The creation of ‘Comfortably Numb’ was a very challenging process for Pink Floyd. It caused great fights and controversies between Pink Floyd co-founder and bassist, Roger Waters and another co-founder and guitarist and co-lead vocalist, David Gilmour. Eventually, one of the greatest songs of the band was created and left a great story behind it.
‘Comfortably Numb’ was first created and performed by David Gilmour in recording sessions for his debut solo studio album entitled ‘David Gilmour.’ The song was a wordless demo in the beginning and Roger Waters decided to write the lyrics of the song. That’s why it wasn’t released on his solo album. Instead, ‘Comfortably Numb’ became a track of Pink Floyd’s eleventh album, ‘The Wall.’
This collaboration for ‘Comfortably Numb’ led to a great controversy between Gilmour and Waters. While working on a rhythm track, Waters liked what they had done however Gilmour wanted to change it and re-cut the drum from the track. This time, Waters didn’t like this version. It was hard to find a common idea for them. According to Pink Floyd’s producer, Bob Ezrin, the creation of the song also turned into a great rivalry between them.
Gilmour wanted to record a harder version solo guitar performance of the song while Waters preferred the orchestral version. They finally agreed on recording the song as both the orchestral and hard guitar solo of Gilmour. From this agree to disagree status, one of the masterpieces of rock music, ‘Comfortably Numb’ came about. Moreover, the story of the song took place in Mark Blake’s book, ‘Comfortably Numb: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd, Gilmour.’
You can listen to the song below.
