I think it’s entirely appropriate to talk about “egomania” as both a destructive and driving force in popular music. McCartney’s ego ended up ruining The Beatles, but not after powering them through multiple stupendous records. A band isn’t a social club. You are trying to achieve greatness. It takes a toll on everyone involved.
Thanks for the article, a nice read on a Sunday afternoon.
Roger Waters co-founded Pink Floyd with the inimitable Syd Barrett, and after Barrett’s slide into serious mental health issues Waters remained the bands driving force when they recorded their best music. I think it’s irresponsible for you to characterize Waters’ “egomania” as the “tipping point” in the band’s demise. Those albums which David Gilmour helmed and orchestrated later on after Waters quit Pink Floyd pale in comparison to the gems put forth by Syd Barrett and Roger Waters. Let’s not play the blame game. Most artists have large egos … and ego comes in all shapes and sizes….as do the egos of columnists who have the gall to label Roger Waters an egomaniac.
I think it’s entirely appropriate to talk about “egomania” as both a destructive and driving force in popular music. McCartney’s ego ended up ruining The Beatles, but not after powering them through multiple stupendous records. A band isn’t a social club. You are trying to achieve greatness. It takes a toll on everyone involved.
Thanks for the article, a nice read on a Sunday afternoon.
Roger Waters co-founded Pink Floyd with the inimitable Syd Barrett, and after Barrett’s slide into serious mental health issues Waters remained the bands driving force when they recorded their best music. I think it’s irresponsible for you to characterize Waters’ “egomania” as the “tipping point” in the band’s demise. Those albums which David Gilmour helmed and orchestrated later on after Waters quit Pink Floyd pale in comparison to the gems put forth by Syd Barrett and Roger Waters. Let’s not play the blame game. Most artists have large egos … and ego comes in all shapes and sizes….as do the egos of columnists who have the gall to label Roger Waters an egomaniac.