Roger Waters interview: The Wall 2011

Legendary Pink Floyd band member Roger Waters chats with Absolute Radio's Russ Williams about his latest 'The Wall' tour in 2011. Roger discusses the history of the making of the album, falling out with his band mates, and using modern technology to create The Wall. Watch more great video interviews right now at absoluteradio.co.uk

[@SuperStrik9]

The Wall is one of the best albums ever.

[@ryanbuckley213]

Roger aged well. He finally seems at peace!

[@seven0929]

Perks of tearing down the wall!

[@MatteoPrezioso]

That's exactly what I thought.

[@HomeAtLast501]

Being worth over $300 million at his age will relax you.

[@chuckfriebe843]

He stopped smoking. He's healthier for sure.

[@KarmicOmen]

Roger has mellowed with age, but then we all do. Things happened within the band in the mid to late 1980's and I was upset about that for a time, but the bottom line is it wasn't my beef and therefore not my issue. I don't hold anything against Roger over those bitter legal battles or what have you. Back then I couldn't get over his colossal audacity, but it's water over the dam as far as I am concerned. What will always remain for me as a memory is not all that band drama, but the tremendous respect I have for the whole band musically.

[@MrBig8baller]

Be nice if he and Dave could produce a Sequel.

[@taleydaley2012]

I can't believe I was in the same room as this man 17 years old. The Wall 11.21.10 THE Best Day of my Life.

[@themadmattster9647]

Ya know Roger has changed when he's actually referring to The Wall as a "great COLLABORATION". Roger of the eighties wouldn't have said anything of that sort. Wow.

[@lowandodor1150]

That was music in my ears as well!

[@ripperplaysclon152]

He really hasn’t changed. He posted a recent video where he talked shit about Dave for banning him from the Pink Floyd website.

[@wickedhouston5538]

@@ripperplaysclon152 and David banned Roger because he says Roger lies in interviews saying he wrote all the songs

[@mikearchibald744]

Well, lets just say moderated becaues he could have meant bob ezrin. He certainly does always say "my songs", which is kind of unfair. YOu'd kind of think being super rich and having your songs beloved all over the world by people would be enough to keep you from shitraking those you did them with. But hey, thats roger. I laughed out loud when he said 'rise up' about the fact his solo stuff isn't on the pink floyd website. If he really needs more money then do like Bowie and Dylan and sell all your publishing rights. But I suspect its just that when a camera is on him what he knows is belligerence-at least his webcam.

[@plummetplum]

Very articulate man, I like the way the interviewer gets corrected on a number of occasions. I saw Roger Waters at Glastonbury, the best gig I've ever been to, I was moved for sure.

[@Therealderry433]

What year did roger do Glastonbury

[@gleaveinjapan]

@@Therealderry433 It was 2002 he played on Sunday early evening just before Rod Stewart. The concert was amazing. The sound was amazing, I heard a baby crying after In The Flesh so I looked around but it was the sound scape.

[@johnlomax2502]

That's got to be the best interview I have ever heard with Roger Waters. Thank you, Roger, for being there for us, even after all these years.

[@PetesGarage]

I saw this show 3 times across the US. All I can say is Roger....you have enriched my life. Thank you.

[@marysell2465]

That was good Roger Waters i love your work all that you did, most of all i love you i wish we could meet someday soon and talk.

[@gittehedegaardlund1532]

Roger Waters har reddet vore liv. Uvurderlig hjælp. Så meget kriminalitet er forekommet.

[@Townshend90125]

Roger : “who ever threw a tv out a hotel window” Keith moon: hold my beer

[@PS987654321PS]

Great interview. Roger Waters is a creative genius.

[@tippersdad5152]

Without Dave & Nick, Roger would be sweeping the floors at Walmart.

[@CaptWalker]

@@tippersdad5152 There are many people right now who would kill to be sweeping the floors anywhere for $9/hour...but guess that wasn't the main context of your comment...?

[@PetesGarage]

To Roger's last point about the audience being moved. I brought my kids (10 & 11) to all 3 shows with me. My son knows every word and sang like he was on stage. Other people around us shook his hand and were amazed at how spot on he sang. But my daughter was moved more than all of us. I was in the military and she knows what it is like to see her dad come home. At all 3 shows she balled her eyes out during Bring The Boys Back Home. Yes Roger, you moved all of us!

