| Born George Roger Waters on the 6th September 1943 in Great Bookham, Surrey, Great Britain.Roger's early life was stuck a cruel blow when his Father, Eric was killed during the second World War.In his early twenties, while still attending Regent Street Poly in London, Roger formed a band with fellow students, Richard Wright, Nick Mason and Clive Metcalf.The band called itself Sigma 6 and despite being very musically challenged, had their manager Ken Chapman scour clubs in London for bookings.Alas the hype failed to launch the Abdabs and Roger started to think seriously about passing the exams ahead of him.It was probably moving into the lower level of Mike Leonard's Highgate flat, that changed the course of Roger's career.Mike Leonard was not only the landlord but very interested in what was going on in youth culture.Both Bob and Syd proved good enough to relegate Rick and Roger to keyboards and Bass guitar respectively.When the group appeared at the Countdown Club in 1965, they were billed as The Pink Floyd Sound.The group mainly got bookings within the M1 corridor of London, regularly travelling up and down from London to Cambridge.As the Summer of Love approached Pink Floyd having dropped the word Sound became regulars at Free School happenings all over West London.Pink Floyd's first album released by EMI would feature one track penned by Roger Waters, Take Up Thy Stethoscope And Walk.After a doomed trip to the USA things came to a head and by Christmas of 1967 plans had been made to bring in a fifth Floyd member David Gilmour.It was felt he could cover for Syd, if he needed a break mid tour.By the time the second album was released it became clear Dave had in fact all but replaced Syd.Roger Waters would later confess he used a book of Chinese poetry to aide his song, Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun.So the 6ft 2, bass player Roger Waters, was now steering the groups future.It was clear he could not imitate Syd Barrett's style and didn't want to.Over the years from 1968 to 1971, the group had built up a healthy following on the live circuit and could devote more and more time to exploring ideas in the studio.The live concerts had also become more and more ground breaking.Meddle would earn brilliant reviews and build on their previous success, Atom Heart Mother in America.Despite sales being healthy, Pink Floyd were still seen as an art group by many and it was feared they would never crack the mainstream in both the USA and Europe.But Roger had good reason behind the madness, he felt playing the album live would fine tune the future album and improve the band's playing and understanding of the songs.On the 3rd of March 1973 the gatefold album, complete with simple black cover and prism, began flying off the shelves.And really since that day they have not stopped selling, the album sounded like nothing else.Roger, would later comment, " that's it we had achieved the dream."But the record buying public and EMI were desperate for another Dark Side.The album that did follow two years later was at first critically dismissed, but Wish You Were Here had a dimension to it that seemed to demand close attention.It would have been oh so easy to recreate Dark Side of the Moon, but Roger forever the perfectionist was pushing the band far beyond their contempararies.Basically the four band members ceased being close friends, Nick still had time for weekends at Roger's house and to a lesser point David would socialise with Rick.The days of the band being a band of like minded friends were over.Roger set about reworking 2 songs that had been played live on the 1975, Wish you Were Here tour.These two songs became Dogs and Pigs, and conceptually fitted into the Floyd's next project, Animals.The Orwellian concept depicted all humans as either Pigs, Dogs or Sheep.The tour, as Roger described, "turned into a nightmare."Fireworks and fist fights would often accompany drowned out Floyd classics.By July, Roger's anxiety could easily be sensed he no longer sang from the heart but greeted every show as an enemy that needed defeating.The four MSG gigs, in New York, would see Roger regularly clash with so called fans.Here, Roger ran the gauntlet with over eager drunk individuals who found humour in launching glass bottles onto the stage.As the other members of Pink Floyd sailed into the 1978 sunset.Roger wrestled with an idea that had been born from his alienation with the last tour.That way he could do what he wanted and they the same.The Wall, would be Roger's masterpiece eclipsing even Darkside of the Moon.When released in 1980 it was a double album (transcribed Innerview with Jim Ladd 1980), Gerald Scarfe a satirical cartoonist who had done some animation for the Floyd back in 1974 was back.Out went live footage form The Wall concerts, in came well photographed cinematic paragraphs.He had now given up on waiting for Dave or Nick to offer ideas, Rick had left the group after the Wall