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Roger Waters

Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and political activist best known as a co-founder of Pink Floyd.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and political activist best known as a co-founder of Pink Floyd. He served as the band’s bassist and, after Syd Barrett’s departure, became its principal lyricist and conceptual leader before leaving in 1985. He later pursued a solo career.

Early life

Roger Waters was born George Roger Waters on 6 September 1943 in Great Bookham, Surrey, England. He grew up in England before becoming involved in the London music scene.

Pink Floyd

Waters co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965. After Syd Barrett’s departure in 1968, he became the band’s principal lyricist and conceptual leader, helping shape its later direction.

Solo career

Waters left Pink Floyd in 1985 and then pursued a solo career. He has released solo albums and toured extensively as a solo performer.

Public activity

In addition to music, Waters is known for political activism. His public statements and advocacy have often attracted attention alongside his musical career.

Key facts

  • Co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 as the band’s bassist.
  • Became Pink Floyd’s principal lyricist and conceptual leader after Syd Barrett left in 1968.
  • Left Pink Floyd in 1985 and continued as a solo artist.
  • Is widely identified with Pink Floyd albums such as The Wall.
  • Has also been publicly active in political and social causes.
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Canadian context

Roger Waters has toured internationally and has a long-standing audience in Canada as part of Pink Floyd’s global legacy and his solo work.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Roger Waters?
Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and political activist best known as a founding member of Pink Floyd.
What was Roger Waters’s role in Pink Floyd?
He was the band’s bassist and later became its principal lyricist and conceptual leader.
When did Roger Waters leave Pink Floyd?
He left Pink Floyd in 1985.
What is Roger Waters’s birth name?
His birth name is George Roger Waters.
What is Roger Waters known for besides Pink Floyd?
He is also known for his solo music career and political activism.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Waters
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, Pink Floyd co-founding, role after 1968, departure in 1985.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Roger-Waters
    Supports: Birthplace, nationality, role in Pink Floyd, solo career after 1985.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0914166/bio/
    Supports: Birth details and selected biographical information.