The Roger vs. David arguments are pointless. Most of us Pink Floyd fans admire both men and can appreciate what each contributed to the band. They've all done decent solo work, but it was as a band that the four of them produced the most important work.

Together they stood, divided they fell.

Dave's Guitar solo on Comfortably numb has been voted by experts as the best ever and it is hard to disagree....just superb.

They are both geniuses. They wrote music for the sake of music not to sell records like the majority of artists today. Most present day music will be forgotten by next year. What Pink Floyd created were masterpieces that will endure for all humanity.

These guys music remains young and will be listened too for ages. It never gets old for me.

"There was quite a serious argument between me and David." Wasn't that basically all Pink Floyd songs? 😉

I think one of the reasons why Pink Floyd was so great is because of the friction between Rogers and David. Them always trying to out-do each other on the bass and the electric and their competitiveness made them get better and better and they feeded off each other's skill. It was something that made both of them keep getting better and improving.

Pink floyd was one the very few bands that their music will always soar until the end of mankind. It cannot be duplicated.

the whole Floyd argument to me was; David was tired of the CONCEPT albums that waters is greatly known for. All David wanted was a straight up rock and roll album without all the conceptual story lines and hidden innuendos, When A Momentary laps of Reason was being made. over 30 writers on that album trying to make it sound Floyd . but it wont happen without waters. however Rodger looking to replace David , picked up Eric Clapton on his first solo album PROS AND CONS... and Jeff Beck on Amused to death. it was conceptual , but it was not FLOYD without David Gilmour. ( or Richard Wright ) so PINK FLOYD is not just David Gilmour nor is it just Rodger Waters. FLOYD is - Waters, Gilmour, Mason ,& Wright

Both Roger Waters and David Gilmore are exceptional musicians. Why take sides? They both brought amazing creativity and musicianship to Pink Floyd. When you hear "Pink Floyd" reunion concerts with either one missing there is a void that cannot otherwise be filled.

Comfortably Numb in my opinion is musical masterpiece, It's the only song that effects my differently every time i hear it

This is why the records are so good, every note and lyric was heavily scrutinised. So when they did finally agree on something it had to be undeniably great.

Someone else on KZfaq said Gilmour lost the hair and kept the voice, Waters kept the hair and lost the voice, and Wright kept both. The same thing goes for aging. Waters looks much better now than he did in the early Pink Floyd days while Gilmour is the opposite. (sorry Dave, you're still my favorite guitarist :))

I find this comforting as a musician that Roger and David both have parts in Comfortably Numb that they didn’t like or hated… makes me feel better when there’s that ONE thing in my songs that is jarring, that I hate, but have to get over. Knowing they didn’t like it but it was still fantastic is comforting in a weird way. Musicians will understand what I’m saying

My daughter asked me about Pink Floyd when she was a teenager. My reply to her was that they did what no one else had done and probably never will do.

The perfection of both artists brought us one of the most perfect tracks in rock history. I don't think there is a single Floyd fan out there who would say Comfortably Numb is flawed.

I've always hated one band member is better than another arguments. The whole reason I like a group as opposed to a solo artist is the variety in scope that it provides musically. When I see performances of say Comfortably Numb without Roger, I miss Roger's unique voice on it and I'm sure much more vice versa. Plus, it's not always about having a super nice singing voice, rather it's about being a great voice actor, which both Roger and David are. To me, Roger's voice always sort of added a Vincent Price kind of eerie element to the songs especially on songs in The Wall.

Without David Gilmour's guitar and voice the song would not be epic

Dave and Roger sound like they're the nicest guys on the planet. Just not when they're in the same room together. But the firey disagreements is what made the music what it is.

I was Michael Kamen’s postman ......I’d often see him walking his dog, he was the nicest guy you could ever meet....always stopped to say hello. RIP big man

Al this waters vs Gilmour crap. Both brilliant. Somebody has already said Gilmours notes hook you in and Waters lyrics keep you listening. Without both Floyd wouldn't have been great. Whilst I agree division bell doesn't sound floydish it is still a very good album of music, put into some other bands repertoire(ie u2, radiohead etc)and people would rave about it. Fairs fair.