[@Therealderry433]

Full of shite.

[@wickedhouston5538]

@@Therealderry433 are you on your period?

[@Henry-vg8fw]

That’s fucking bullshit

[@lowandodor1150]

Wow, that is wonderful! I hope they never have to wait for him again that way!

[@nigolt.4345]

Nobody utters a word about it, but Roger Waters is an exceptionally funky bass player. He's got that backbeat groove and it's mesmerizing!!!

[@MindsEyeVisualGuitarMethods]

The BEST and most moving and breathtaking concert I have EVER seen. I'll never forget that show. So incredible.

[@MrTervic]

Roger is a genius !!! we need more musicians like him!

[@sc0ttyb0dy123]

Keep rockin Roger!!! The best show of my life went straight to the heart.I am glad to be part of it.Cheers!

[@scottward6974]

Saw two of the Wall tour gigs and was absolutely blown away. The big inflatables were awesome. At one point a massive flying pig was circling above our heads!

[@TheAlienFan]

I was there the night Dave appeared at the top of the wall....I was blessed :)

[@TheAlienFan]

There was a rumour going around at the break but I never thought it would actually happen. Great to see them together. Nick Mason was there too. Prob the best thing I have ever seen :)

[@TheAlienFan]

By the way,I am a huge Maiden fan myself. Best band ever :)

[@hartry79]

So was I, amd I took my dad for his 60th birthday to that gig. I hoped and hoped prior but I couldn't believe it when the spotlight lit Dave up at the top. Definitely moved haha

[@lowandodor1150]

Mr. Waters is so lovely here....i always really enjoyed the way he talks and expresses himself and his music is bar none, so unique within the rock context, i hate myself for not going to these The Wall shows, i must have been mad!

[@74jailbreaker]

This man is an absolute genius with so much to say. The way he talks about his work is memorizing. Thinking of going to go see the show when it comes back to Arizona. Cheers to all.

[@HomeAtLast501]

I don't know how the man is able to answer the same questions over and over and over and over again, year after year after year.

[@SASSAFRALKATRAZ]

Waters and Gilmour .... Legends best songwriter/musicians ever ! nuf said !

[@BobLoblawsLawBlog357]

"I want them to be moved..." i was. so glad i went. spent half the show in tears

[@VoidJuuice]

After seeing this concert-and let me just say it blew my mind in so many ways- I saw things in a way that I actually haven't ever before. Idk if anyone else realized that too but some of the shit he sings about is actually so true and so awesome.

[@SoreEyeMusic]

To be Roger and having written all that hard-worked music i can imagine how annoying drunk, shouting, rowdy fans can be, when for him, its about the music alone. And of course the fact that the Floyd mainly had slow paced songs at that point, directed at listening rather than going crazy and having a party, made the whole thing a big misunderstanding. But i'm sure any band would love what they had at the time, so one can only feel a bit like Roger might've taken the whole thing for granted. But it's nice to see that he doesn't have that frame of mind anymore. Maybe he should write a proper hard rock album and spread some parties around the world? xD

[@clouddweller1195]

Mad Dek Without the fans.......eh,you sing to yourself in the street pal.

[@nox4298]

Cloud Dweller when did he ever dispute that?

[@lowandodor1150]

AS a musician who loves playing really quiet parts, i can assure you, it is so annoying, in even a tiny venue, there are like 30 people or so, most of them are there to listen and have an experience and then there is that one table or two guys, chatting away, getting drunk, not giving a shit about what is going on and it really destroys the mood....so i can understand him 100%. Playing in stadiums sounds like it's great, but unless you make meaningless "bang your head music and get drunk", it is pointless and meaningless pretty much. Unless you are fortunate enough, to have the audience all come for you and appreciate you and are so taken in by the show, that even in stadiums, like on The Wall show this last time around, it is an enjoyable experience for all.

[@fionaward8540]

Brilliant. Thank you. I have been a massive fan since my brother introduced me to them when I was about 14 years old. In later years he told me he sold all the albums he had. I went absolutely ballistic with him as I would have bought them from him if I had known. 😊

[@justsusan196]

Weird looking to gorgeous! I watched this all the way through and just smiled and smiled - can't believe how laid back he is now, and how funny.

[@CannonDigital]

Great interview. Oh how fans would love to see a world tour with Gilmour and Waters together. It's # 1 on my bucket list.

