

Other Notable Works:

• "Music from The Body" [with Ron Geesin] (1970)
• "Ça Ira" (2005)
• "Pros and Cons (The interviews)" (2015)
• Igor Stravinsky's "The Soldier's Tale" (2018)
• "The Lockdown Sessions" (2022)

Tours:

• "The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking" Tour (1984–1985)
• "K.A.O.S. On the Road" Tour (1987)
• "In the Flesh" Tour (1999–2002)
• "The Dark Side of the Moon Live" Tour (2006–2008)
• "The Wall Live" Tour (2010–2013)
• "Us + Them Tour" (2017–2018)
• "This Is Not a Drill" Tour (2022–2023)