by Polly Samson, wife of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, recently explained her decision to publicly criticize bandmate Roger Waters. She addressed the controversy in an interview with The Telegraph.
Samson clarified why she felt compelled to speak out against Waters. She cited personal discomfort with public perception.
“The reason I did it was because Pink Floyd are quite a faceless band. Everywhere I went, there’s a chance that people thought I was married to the one who said things like that. And it wasn’t a great feeling,” she said.
She elaborated on the uncomfortable situations she encountered due to the association.
“If they knew you’re married to someone from Pink Floyd, half the time people were giving me quite strange looks and it was really uncomfortable and I just wanted to draw a line and make it clear that these were not views held by me or the person I was married to,” she continued.
Her comments refer back to a 2023 statement in which Samson called Waters “antisemitic to your rotten core.” She also described him as “a Putin apologist and a lying, thieving, hypocritical, tax-avoiding, lip-synching, misogynistic, sick-with-envy, megalomaniac.”
Samson’s public criticism reflects a deeper, long-standing rift between Waters and his former bandmates that extends far beyond personal disagreements.
The tension between David Gilmour and Roger Waters has been building for decades, particularly following Pink Floyd’s breakup. The two musicians have not worked together on any significant musical projects since the 1990s. Their relationship has been marked by public feuds over music projects and control of the band’s legacy.
One of the central issues fueling the conflict involves disputes over Pink Floyd’s music and legacy. Waters has often expressed dissatisfaction with how their shared work is managed and perceived by fans. This has led to ongoing copyright disputes and disagreements about the band’s narrative.
Waters has also become increasingly controversial due to his political views, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine. He has openly supported the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and made statements comparing Israel to apartheid. These statements have drawn widespread criticism. These views have contributed to tensions with his former bandmates and fans who disagree with his stance.
The conflict highlights the stark differences in how Gilmour and Waters approach Pink Floyd’s legacy. Waters has emphasized the band’s history and his contributions. Gilmour has focused more on his own music and collaborations. This creates a fundamental divide in their visions for the iconic band’s future.