[@CMGBWCJBColdplay]

The concert was absolutely astonishing! i wish i get the opportunity to go to another one of Roger Water's shows! he is very right when he says that you have to watch the concert more than once to be able to grasp the whole concert! it was sublime!

[@BenCulture]

Wow, cool. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@JulietHeart]

I have purchased our tickets for the May 24th, 2012 show in Seattle!!!! This interview makes me even more excited!!! I waited too long to see Pink Floyd, but this seems even better now!!! Roger Waters is brilliant!!!!!!!

[@gongalicious]

I saw the show on may 3rd in austin, and I was definitely moved. It's an amazing show and I am so happy that many people around the country and globe have gotten to see it. Rock on Roger, you're great. -3

[@TylerVanner]

And unless you see it in the flesh the HD element to his projectons in the 20011 - 12 tour are absolutely incredible. Very crisp and clean and so vivid. It is truly mind blowing

[@JaneKellie-uh3mo]

This Roger Waters With Russ Williams Virgin Radio Interview Is So Calming Yet At the Same Time An Eye Opener To The Insights Of The Relative To Understanding Roger Pink Floyd Lyrics Over Just Handfuls Of Drunken Audience's Being Of Musically Just Something To Dance Or Screaming To. Thank-you for your sharing this interview with us. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@amazingpudding6359]

I love Roger Waters..a great man on every level.

[@Billy-Box]

I saw The Wall tonight in Stockholm - what a fantastic show! I love you, Roger.

[@Quinkermarine]

Great to see this genius talking about his show. I was real lucky and, purely by chance, got seats in the back section right in the middle, it was an unbelievable spectacle of music and sound, so much more interesting and relevant than the great Floyd shows of the 90s. Not to diminish them, they were the best shows around at the time.

[@shanejohnson7603]

One of the greatest musicians ever...his vision and artistic ability lends everything to his work...he has a catalogue of music that very few artists can match and now...in 2020...he manages to still be making relevant music and he is very English in every sense of the word 😷👌🏻

[@alansmith5560]

What browns me off is people go on about what great songwriters Lennon and McCartney, Jagger and Richards, Townsend were, this bloke never gets mentioned with them,he should!!

[@shanejohnson7603]

@@alansmith5560 Exactly...he was bombasted for moving into political waters excuse the pun...but he simply knew that he could do and didn't give a toss what anyone thought...they've tried to blacken his name but he speaks the truth...simply 👊🏻🥁👌🏻

[@alansmith5560]

@@shanejohnson7603 spot on, another great songwriter who doesn't get the recognition they deserve is Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, I'll just say this, I'd take a great songwriter over a great guitarist or bass player etc anytime, the lyrics make the song!

[@The90sGamingGuy]

I always thought most of the message of the wall was about Syd. Neat to find out the songs lyrics are about Roger. The Wall is an incredible album. This interview is very insightful. Pink Floyd as a band were in their prime in the 70's. They put out some remarkable albums with messages about topics that are still relevant today, and fans can still relate to them.

[@EphemeralProductions]

That part about the end about Dave wanting Roger to do the Phil Spector song and how Roger reacted, sounds so much like how good friends or family are with each other! That just proves to me how well Roger and Dave *do* know each other that they did that little thing. I think it's pretty cool! Their friendship may fire back up yet. :)

[@chriscatton705]

This is a great interview. Roger is so articulate and willing to tell the truth (it seems) and his descriptions bring you there. The Craig story is so good!! Thank you, Roger!

[@loombaron]

i just came from Roger concert, its amazing, you must see it

[@spektrum1983]

I have been a huge David Lynch fan for a long time, and also Pink Floyd. Always wondered if any of the Floyds appreciated Lynch or if Lynch liked Pink Floyds music. I still wonder.

[@Therealderry433]

Stfu

[@choosenone2die]

My seat was near the side stage in the stands. I was one of the few who concentrate on the lyrics of the song Pigs. Almost everyone was talking and popping firecrackers. Several fans stared at a guy sitting on the technical ring of the stadium with his legs hanging 200 feet in the air. That's when Roger stopped singing with his acoustic guitar and walked to the edge of the stage and decided to spit on a fan. Everybody was cheering. This is just a theory of mine but I think the puppet sitting on the wall represented this fan on the technical ring of the Olympic Stadium in Montreal in 1977, this Olympic stadium that we can see on the sleeve of the album The Wall.