Er....can I just find some common ground here and put it out that actually Richard Wright's wonderful keyboard work gave the band's music its unique identity?

Got to see Roger do The Wall Tour at the Pepsi Center in Denver about 7 years ago, I'e been a huge fan of PF since 83, he put on an amazing show. One I will never forget. To any PF fan out there there is no way you can love David and not Roger or Roger and not David. These 2 together were an amazing musical force that even 53 years later new generations are finding their music and becoming fans. THAT'S talent and skill right there.

Comfortably numb is a transcendence song. When I listen to that song on KZfaq it blows my mind that it has been viewed over 200 million times. That speaks for itself

I think everybody knows that Waters wrote most of the songs but they also love Gilmour because of his "sound" that he provided for all the songs. Also known as the Pink Floyd "sound". That´s what made Pink Floyd so great, Waters songwriting and Gilmours unique "sound". Why argue and pick a side? Waters or Gilmour? I think we all want them to write music together. We love Pink Floyd because of the beautiful music they made togheter

It's nice to see that they've mellowed now with the perspective that age gives you.

People say Dave and Rog argue over nothing but the way Rog takes any opportunity to shade Rick, even after his passing, for me is quite hard to swallow

I JUST now listened to both the FIRST & SECOND verses of COMFORTABLY NUMB, and the ONLY difference I can discernably detect, minus some extra orchestration in the 2nd, is an ever-so lightly strumming acoustic guitar track. You CANNOT hear the acoustic in the 1st verse, but it's there in the second, its just very quiet. To be honest it picks up the pace in the 2nd verse just a wee bit.

In my eyes Pink Floyd was best explained by Richard Wright in an interview. "I WOULD LOVE TO DO PINK FLOYD MUSIC AGAIN"-the key is that the music made was more than any one band member. There was a special sound that is never repeated when they do solo albums. Have seen every American tour and all I can add is WISH YOU WERE HERE !!!-RIP Richard Wright you are so missed

Actually love that they made this compromise. It makes the song and each of its verses and choruses individually more dynamic and I can't listed to the track without hearing the change now

Without Roger, there would be much less Pink Floyd. I absolutely love this guy and his writing ability. It is and was a combo of every member of the group that made the band the best in the world of our times. I was part of the experience in '73 in Buffalo N.Y and was totally blown away, and never looked back. A huge fan.

1979. When I was a kid I this music came to life and I loved to listen to it. Thank you, Roger.

This is why creative geniuses tend not to work well together. Too many chiefs and not enough indians.

And together you managed to create a masterpiece. Amazing!!

Its interesting hearing how the song was made and always thinking before this; how original, creative and artistic the bands music is. You guys are true legends, thank you for taking a stance to help protect our future. Inspired me a lot.

I don't know why-but I just watched two videos of people's first reaction to Pink Floyd-never done that before. I got my usual goosebumps but, watching their faces transform took me right back to that smokey basement when someone put on the LP for the first time...no fanfare, we didn't know who they were and there was no MTV-but we were never the same. What a joy to see young faces with tears... Cheers, from Toronto ♥

The songs Roger and David wrote together are sublime. I wish they would have collaborated more.

The song is beautiful by itself, especially within the The Wall concept, but David's solos make it brilliant and unforgettable.

If Roger explained all his arguments we’d be here a long time...

The result of your combined effort is what matters most. To this day, this song is one of the most brilliantly performed and produced songs of all time. David's guitar work is absolutely among the top guitar solos of all time, and the lyrics, as presented, are hauntingly beautiful and perfect. Regardless of differences in opinions, this song is legendary, and perhaps one of the most pleasing and perfect songs of all time. Congrats to the entire band- I can't imagine it possibly being any better than the released version. In fact, the entire concept LP was brilliant, a tribute to your genius. Comfortably Numb remains my favorite song ever recorded. Thank you for collaborating and allowing it to be released as is.

