Now Roger Waters is Pink Floyd, Right?

Roger Waters, bassist and co-founder of Pink Floyd, has recently addressed the question that has lingered for years: Who really is Pink Floyd? Though he has often remained publicly quiet on the issue, it’s clear that the topic simmers just below the surface, never fully extinguished. Waters, known for his visionary songwriting and thematic direction within the band, continues to showcase his solo work with powerful performances that captivate audiences. However, one can’t help but feel the absence of the complementary dynamic David Gilmour brought to the table—particularly his iconic guitar solos and hauntingly beautiful backup vocals.

Waters undoubtedly commands the stage with his strong moral compass and solid bass and keyboard foundations, but for those of us who grew up listening to a fully staffed Pink Floyd, the debate over “who is Pink Floyd” feels settled. To me, Pink Floyd has always been at its best when Waters’ sharp conceptual vision merges with Gilmour’s soaring guitar work and vocal harmonies. The chemistry they shared was the heart and soul of the band’s magic.

A perfect example of this is the 2011 live performance of “Comfortably Numb” at the O2, where Waters and Gilmour briefly reunited on stage. It’s a reminder of why they’re better together—Gilmour’s ethereal guitar and vocal presence elevates Waters’ songwriting in a way that no one else can. Watching that video, it’s impossible not to feel the emotional weight of their collaboration and the significance of what they created as a duo.

For a nostalgic glimpse of Pink Floyd’s original lineup (sans Syd Barrett, RIP), we’ve also included a video of their last full-member concert. It serves as a testament to the band’s lasting legacy and the undeniable synergy that made them one of the most influential groups in rock history. Waters’ solo work continues to impress, but for many of us, the magic of Pink Floyd was—and always will be—found in the full lineup, where each member’s contributions created something far greater than the sum of its parts.