Pink Floyd is one of the most important rock bands in music history, known for its deep lyrics, experimental sound, and emotional power. But behind the music was a band often pulled in different creative directions. Much of that tension came from the contrasting personalities and ideas of David Gilmour and Roger Waters, especially after the band’s early leader, Syd Barrett, left.
From Syd Barrett to David Gilmour
In the early years, Syd Barrett was the creative force behind Pink Floyd. His imagination helped define the band’s psychedelic sound, but years of heavy drug use and mental health struggles caused him to lose touch with reality. As his behavior became more unpredictable, the band began to fall apart.
That’s when David Gilmour joined. His arrival brought stability. Gilmour was calm, focused, and highly skilled as a guitarist and vocalist. Slowly, he helped guide the band back to coherence. When Barrett eventually left, Gilmour stepped into a larger role, sharing leadership with bassist and lyricist Roger Waters.
A Musical Balance That Created Greatness
For a while, Gilmour and Waters worked together in perfect balance. Waters brought big ideas, strong opinions, and ambitious concepts. Gilmour shaped those ideas into music that felt emotional and human. This balance is what made albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here so powerful.
Many of the most emotional moments in Pink Floyd’s music came from Gilmour. His gentle singing and expressive guitar work added warmth to the band’s sound. Songs like Wish You Were Here, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, and especially Comfortably Numb show his ability to make listeners feel something deeply with just a few notes.
Even when his guitar solos became long and dramatic, they were never empty. Every note carried feeling.
The Wall and Creative Differences
By the time Pink Floyd released The Wall in 1979, the balance between Gilmour and Waters had shifted. That album was very much Roger Waters’ project, built around his personal story, anger, and worldview. While Gilmour still contributed musically, the album reflected Waters’ darker, more aggressive tone.
Over time, these differences became too much. Waters eventually left the band, and the relationship between the two musicians only became more distant and bitter.
Why Gilmour Avoids Certain Songs Today
In recent years, David Gilmour has openly talked about why he no longer performs some classic Pink Floyd songs, especially from The Wall. For him, it’s not about the music itself, but how the lyrics and themes feel now.
He has said that songs like “Run Like Hell” feel too violent and frightening to sing today. The repeated lyrics about running and fear no longer sit well with him.
He has also chosen not to perform “Another Brick in the Wall” or “Money”, explaining that he prefers to play music he feels a strong personal connection to — songs that reflect his own voice and values.
Instead, Gilmour focuses on songs he feels truly represent him, such as Comfortably Numb, Wish You Were Here, and Shine On You Crazy Diamond.
A Legacy Built on Tension
Listening to David Gilmour and Roger Waters perform Pink Floyd songs separately today, it’s surprising they ever worked together at all. Their styles, emotions, and intentions are clearly different. But that contrast is exactly what made Pink Floyd so special.