How Pink Floyd Changed After Roger Waters’ Departure

After the departure of Roger Waters from Pink Floyd, he was more than confident that the band would cease its operations for good. But when David Gilmour and Richard Wright began talks for a tour using the band’s name, this somehow didn’t bid well for Waters.

Getting as far away from the shadows of any ideas that reek of Waters’ genius Pink Floyd instead found themselves going back to their old Syd Barrett roots – calmer and contemplative – but with a dash of modern dazzle. Of course, no Pink Floyd would be made possible without a concept, delving right into the spot of communication and comprehension.

But Pink Floyd was more than confident to prove that they didn’t need Waters to continue being relevant. TDB opens a 6-minute “Cluster One” instrumental, showing Gilmour’s authentic play quite similar to his guitar parts in “Shine on You Crazy Diamond.” Following the intro is the dull “What Do You Want From Me,” which sounds like a calculated move hence the lack of specialness.

The Division Bell’s songs were poignant and relatable. It perhaps takes a jab at The Wall, which Waters created with the chains of paranoia and isolation. “A Great Day for Freedom” talks about the aftereffect of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and “Marooned,” another instrumental, takes Gilmour’s power guitar play to a new level it could reach.

Pink Floyd admits that they struggled with the songwriting process, and even though Gilmour is a gifted musician, had to also call in for help with the lyrics. But the most important aspect that the band could truly be proud of was how unified the remaining three (Gilmour, Wright, and Nick Mason) sounded inside the album, without having to take into consideration the dominating power of Waters. Arguably, there are hardcore Pink Floyd fans who consider this as the band’s greatest record ever, though they may have their reasons for that matter.