tour; so Roger went headlong into the album.The finished album would define and divide Pink Floyd fans.Some found it too wordy while others marvelled at it's lyrical content.Certainly the lyrics proved that Roger was growing stronger on each album.Roger was obviously pouring out his heart on what must have been a personal album, given he lost his Father in a war.The album was dedicated to his Father, Eric Fletcher Waters.Some saw this as too personal but the truth was Pink Floyd were far from a group anymore, had Roger not penned, The Final Cut the wait for a proper Pink Floyd album would have been long and patient.The Final Cut is now seen as a solo album that Roger just happened to use Dave and Nick on, perhaps that is the way Roger would prefer it.The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking, was in its demo form played to the other members of Pink Floyd way back in 1978.Roger gave two choices to the band, 'The Wall or Pro's, the one they didn't choose, Roger explained, he would pursue as a solo record.The finished album's credit list read like a who's who of the music industry.The record was not received well on release, ironically the people who wrote bad press about the album back in 1983 now admit their judgment was shortsighted.The album did not reach the Pink Floyd buying market, as Roger's name was not well known.This had many benefits, but when the time came, and Roger needed to sell a product with his name it proved very difficult.Eric Clapton appeared on the album and toured as part of Roger's band for the first 1984 tour.The rumour now persisted Pink Floyd were finished.Finally in 1985 Roger sought about dissolving the group.David Gilmour felt that Pink Floyd could go on without Roger Waters.Roger walked away, subsequent Pink Floyd albums are very weak, when compared to the Roger era.The vinyl release would see side 2 dedicated to Roger and the Bleeding Hearts Band, side 1 was a mixture of artists.Prior to release a teaser single was released Radio Waves, but this failed to gain regular radio play.Although a later release of 'The Tide is Turning, from the same album, did get onto the Radio 1 play list.Roger later confessed he was competing against himself and losing!Anyone who did attend the Radio Kaos shows came away very impressed with the almost theatrical production of the whole thing.The Radio Kaos tracks sounding much better live than on the album and the tour included several tracks that did not make the album, Molly's Song and Going to Live in L.Germany came to a stand still that day as everyone whether a fan of Roger's or not celebrated the concert.The performance also yielded a live video and live album, rightly so people now knew who Roger Waters was.In 1991 Roger was invited to Seville's Guitar Expo, which saw him do several tracks, one a new song.Roger also made mention of a forth coming album.Amused to Death continues to get more fans year on year.But alas at the time of it's release it failed to sell the numbers required for Roger to embark on a full theatrical show.Then in late 1998 rumours on the internet, of an American tour involving Roger Waters spread like wild fire.No longer was the name Roger Waters, a mystery everyone knew who he was and what he stood for.The 1999 'In the Flesh Tour, saw Roger almost tip toe his way back onto the touring circuit.Another tour of the USA quickly followed in 2000, bigger venues replaced smaller ones as ticket demand went through the roof.The regular inclusion of a new track, Each Small Candle, offered faith of a new studio album.Roger did release a live album and DVD of the show, but no studio album.Low and Katie Kissoon (key members of Roger's band) having commitments with Eric Clapton, Roger put a pause to touring for a year.When the tour itinerary for the 2002 'In the Flesh tour was released, even the most die hard of Roger fans were amazed at the expanse of the dates.It would be a 'World Tour spanning 5 months.It was apparent Roger's confidence was in overdrive.Guest performances at the Jeff Beck concerts, Timothy White's tribute concerts 'Music to My Ears and Whip Craic have only strengthened the belief that Roger is very content with what he is doing.Roger seems to be in a very strong position, to make it his most successful (upon release), album so far.Early 2005 should see see the release of Roger's opera 'Ca Ira, the long anticipated classical opera will be available as a 2 cd set and in both French and English and released on Sony Classical.Live performances of Ca Ira, although not featuring Roger may also happen at some time in 2005."Are you sure you want to delete this comment?"Despite my age, i can comfortably say that i wouldn't be doing music right now if it wasn't for all the inspiration you gave to me.You free me from alot of demons, especially when I put on the original Pink Floyd vinyl records.Obscured by Clouds is certainly one of my favorites to listen to on vinyl.If so, come visit