In a surprising turn of events, Roger Waters, the legendary co-founder of Pink Floyd, is extending a helping hand to his son, Harry Waters, by putting out a call for a singer for Harry’s upcoming Pink Floyd tribute band. The announcement comes nearly a decade after Waters senior made the controversial decision to dismiss his son from his touring band, a move that has since been described by Harry as “hurtful”.
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At 82 years of age, Roger Waters took to social media to express his support for Harry’s new venture, which is titled “Legacy: A Pink Floyd Show”. In his Instagram post, he emphasised the sound they were looking for, stating that Harry’s band needed “the voice I had when I was young.” Waters noted, “My son @harrywatersmusic has put a great band and show together to go on the road next year to pay tribute to the music from the golden era of @pinkfloyd”.
Harry, now 49, is seeking a lead vocalist capable of replicating the diverse vocal styles featured in Pink Floyd’s repertoire—ranging from the soft expressiveness showcased in “Comfortably Numb” to the explosive high notes in tracks like “Don’t Leave Me Now”. In a joint effort, Harry echoed his father’s sentiments on social media, inviting potential singers who possess the ability to channel his father’s iconic sound.
Roger’s decision to support Harry’s tribute band marks an interesting development in their relationship, considering the complexities that emerged from Harry’s abrupt dismissal from his father’s band in 2016. Harry had been an integral part of Roger’s touring group for 14 years, playing keyboards and organ. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone earlier this year, Harry reflected on the impact of his firing, describing the experience as “pretty miserable”.
While he admits that the reason behind his dismissal was unclear, Harry speculated that his father sought a “change of blood” in the lineup. He commented on the nature of the decision, stating, “I think he just wanted… something new, something fresh. But it was doubly hurtful for me,” given the personal nature of their relationship. Among a group of musicians who were let go, Harry noted he remained the focus due to their familial ties.
Despite the fallout, it seems that the father and son have managed to maintain a relationship outside of the musical realm. Harry shared that while the future may not see them reunited on stage, they still engage with one another in their personal lives. “I’m not hoping [to return]. I don’t imagine it’ll happen again, but maybe,” he said, reflecting on the potential for collaboration down the line.
Interestingly, Harry’s journey with music traces back to his childhood when he was present during the recording of Pink Floyd’s iconic album “The Wall” in the late 1970s. In fact, a young Harry can even be heard on the track “Goodbye Blue Sky”, which speaks to the deeply ingrained musical legacy from which he hails.
The journey towards the Legacy tour is more than just a tribute to Pink Floyd; it’s also a potential avenue for healing within the family. With Roger now actively involved in searching for a singer, it illustrates a commitment to rekindle and support Harry’s ambitions, demonstrating that despite past grievances, their bond remains strong.
As preparations for the tribute band unfold, fans of Pink Floyd and the Waters family will be watching closely. The combination of Harry’s homage to his father’s celebrated career, paired with the nostalgia of Pink Floyd’s classics, presents an exciting prospect for music lovers. With auditions officially underway, the search for the perfect vocalist is on, as both Roger and Harry navigate the complexities of their father-son relationship amidst a shared passion for music.