In recent years, former Pink Floyd bassist and songwriter Roger Waters has become a divisive figure, caught in a longstanding feud with ex-bandmate David Gilmour and embroiled in various political controversies. While some longtime admirers of Waters’ work believe he has lost touch with his original self, others argue that his political activism is often misunderstood and stems from a genuine commitment to advocating for freedom and democracy.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, there’s no denying the significant impact Waters and Pink Floyd had during their heyday. Known for their groundbreaking originality, the band consistently pushed creative boundaries, setting themselves apart from their contemporaries who critics often accused of becoming overly self-indulgent.
Waters’ role in Pink Floyd became more pronounced following the departure of the band’s original frontman, Syd Barrett, in 1968, who left amid struggles with mental health and drug use. This change marked a pivotal shift for the band away from their early psychedelic sound. It had profound personal and professional implications for its members.
During this transitional period, the band began work on their second album, “A Saucerful of Secrets.” The strain of Barrett’s declining mental health was evident, prompting the involvement of David Gilmour to help ease the burden. Despite these efforts, Barrett departed before the album’s completion, later producing two solo albums, “The Madcap Laughs” and “Barrett,” with Waters and Gilmour contributing to the former.
Barrett’s solo work, particularly the song ‘Dark Globe,’ is a haunting reflection of his genius and his mental state at the time. The lyrics, “I tattooed my brain all the way / Won’t you miss me? Wouldn’t you miss me at all?” poignantly convey his turmoil. In a 2001 interview at Abbey Road Studios, Waters discussed the impact of Barrett’s music. He noted that ‘Dark Globe’ particularly gives him “chills” and described it as a gem from that intense period.
Roger Waters shared an intriguing story about the influence of this song. He recalled attending an early R.E.M. concert at the Hammersmith Odeon, where he experienced a memorable encounter with the band. Although R.E.M.’s frontman Michael Stipe appeared to ignore him backstage, Stipe performed ‘Dark Globe’ a cappella as an encore. Waters found this profoundly moving, regardless of whether it was intended as a slight.
This performance by Stipe highlighted the enduring relevance and emotional power of Barrett’s songwriting. Waters speculated that Stipe’s choice to perform ‘Dark Globe’ could have been a nod to Barrett’s influence on Pink Floyd. Alternatively, it might have been a gesture showing that he was knowledgeable about this particular phase of their work. The performance, regardless of the intention, was a touching tribute that resonated deeply with Waters. It showcased the lasting impact of Pink Floyd’s early work on contemporary musicians.
