ROGER WATERS

Biography

1943-1965 Early Life & Formation

George Roger Waters was born on 6 September 1943 in Great Bookham, Surrey, near Dorking, though he grew up in Cambridge. Tragically, his father died in World War II when Waters was just one year old—a loss that would profoundly influence his later work.

Waters attended the same school as Syd Barrett and David Gilmour in Cambridge. He later met Nick Mason and Richard Wright while studying architecture at Regent Street Polytechnic in London.

In 1965, Waters co-founded Pink Floyd with Barrett, Mason, and Wright. Initially, Barrett was the band's primary creative force, but Waters would soon emerge as a major songwriting presence.

1968-1985 Pink Floyd's Creative Force

When Syd Barrett's mental health deteriorated in 1968, leading to his departure from the band, Waters stepped into a more prominent creative role. With David Gilmour now part of the lineup, Waters became the band's principal lyricist and conceptual architect.

Throughout the 1970s, Waters guided Pink Floyd through an unprecedented run of success. He was the driving force behind their most celebrated concept albums: The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979). These albums explored themes of alienation, loss, greed, and madness, often drawing from Waters' personal experiences.

Waters' lyrical contributions were essential to Pink Floyd's identity. His stark, often bleak worldview and philosophical depth set the band apart from their contemporaries. The commercial success was staggering—to date, Pink Floyd's worldwide record sales exceed 200 million copies.

However, tensions within the band grew steadily. By 1983, Waters' relationship with Richard Wright had become impossible, and Wright was dismissed from the band. The Final Cut (1983) was released, but it was essentially a Roger Waters solo album in all but name.

1985-Present Solo Career & Legacy

In 1985, Waters announced that Pink Floyd had ended. David Gilmour disputed this claim, asserting his right to continue using the Pink Floyd name. A bitter legal battle ensued, with Gilmour ultimately winning the right to the name and most of the band's catalog. Waters retained rights to The Wall and certain visual elements like the inflatable pig.

Waters embarked on a solo career with albums including The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking (1984), Radio K.A.O.S. (1987), and Amused to Death (1992). While critically respected, these releases didn't achieve the commercial heights of his Pink Floyd work.

In 1990, Waters staged a spectacular charity performance of The Wall in Berlin following the fall of the Berlin Wall. The massive production featured guest artists and was witnessed by hundreds of thousands.

Waters continued touring intermittently through the 1990s and 2000s, performing both solo material and Pink Floyd classics. He has remained politically outspoken, releasing protest songs about the Iraq War and performing at festivals including Glastonbury.

In 2005, Waters reunited with Pink Floyd for a one-off performance at Live 8 in London—a 23-minute set that thrilled fans worldwide. Despite hopes for a full reunion, it remained a singular event.

Waters released the opera Ça Ira in 2005, a decade-long project. He has continued extensive touring in recent years, with elaborate stage productions featuring his solo work and Pink Floyd material.

Roger Waters remains one of rock's most influential and uncompromising artists. His lyrics shaped a generation's understanding of alienation and social critique, and his conceptual ambition pushed the boundaries of what rock albums could achieve. Whether working within Pink Floyd or independently, Waters' singular vision has left an indelible mark on music history.

Gallery

All images © Roger Waters / Pink Floyd

Mailing Addresses

Roger Waters
c/o 106 Gifford Street
London N1 0DF
United Kingdom

Roger Waters
c/o Mark Fenwick Management
63 New Bond Street
London W1A 3BS
United Kingdom

Roger Waters
Sony Music Entertainment Corporation
550 Madison Ave Sixth Floor
New York, NY 10022
USA

Please note: If writing for autographs, it is always good manners to send a SAE or IRC. According to fan accounts, Waters has generally been more responsive to fan mail than some other band members.

Price Guide

You can expect the prices for the items listed below if you are selling privately. If you sell to a dealer or shop expect less than half of the prices listed below.

All prices are on the basis that the item is in mint condition.

All items 7" unless stated. All items UK releases unless stated.

Prices are in UK sterling and US dollars.

Source: Rare Record Price Guide 2006

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