us and tell us what you think.Hi Roger, we're wait your return in Italy!Thanks for the friendship.We applause you as a living legend of modern and rock music, for all the new sounds, the orchestrations and ways of playing, the film music (the wall),and also for all the happiness you brought us!!!Thank you for adding us...If you love the BeatlesYou will enjoy my songSHE'S SO SHYGive it a click!Hi Roger*GASP* Is it true that you are going to tour again this year of 2008?Please come back to Southern California, I missed out on you due to problems.We are calling for you again!!Thank you mister Roger!!!!Hey RogerGreetings from New Zealand, all the best for 2008, have a great year!Thank you so much for your GREAT ART and SUPPORT!It is a pleasure to be your friend!Lux, Lighttronics, CITC, Proel, Global Truss, Antari.Hey Roger Happy New Year..Along with any words of reflection imatge or other you would like me to add.Heck that would be the only fair thing to do anyway.Well I am here to slap youin your faceif that ishow you voteWITH YOUR FEELINGS!!!Wishing you a happy new year!This is the best Limo Company in So Cal.Finon to be your chauffeur, super great service and he can get you in almost anywhere and get you anything you want at a drop of a hat!Thank you for all the great music."Urgent Security Alert","Warning: You are submitting information to an outside site.This could be an attempt to steal your username and password.Id + " Text: " + targetLink.REG is a proud member of Roger Waters and The Pink Floyd Web Rings!Roger Waters Web Ring site is owned by Michael Simone.This
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Who's Next?DelegateListener('yuimenuitem', 'hd', 'click', YAHOO.Rating affects your music played in LAUNCHcast and Music Videos.Roger Waters was a primary creative force in Pink Floyd from 1965 to 1983.He first met Syd Barrett, who would become the band's lead singer and guitarist, during his school days when both attended a Saturday art class.Roger Waters in Stavanger, Norway, 2006.George Roger Waters (born 6 September 1943) is an English rock musician; singer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter, and composer.Syd Barrett), bass player and one of their lead vocalists (along with David Gilmour and, to a lesser extent, Rick Wright).He was also the lyrical mastermind behind many of the band's concept albums, especially The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Wall, and The Final Cut, as well as being the originator of much of the band's well known symbolism, such as the Pink Floyd pigs.Ira, and joined Pink Floyd at the Live 8 concert in London, on 2 July 2005, for their first public performance with Waters in 24 years.Early years
Born George Roger Waters in Great Bookham, Surrey near Leatherhead, Waters grew up in Cambridge.Waters would refer or allude to the loss of his father throughout his work, especially on The Final Cut album from 1983 (which is dedicated to his father) and the song named "When the Tigers Broke Free", first used in the movie version of The Wall.However, he has said that the mother character from the latter album was nothing like his own.This theme is clearly expressed in "When the Tigers Broke Free" as Waters expresses what he felt was a hollow and patronizing response to his father's sacrifice at Anzio:
"And kind old King George sent Mother a note when he heard that Father was gone.It was, as I recall, in a form of a scroll, with gold leaf and all.And I found it one day in a drawer of old photographs, hidden away.And my eyes still grow damp to remember, His Majesty signed with his own rubber stamp."Another reference to the loss of his father appears in "Amused to death", with the lines "I wish when I was young, my old man hadn't been gone".He met Nick Mason and Richard Wright while attending the Regent Street Polytechnic school of architecture.He was a keen sportsman and was fond of swimming in the River Cam at Grantchester Meadows.At 15 he was chair of YCND in Cambridge.Pink Floyd) along with Syd Barrett, Richard Wright and Nick Mason.The album was a critical success and positioned the band for stardom.Barrett's deteriorating mental health led to increasingly erratic behaviour, rendering him unable to continue in his capacity as Pink Floyd's lead singer and guitarist.Even the band's former managers felt that Pink Floyd would not be able to sustain its initial success without the talented Barrett.Filling the void left by Barrett's departure, Waters began to chart Pink Floyd's new artistic direction.Pink Floyd's title suite from Atom Heart Mother) on a soundtrack album, Music from "The Body", which consisted mostly of instrumentals interspersed with songs composed by Waters.After this, Waters became the primary songwriter, composing Animals and The Wall largely by himself (though continuing to collaborate with Gilmour on a few tracks).Some of the band's most popular and beloved songs, including "Echoes", "Time", "Us