In 1975, Pink Floyd released an album that sold 35,000,000 copies. David Gilmour refused to sing one of its songs

David Gilmour refused to sing Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar” while they were recording *Wish You Were Here*, leaving the band to bring in friend and folk singer Roy Harper. The episode reflected creative tensions that were already emerging within the group, including disagreements over songwriting and Gilmour’s difficulty with the song’s vocal range and rhythm.

Roger Waters had also tried singing the track, but his voice was tired after recording “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”; Gilmour later said he had no objection to the lyrics, but felt the range and intensity did not suit his voice. Harper was recording in the same building, heard the commotion and offered to try, eventually becoming the singer on the released track. The article also describes the band’s financial losses from ventures including a children’s shoe factory, a computer game and a car hire business as a source of pressure during the sessions.