[@Anacinc]

Now that's a great interview by a great interviewer and a majestic musician! I'm so glad I had the chance to see Mr Waters doing what he does best. Great man!

[@NeppyNeptune]

an actual decent interview with roger waters for once

[@HelpMeFindTheseSongs]

His first Howard Stern interview is fantastic. I recommend it.

[@munghi]

roger waters travelling down from clydebank Scotland to the 02 london wednesday 11 may cant wait to see my upmost favourite greatest muscian lyracist that ever stood time for me ty for all your work love and respect

[@teddybeartom]

i seen the second show in toronto and he is playing toronto again june 23 2012 and man i cant wait...this was a great interview i really enjoyed it

[@derhandtrommler]

great interview. Glad to hear that Rog is over his acrimony and frustration with Pink Floyd's last incarnation. I have watched the video of Gilmour performing with Waters on the tour and it's superb.

[@PajamasandMore]

What a great interview..thanks to Roger and the interviewer! AWESOME!!

[@IamSpartacus1984]

Great interview with a great man. I was there in Potsdammer Platz in 1990. Will never forget it.

[@ljuba_intp]

i cried when i heard that david will play comfortably numb on one of rogers shows!!! wish i could witness that!13. of april,zagreb,here i come!!!

[@ClassicalMarc]

I'm so excited to see this show tonight!

[@studavies2]

We saw David Gilmour repay his favour last night in the o2, there was barely a dry eye in the whole building! What an amazing show!!

[@sebastianward324]

Love listening to articulate artists

[@Tifflet]

lovely interview, thanks for sharing xx

[@lenbops]

i saw him on monday night in dublin........AMAZING!! roger you are a genuis

[@smurfu2]

Was at the opening night of the O2 shows in London. Amazing show.

[@bigals1000]

Just won 2 tickets from absolute radio today for the 11th cant wait

[@Stevesparks100]

Saw the show at the O2 last Tuesday, and it delivers all that Roger promised, and more. A once-in-a-lifetime kind of show.

[@hartry79]

Not if you did what I did and bought tickets for my whole family when he came back to play Wembley. Which was kind of weird since the hatred of stadium concerts inspired the whole thing...

[@BenCulture]

I like to imagine the guy Roger Waters spat on so long ago. I figure he must be dead, because he hasn't come forward and tried to make any money, or gain any attention, for being such a crucial figure in Pink Floyd's career! Or could he still be hiding it, ashamed of his own rowdy misbehavior that incurred Roger's wrath? Or, worse, did he sincerely idol-worship Roger, and the incident broke his very spirit? Have we had any fakers? Any jokers claiming to be that guy? What's UP with that guy?

[@kiddi3smalls]

Ben Culture this comment is gold my friend

[@lowandodor1150]

I've wondered about that guy myself over the years....perhaps he never washed his face again and that's why he doesn't go out anymore? who knows....

[@Trauma.Factory]

his voice is so........ awesome.

[@metaljoe9088]

None can better The Wall. It was crafted with perfection

[@genatzvalee]

I also saw a "picture" of Roger holding a "Division Bell" cover next to his face i.imgur.com/83KjgVO.png which is really witty. It was awesome when David and Roger found a way to get together and perform back in 2010 and 2011, it was sweet. It's too bad they started feuding again, especially considering what a dark period we're living through. I can only hope that after COVID pandemic is over they'll get an idea to perform together to raise money for pandemic relief or something.

[@lastdaysguitar]

@scubarulz Agreed, I went to the last Who concert in Minnesota and the girl next to us would not shut up, ruined half the show until she slipped that she didn't actually have tickets to be up front. THANK YOU USHERS!

[@AY-uf4oz]

I was at the Montreal Olympic Stadium show but have no memory of Roger shouting or spitting. My seats were up in the gods mind you. It was a revelation to read about the incident many years later.

[@thomtheriault]

I was at the Montreal show. I remember Roger yelling at the guy. Ha.

[@LouCataldo]

Damn lucky guy. :v

[@bosprocket]

me to

[@Therealderry433]

Sure you do

[@Therealderry433]

@@bosprocket sure you were

[@Therealderry433]

Iive seen pigs fly

[@TheMarek2010]

I saw them in 2007 Edmonton concert it was incredible

[@bghnv123]

Jus saw it yesterday. Amasing!!!!!