and Them", "Wish You Were Here" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond", feature the strong synergy of Waters' sharp lyrical instincts combined with the melodic talent of Gilmour, the soft, precise drumming of Nick Mason, and atmospheric patterns of keyboardist Richard Wright ("Us and Them", for instance, began as a sweetly melodic Wright keyboard instrumental and gained poignancy when Waters added plaintive antiwar lyrics).Wright stayed with the band as a paid session musician while Waters led the band through a complete performance of his opus on every night of the brief tour that followed (for which Gilmour acted as musical director).Mason collaboration, The Final Cut, was released.The sleeve notes describe it as being a piece "by Roger Waters" that was "performed by Pink Floyd" (rather than an actual Pink Floyd record).So, to many the album came across more like a Roger Waters solo album than Pink Floyd (similar to A Momentary Lapse of Reason and The Division Bell being tagged as Gilmour solo albums).Gilmour unsuccessfully tried to delay production on the album until he could author more material; Waters refused, and in 1985, he proclaimed that the band had dissolved due to irreconcilable differences.The ensuing battle between Waters and Gilmour over the latter's intention to continue to use the name Pink Floyd descended into threatened lawsuits and public bickering in the press.Another of Waters' arguments was that he had written almost all of the band's lyrics and a great part of the music after Barrett's departure.Animals, and The Final Cut, as well as claiming ownership of the famous Pink Floyd pigs.Rolling Stone noted that Waters' solo effort Radio K.The Dark Side of the Moon.Early solo years
After his departure from Pink Floyd, Waters embarked on a solo career producing three concept albums and a movie soundtrack which did not garner impressive sales.Conceived around the same time as The Wall, the concept was shown to the Pink Floyd members, but they preferred The Wall over The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking.The album had been demoed by Waters at the same time as The Wall, but the band had voted it too personal.The album received mixed reviews, with Kurt Loder describing Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking in Rolling Stone as a "strangely static, faintly hideous record," adding that "Waters sounds like the kind of guy who'd bring Hershey bars and nylons along on a first date."Loder gave the album one star out of five, though user ratings have averaged four out of five).In 1986 Waters contributed songs and a score to the soundtrack of the movie When the Wind Blows.His backing band, featuring Paul Carrack, was credited as The Bleeding Hearts Band.In 1987 Waters (still accompanied by the Bleeding Hearts Band, although not always credited as such) released another concept album, Radio K.Waters followed the release with a supporting tour, also in 1987.The album had one hit which was "What God Wants, Pt.Jeff Beck, another legendary guitarist, saw action on Waters' album as he played lead guitar.In 1999 Waters embarked on the In the Flesh tour which saw him performing some of his most famous work, both solo and Pink Floyd material.Waters was in great demand.The tour eventually stretched across the world.Almost every show was sold out with some venues garnering more sales than Pink Floyd shows of early touring years.During this tour he played two new songs from his next solo album, "Flickering Flame" and "Each Small Candle", as the final encore to the show.In June of 2002 Waters played the Glastonbury Festival performing many classic Pink Floyd songs.This was the first time a special speaker system had been set up among the Glastonbury audience to enable sound effects to appear to be moving around amongst the crowd.The Wall was to appear on Broadway with Waters playing a prominent part in its production.Welcome Europe celebrations in the accession country of Malta, performed over Grand Harbour in Valletta and illuminated by light artist Gert Hof.The event was broadcast over all EBU television stations.UK 2003 invasion of Iraq.Waters, who currently resides in the U.Presidential election, hoping to derail George W.That Texas education must have fucked you up when you were very small".Although the songs' criticism was primarily aimed at the American government, Tony Blair is also referenced: "Not in my name, Tony, you great war leader".It's actually quite emotional standing up here with these three guys after all these years.Anyway, we're doing this for everyone who's not here, but particularly, of course, for Syd.Waters remarked shortly after Live 8 to the Associated Press that, while the experience of playing as Pink Floyd again was positive, the chances of a bona fide reunion would be "slight", considering his and Gilmour's continuing musical and ideological differences.He has since stated on a radio interview that he would