Legendary Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters recently spoke out in an interview with Meron Mendel for Der Spiegel, sending a clear message that he is unafraid of being canceled and will fight for his right to free speech and his stance on human rights. Waters has been facing backlash due to his outspoken political views, leading to the cancellation of multiple shows in Germany. The musician now gives an ultimatum, vowing to fight any further attempts to cancel his concerts.
To understand the context of Waters’ recent statements, it’s essential to look at the series of events that unfolded in recent months. His concerts in Germany faced cancellation due to allegations of antisemitism, fueled in part by his criticism of the Israeli government’s actions towards Palestine. Roger Waters has been caught in the crossfire of controversy, with even his former Pink Floyd bandmate David Gilmour’s wife, Polly Samson, accusing him of antisemitism and being a Putin apologist.
Despite the criticism, the musician remains undeterred in expressing his political opinions. In the interview, Waters addressed the accusations of antisemitism and the complexities of human rights issues in Israel. He insisted that human rights should apply universally without distinguishing between countries or communities.
Waters went on to express his passion for the cause and willingness to put his career on the line for his beliefs. He said he is among the few in his industry who have stood up against injustice – regardless of the consequences. He stressed that they can attempt to cancel all his concerts in Germany, but he’ll surely take them to court. According to the musician, the message it sends to the world is that Germans don’t value human rights and freedom of expression.
Meron Mendel remarked:
“Can’t you empathize with Israel’s certain concerns? Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. All around it are states that are hostile to Israel. Wouldn’t it be helpful to get Israelis to engage in dialogue?”
To which Roger Waters responded:
“Meron, you sound like a very old, very, very broken record. That’s why I’m making movements here – like I’m pulling my hair out. No, it’s not complicated! Either we believe in equal human rights, or we don’t. You can’t say: ‘Of course, the Rohingya in Myanmar! Of course, the blacks in South Africa! But in Israel? No! Jews live there…,’ there is the Jewish state; it’s complicated.”
He added:
“Well, I am a passionate man, and this issue grieves me deeply. That’s why I’m in the firing line; that’s why my career could be on the line. Because I’m one of the few people in my business, who stands up for what he believes in – whatever happens.
For all I care, they can try to cancel every concert I do in Germany. I will fight them in court. It’s a tragedy for Germany that they even try. Because the message to the world is: ‘We Germans don’t care about human rights and freedom of expression.'”
The Pink Floyd icon has faced multiple concert cancellations in Germany, while comedian Katie Halper started a petition to reverse the decision. Many prominent figures, including Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason, Eric Clapton, and former Genesis singer Peter Gabriel, have shown their support for Waters by signing the petition.
The bassist remains committed to his stance on human rights and freedom of expression, issuing an ultimatum in the face of controversy and potential career repercussions. As the debate around his political views and concert cancellations continues, the legendary musician makes it clear that he will not back down without a fight.