Both he and Gilmour are brilliant in their own way. I admire Gilmour's dreamy guitar style of playing and his vocals, while I appreciate Waters prolific, cerebral, lyrics and song writing abilities. However it seems to me Gilmour is more humble and band oriented while waters is more ego driven and self righteous. Gilmour has this unpetentious way about him, I can't say the same for Waters who bullies the other band mates and was always very difficult to satisfy.

The first verse definitely "drags" which is actually very important to the song. The verse is slow and plodding but the chorus brightens up, opens up spacially and adds more rhythm. It's the most important signature of the piece, the contrast between the two and how they trade off.

I'm at the Britanika Row recording studio in Islington right now. Everything reminds me of my times when I fell asleep on the album The wall, The animals

Im at the Britanica Row recording studio in Islington right now. Everything reminds me of my times when I fell asleep on the album The wall, The animals

In other words, it was more of an ego clash, than a technical disagreement.

"Neither he nor I would accept that." Veiled respect for Gilmour hidden in that statement!

Roger could fall out with himself in a room on his own....although I saw him on the recent Us and Them tour and it was excellent.

That last point I'm sure is true. I recall wincing at some of my mixes when they were only days or weeks old...now I hear them and everything sounds fine! Time heals and hearing can be very selective. :)

Roger had a problem with expropriating David's material and the direction of the band in general. David has stated before that he never tried to tamper or influence Roger's songs or writing, but Roger always felt the need to tweek his. For instance, he wanted to be the one to chime in and sing the lyric, "I have become comfortably numb". It wouldn't have worked, David made it sound much sweeter. While Roger had brilliant ideas in terms of songwriting and lyrics, it was David's temperament towards the music that made it really work and shine. For instance, on TDSOTM, Roger wanted the album to sound dry. Fortunately, Alan Parsons was more sympathetic do David's view of having the album to sound "swampy" with a lot of echo and reverb. I couldn't imagine the album sounding any other way.

It takes Roger and David together to produce the "real" Pink Floyd.... even the Syd Barrett stuff isnt THAT awesome.. mainly awesome because of the whole Syd "legendary" story... Roger is the one who came up with the concepts, the lyrics... and MOST of the music, and Dave sang and came up with solos and played guitar.... PINK FLOYD is BY FAR my favorite band ever, Im obsessed... it takes both of them. Although I lean toward Roger because lyrics and melodies are the root of music

I love both Gilmour and waters . If you’re truly a pink Floyd fan you’d know that both of them together made it so great . Not discrediting the other members obviously who are also great

going to see Roger July 2020 Toronto, saw Floyd in 74, 95, can't wait

I happen to like both of there music separate and together. I think its all egos

As a songwriter I know what he says is so true.

Been a floyd fan since my dad played it when I was a kid 38 years later still fresh to me love all members equal hope to see them in concert next year and be happy till I die 😀

That's what makes bands like that so great. The conflict and tension that can sometimes exist can be combustible in a very good way and produce some amazing performances and great music. Bruce Springsteen once said that the whole must be more than the sum of it's parts or you're just rubbing two sticks together in search of a fire.

I have a recurring dream where Roger has a beer with Nick and Dave and they do a one-off album in Dave's home studio as a trio, pre-Dark Side Grandchester Meadows era-kind of stuff. Just for the hell of it. Stupid dream, I know, these guys, especially Roger, don't tend to do things just for fun anymore. But a fan can dream, right?

Everyone has there druthers. What SHOULD have been done, complete both versions then choose which to be released. On a later compilation album, release the other version. I bet both would have been great.

2021. Ten years later. Hi, Roger Waters, Comfortably Numb was listened to by parents AND NOW grandchilderns are also listening, THAT'S WONDERFUL... 👋

The fact that the song still stands and is held in the esteem that it is shows that it was worth it that they sweated these details and argued about it - they got the point with it that the song attained perfection in the view of most listeners

I for one am glad they fought over the production, we as the listeners clearly got the best of the best.

2:07 I saw that!

