Roger Waters Biography

George Roger Waters is a British singer, songwriter, composer and bassist. He co-founded the legendary rock band Pink Floyd, in 1965. In 1984 he decided to pursue a solo career, which spawned three concept albums and rock opera. He is currently working on a fifth solo album, Is This the Life We Really Want?, due for 2017. His The Wall Live tour, between 2010 and 2011, turned out to be the highest-grossing of all time by a solo artist.

The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking & Radio K.A.O.S.

In 1984, just before leaving Pink Floyd, Waters released his first solo album, The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking. It told the story of a confused and fearful man on a road trip, approaching the subjects of midlife crisis and adultery. The gold-certified album peaked at number 31 on the Billboard 200.

After three years, he released another concept album, Radio K.A.O.S. This time he focused on politics, monetarism, popular culture and war. The album introduces Billy, a mentally and physically disabled character, forced to move in with his uncle after his anarchist brother went to prison. The story is told in the form of a dialogue between Billy and a DJ from radio KAOS.

Amused to Death & Ça Ira

In 1992, Waters reached top 10 in the UK and 21 in the US with his next solo album, Amused to Death. The album’s cover featured a chimpanzee watching TV – as “a symbol for anyone who’s been sitting with his mouth open in front of the network and cable news”, explained Waters. The album’s construction meant to create the impression of switching channels. It mocked the way media brainwashes people, the shallowness of today’s values, but also politics and war.

Furthermore, in 2005, the artist released a rock opera, titled Ca Ira. The 3-part composition was based on a French libretto about the French Revolution.

Photo source: Counterpunch