In 1984, David Gilmour wrote a song that attacked Roger Waters. Years later, he regretted the whole thing
In 1984, David Gilmour released “You Know I’m Right” on his solo album *About Face*, a song whose lyrics came to reflect his bitter dispute with Pink Floyd bandmate Roger Waters. Gilmour later said he regretted letting those personal grievances surface in his songwriting, even though the song began as a broader reflection on the uncertain future of Pink Floyd.
The rift intensified during the making of 1983’s *The Final Cut*, when Waters excluded Gilmour’s tracks from the final mix; Waters left the group soon afterwards. For *About Face*, Gilmour worked with producer Bob Ezrin and musicians including Jeff Porcaro, Pino Palladino and Steve Winwood, while Pete Townshend wrote lyrics for two songs. Gilmour and Waters later reunited with Richard Wright and Nick Mason for Pink Floyd’s Live 8 set in 2005.
In short
- Gilmour’s 1984 song came to reflect his conflict with Waters.
- He later said airing personal grievances in songs was a poor idea.
- The pair reunited with Pink Floyd for Live 8 in 2005.
Explained simply
Pink Floyd were a British rock band whose best-known members included guitarist David Gilmour and singer and bassist Roger Waters. Their working relationship became strained while they were making The Final Cut, an album released in 1983.
Waters took a leading role in shaping the band’s music, while Gilmour also wrote and recorded songs. After Waters left Pink Floyd, Gilmour released solo music, including the 1984 album About Face. The band’s former members later performed together at the Live 8 concert in 2005.