Im late to this been a fan of their songs but never dugg into their history wow I have alot to learn.

what headphones are those? they seam comfortable

I can't honestly take side to either Roger Waters, or David Gilmour, because they both had a huge part in making one of the greatest bands in the world.

Regardless, David's solo on that track is considered one of the best in R&R history.

Waters and Gilmores talent can't be compared..they're both geniuses !! For ever.

No one had or will ever make an album as great or unique as The Wall. My favorite song is Vera.

This is exactly why they were better together than apart

David's voice really smooths out some of waters harshness, and David's smooth and tasty guitar playing made the songs iconic as well but waters is the driving creative force behind the band, they really had magic together

Just listened to it, definitely better for using both versions, adds to the building nature of the song, definitely a worth while argument!

How many bands do actually stay together? Not so much I think, and that's just normal. The love for music bring them together, but making music at this level is also about finding out who you are, and that can be an opposit force. Each might have a different pace, source of creativity, and so on. When there's a lack of recognition of that, things start to go wrong.

Rick Wright was there hidden talent .listen to his album wet dreams

I seen Roger in the summer of 84 with Micheal Kamen and Eric Clapton best concert I ever witnessed

I love them both only, one is darker and touches a different part of your soul. I found, both have songs that are accepted more through whatever emotional attachment you have to whatever song you hear. Every song I hear, places me back into a different time in my life but, allows me to relate that feeling to the present moment and see where I am now. Thier music takes you on a journey and puts you in the moment again. Pink Floyd is Pink Floyd and will always be Pink Floyd.

What song was the disagreement over plz someone ????

There were some great some songs on the Division Bell album, High Hopes in particular ranks probably up there with many of the old Floyd hits.....

Personally I’m more of a Gilmour fan Great voice best guitar tone but the intensity between Waters and Gilmour is what made Pink Floyd so special all the members contributed to the incredible sound that Pink Floyd made

What did he say Michael Cayman wrote for Comfortably Numb? (at 0:45)

Did you ever listen to a song and want to add your own bit to it? Imagine how difficult it is to get a collaboration of supremely talented individuals to pass on a final version.

And that in a nutshell is why the Floyd were so good. Because the tiniest, tiniest perceived imperfection was enough to trigger rows in the studio between them. It made it hell for them, but heaven for us lucky listeners.

Regardless, the song is perfect and no doubt one of the best songs ever recorded.... like all Pink Floyd's songs....it's a true shame they couldn't get along enough to keep the band together.

Wait, the first and second verse rhythm of Comfortably Numb are different? I'm going to have to listen for that next time it comes on shuffle, I knew of the... I know of the added instrument sounds in the second verse, but didn't know it was _that_ different.

I had the priviledge of enjoying Gilmour Live 5 Times in the last 33 years, with his Version of PF and solo Version, and each Time I cried in pure Joy... I saw The Wall live in 2010, waited 1 year for the show of my life, and I felt very disappoinded, Just a huge show but no magic from Rick and Dave... Btw, over 100 rock show seen in my life, but The 2016 from David in Verona, Italy, was absolutely The most emotional show of my life, knowing I was probably saying farewell to my favorite Artist.. (Sorry for poor English, bye from Italy) Please help me to build a time machine and go to Pompei on sept 3rd 1971 while the greatest band ever is playing Echoes

Roger's 'Amused To Death' album was proof to me that he was key to Pink Floyd's best work. That album is a pure, put the headphones on and disappear for an hour musical journey, right up there with the best of any Floyd album. Just imagine how much more amazing it might have been with David's guitar input.

Pink Floyd is probably the only band where I prefer listening to the live versions over the original recordings.

i had a band for years. and while we became nobody due to internal struggles with the typical band problems. we had some pretty heated arguments over what was a chord progression or riff. so when you are passionate about the material you are writing and recording, things do tend to get a little heated. looking back , the passion about the music was fine. but all the other typical stuff that breaks up bands wasnt.

It’s one of those patchwork songs, like ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ where you can hear the edits but it doesn’t matter because the overall result is something beautiful for the listener.