[@ArmanBaig]

VERY cool to see Roger mention John Lennon and John Bonham.

[@Mean2Mee]

im going in may cant wait!!!

[@tacomas9602]

to within 1/4'' wow thats impressive

[@LilithFilth]

Can't wait! :D

[@adrianbrowne7962]

The " Lesser Mortals " Not being the other members of Pink Floyd I was thinking in terms of members of the public who have always had " A Chip On There Shoulder about anyone who is " Remotely " Or in Waters Case " Extremely Talented " !!!! From Adrian Browne 1965

[@bocobob]

Such a brilliant writer

[@Timmy61317]

I would like to see The Wall made into a west end musical but in no way the typical happy go lucky musical gonra. A much more darker, grittier and agensed the 'machine' kind of gonra - aka what Pink Floyd is all about.

[@toastservant9542]

"gonra"

[@DoctorNuriel]

Going to see him 27th of May! Waters kicks major ASS

[@MrRonZiegler]

awesome interview great job

[@iamremmie]

Roger's looking good these days, not in the creepy way, but he's worn well

[@h273309]

cant wait to see him! its killing me

[@FrankieSmileShow]

22:01 WOA THERE, SPOILERS shiiiiit

[@BCS1105]

FrankieSmileShow 😂😂😂 Made Me Laugh.

[@boners2nite]

Great interview

[@bosprocket]

animals at olympic stadium in montreal, my first concert!

[@mojorisin7371]

Someone's intelligence hovering around room temperature 😂 Love Rogers humor, I've always thought him and Syd were the funniest intellect's of the band. Keep going Roger, your legend and a brilliant business man.

[@Therealderry433]

Have you always thought of syd and roger as the intellectuals of the band, TWAT.

[@mojorisin7371]

Why are your lips where your Ass use to be?

[@metallica11988]

Gonna see The Wall here in Chile, March 2, 2012 :D

[@c6quad3]

and moved you shall be! i'm so glad Roger is coming back to the states so i can see this absolutely mind blowing show again.

[@TheUnknownSoldier999]

Im going to add Roger on facebook right now

[@TylerVanner]

hn I ordered my ticket it was billed as Rogers farewell tour, but I could tell by the massive grin on his face when seeing him a year after that May 17th 2011 that he loved this mmore than ever. And Roger was just too bitter and educated as a youth. And was rightly angry at the world. and tht gave us Pink Floyd's lyriics as we know them. I can't wait to see Roger again. Blew pnk Floyd Lite's appearances by miles.

[@TacomaPaul]

Saw "Wall" in Tacoma Dome in Dec. 2010 sitting WAY back (have some vids... but many are better than mine), and am going to see again on May 24, 2012 in Seattle ! 11th row this time... and am going to WATCH the show instead of film it !

[@Vrilli]

I love this MAN

[@bigfootpegrande]

Legend indeed...

[@TheWtfcammiechannel]

EXCELENT INTERVIEW! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE THAT WILL HAVE THE PLEASURE TO SE HIM! UNFOURTUNATELY I CAN'T I'M ARGENTINIAN!

[@marifiwi]

Mirale na!! Que belloooooooooo! Como me encanta Pink Floyd!!!

[@apollomemories73]

Yes. Yes. Look for the title All Is Forgiven, as there's several bootlegs for this and they're not very good but this is much better.

[@Abonanno24601]

love the comment on 25:25 about Dave

[@ubelieveinme2oo]

Hi Roger!!

[@INDLIS]

The Final Cut was Roger's farewell album.

[@mikearchibald744]

Ah, those brief days when Roger and Dave were friendly for a while.

[@michaelschneider8144]

I am glad to see roger moving forward, but seriously sad to see he and david have'nt really come together. Regardless your views, for those of us at the original concerts in the 70's and 80's, the team isnt the team without david and the late roger white. The visuals are definitely classic PINK......but the lack of continuity with past memebers leaves a bit to be desired.

[@charlesdickinson4173]

Roger Waters O lived to see the Wall Live in Berlin

[@moecritter]

I get what he means about sitting farther back but i've seen the show 3 times and each time I keep trying to get a seat closer and closer so now I will be sitting front row just left of center at st. paul. I'm going not so much for the visuals, although i'm betting they changed them some because the previous shows I saw changes in less than a month, but rather to be able to watch the band playing up close. The wall is nothing without the players.