The 20th century witnessed two world wars as well as thousands of drama, new movements and changes that humanity never experienced before. Music was not at the same level in this age with revolutions and social changes. Today is the birthday of one of the names that changed the music. Here we have Roger Waters.
In 1943, the devastating World War II was on-going. The bombs dropped by German planes in the skies of the empire where the sun once did not set killed, innocent people. Roger Waters was born in this period. His father Eric Fletcher Waters died in World War II when Roger was too young to know him. This absence penetrated to all aspects of Roger Waters’ life…
Europe that experienced a post-war crisis raised a brand-new generation that was looking for an order that will never require fighting. This generation was about to change the world in Paris in May 1968, in Prague and in other places they lived. When they did that, they would have the Pink Floyd songs that Roger Waters was a member.
Pink Floyd formed by Syd Barrett managed to be one of the pioneers of changing music culture in Britain and attracted attention as being a band on BBC in their first years. But the emotional destruction of Syd Barrett and leaving the band was the messenger of the new beginnings for Pink Floyd. Now, the bandleader would be Roger Waters and relatively new member David Gilmour.
The Final Cut, Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and finally The Wall which is known as the masterpiece of the 20th century affected Britain, Europe and the world as a result of the unity of Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Rick Wright and Nick Mason. This band that added philosophy to music has become the voice of a post-war generation that had the sings of this destruction.
In this sense, The Wal was the peak and this at the same time meant the end. The disagreement between Roger Waters and David Gilmour led the band to experience another breakpoint. Roger Waters was no longer be in the band. Roger Waters who shone out as the vocal with David Gilmour who contributed with philosophic lyrics turned to a solo project. On the other hand, Pink Floyd continued without Roger Waters after certain legal processes. Of course, the fans were divided into two. Who was right?
The long separation and resentment were replaced with a more peaceful atmosphere as the band members shared the same stage 25 years later in 2005 Live 8 concert pioneered by Bob Geldof. The Londoners that filled Hyde Park on 2 July experienced the joy of seeing the legends together. Roger Waters who gave an interview before this process indicated the most Pink Floydish song after he left Pink Floyd as High Hopes and The Division Bell.
Pink Floyd led by Roger Waters and David Gilmour later shared the same stage. But when Rick Wright died, the main group was ended.
Roger Waters still continues The Wall concerts around the world. He is the part of various campaigns as one of the most influential people in numerous social events including anti-nuclear weapon and anti-war approach. We should remind that this special person that changed the 20th century had two concerts in İstanbul. The last one was organized on 04 August 2013 in İTÜ Stadium under The Wall tour and this concert will continue to have a special place in the history of İstanbul.
We all wished Roger Waters to stay with Pink Floyd and to see the end of this legend.
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