Pink Floyd. where the whole was greater than the sum of its parts.

seems they can't appreciate each other for the immense talent they all have; best band in the world in my opinion. musical geniuses but,ego destroys the best of em. kiss and make up girls, we dedicated fans love you equally. may the souls of sid and rick be resting in peace.

did Roger ever introduce his version? because I would like to hear it

All legendary moments are made out of many discussions good or bad which indicates only moving positively ahead and rest is history as They say

I think Gilmour also wanted Waters to sing his part a different way. On the album Waters pretty much talks his way through his part. If you listen to live performances of Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd after Waters left you can hear Waters' part being sung by Wright, Pratt, and Carin and you can hear a melody in their singing that is missing from the original version. I like both versions btw.

I am a huge Pink Floyd fan and a huge Roger Waters fan (and of his solo work),but have to admit the Syd Barrett and the post Waters era is not my favourite but I appreciate it. Pink Floyd's most productive era is the Roger Waters/David Gilmour era where they produced with Nick Mason and Richard Wright some amazing music together, weather RW and DG argued and who was right who was wrong I do not personally care as it gave us fantastic music and we can take the rewards and listen to them whenever we so choose. Waters lyrics and ideas are amazing and Gilmours guitar craft and musicality is sublime. Here endeth the arguments and lets just enjoy the beauty of the music they made

These guys music remains young and will be listened too for ages. It never gets old for me. I happen to like both of there music separate and together. I think its all egos

I believe the bass guitar gave beauty to the music.. A thunderous distortion bass effect.. N it's great...!!

If you ever see some of the later interviews amongst the four of them you can see a picture develop. I believe it was Wright that admitted that they had gotten to a point where they were not putting in like Waters was. Waters began to take control, Wright admits that they were not contributing and let him do most the work, but once that mindset took hold of in Waters mind that HE was in charge, he became very difficult to work with, and reached a point where he really wanted it all his way. There just was no going back from there and that is where that signature Floyd sound began to slip away. The real top sound that spanned that late 60s-early 70s period is unarguably the result of the full collaborative effort of all four of them working together. Waters and Wright were the driving force behind Saucer full of secrets, in fact Wright contributes more vocally on the album than the rest of the band combined, and Mason states that Saucer is his favorite. Dark Side and Wish is where you really see the four of them being musically united and working as a single mind, the best work of any period. Then through Animals and the Wall it become more and more Waters till you reached the point where he pushes his once strongest collaborator, Wright, out of the group and you then hit the final cut which is really a Roger Waters work under the Pink Floyd name, truthfully so is the Wall. I really liked Momentary Lapse of reason, it lacked Waters, but it was, as all bands go through regardless of member changes or not, a new direction. Bands must continue to explore fresh ideas. I seen that concert and the band was able to perform live, with out Waters just fine and the new material translated well. While I was not a fan of Division Bell as a whole, you can see a level of return to some of the earlier creative incarnation of sound as Gilmour, Mason, and Wright were all investing themselves into the music and each other. I have not heard all of Endless River, but i like what I have hear this far. Wright gets his credit where his credit is due finally. It is a good Pink Floyd Album. As a whole, there is a certain magic that come from Waters dark mind, Gilmour's incredible ability to breath a soul into a guitar, and Wright's haunting keyboard ability with Mason binding it all together. A truly special period of Floyd. At the end of the day, from Piper to Endless river, as truly incredible as that period was, it is not the whole of Pink Floyd. Each concept and periods of work have to be taken with its own merits. Only then can you truly appreciate each of them as they were meant to be.

I suppose when you're recording and arranging, you're so much in the zone that the tiniest margins appear accentuated and glaring. As the creators/co-creators, it's your baby, so you listen to the nuances like nobody else.

Actually a pretty hard thing to compromise on. Some people like super tight playing, but some people like it to feel loose, and if you tighten it too much you lose a bit of the swing.

Just imagine that today they could have released both versions and the fans could decide and the fans would have loved both. These guys changed peoples lives.