be interested in the possibility of recording a new album with the rest of Pink Floyd as long as he had creative control.Waters is known to be working on two new solo albums (as remarked to Jim Ladd, with whom he worked on Radio K."Each Small Candle" and "Flickering Flame".The other of the two albums deals with the theme of love, much in the vein of Pros and Cons."Woman" by bootleggers, was heard during the sound checks for the In the Flesh tour.DVD set by Sony Classical on September 27, 2005 with Baritone Bryn Terfel, soprano Ying Huang and tenor Paul Groves.From 1997 Waters rewrote the libretto in English.Nick Mason performing two songs, "Wish You Were Here", and "Comfortably Numb".Solid state laser system designed by Marc Brickman that depicted Dark Side of the Moon album art, used on Waters' latest tour.Roger Waters toured Europe during the Summer of 2006 and North America in the fall for his The Dark Side of the Moon Live Tour.Pink Floyd classic, The Dark Side of the Moon, as the second half of the show.The first half was a mix of Floyd classics and Waters' solo material.Elaborate staging designed by Marc Brickman, complete with projections, and a full, 360 degree quadrophonic sound system were used.This new Waters' solo tour is expected to be as successful as his previous In the Flesh tour.His former Pink Floyd bandmate, Nick Mason joined Waters on some of the tour dates.Richard Wright was invited to participate on the tour as well but he declined the offer to work on solo projects.Waters' former bandmate Nick Mason began patching their relationship in 2002.Waters has made overtures to Richard Wright, as well.Syd Barrett, who died on Friday 7 July 2006, remained an emotional subject for most of his friends and former colleagues.Waters said in interviews before Barrett's death that it would be difficult and inappropriate for him to try to insert himself back into his old friend's life.In March 2007, Roger Waters told Rolling Stone magazine that he would be a performer at the U.At that time he also confirmed that his former Pink Floyd bandmates would not be joining him at the event.Waters finished off with "The Happiest Days of Our Lives" and "Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)", featuring the Trenton Youth Choir and his trademark inflatable pig.Roger Waters will continue his The Dark Side of the Moon Live tour in 2008.Hits and awards
Waters' sngles chart activity included; "What God Wants, Pt.Waters has also been inducted into the U.UK Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Pink Floyd, and received a "Media Event of the Year" award for mounting The Wall Live in Berlin.Equipment and instruments
Though Waters does not talk a lot about the musical equipment he uses in his tours and during his recordings, it is known that when he first started playing with Pink Floyd he used a Hofner bass, quickly replacing that with a Rickenbacker 4001S bass guitar.In the early 1970s, he switched to a Fender Precision Bass.He also uses RotoSound Jazz Bass 77 bass guitar strings."Sheep") as well as add synthesizer and tape effects, both to Pink Floyd and his solo works.The following is a list of equipment Waters either has used on his solo or Pink Floyd recordings, as well as on tours.Fireglo with rosewood fretboard.Waters was first seen in 1968 with a Precision.After 1970 he has rarely used any other bass guitars.Sunburst with rosewood fretboard.First seen in September 1968.Also used in the early 70's.First seen used at the KQED TV recording April 1970.Black with white pickguard, maple fretboard.First seen in a concert in London in 1972.Also used live during the 70's.During the Wall sessions and tour Waters had three of them.Used during the Dark Side of the Moon recordings.Waters currently uses Samson wireless systems with his basses.Black with white pickguard, maple fretboard.The 2 above guitars are the same guitar, and belongs to David Gilmour.Ovation Classical 1613 acoustic guitar.Unknown Fender Telecaster copy.Used exclusively at the The Wall Live in Berlin, on Hey You.Used on In the Flesh tour.Used on Dark Side of the Moon Live tour.Red with white pickguard.Used on In the Flesh tour.Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines.West London in the 1960s, as described in Nick Mason's book, Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd.The incident apparently took place in The Feathers (now The Town House) pub, Ealing Broadway.He married a third time to the actress Priscilla Phillips on 28 July 1993 and they subsequently divorced in 2001.April 2, 2002
Flickering Flame: The Solo Years Vol.Pink Floyd in Cambridge."The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking" review.Pink Floyd's Wall Broadway bound.Scaggs, Austin (August 11, 2005)."Hello(I Love you)" article.Is There Anybody Out There?This page was last modified 02:50, 11 January 2008.See Copyrights for details.Moved Permanently
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