Roger Waters, former member of Pink Floyd, has ended his publishing arrangement with BMG, the record label he partnered with in 2016. This decision arose after BMG appointed Thomas Coesfeld as CEO on July 1st, 2023. Notably, Waters’ latest rendition of Pink Floyd’s iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon, was not released through BMG.
Waters has often found himself embroiled in controversy, such as the cancellation of his concert in Frankfurt last year due to allegations of antisemitism, which he vehemently denies. During a podcast appearance on Glenn Greenwald’s show in November, Waters claimed he was “fired” from BMG. His comments regarding a Hamas terrorist attack on an Israeli music festival in October 2023 stirred further controversy.
Accusations of antisemitism against Waters intensified with the release of a documentary titled The Dark Side of Roger Waters by the Campaign Against Antisemitism in September. Former Pink Floyd producer Bob Ezrin alleged that Waters used derogatory language towards the band’s manager, Bryan Morrison. Saxophonist Norbert Stachel accused Waters of disrespectful behavior towards his Jewish heritage.
In response, Waters vehemently denied any antisemitic intent and emphasized his belief in equality and justice for all people. The separation from BMG adds another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding Waters’ controversial remarks and allegations against him. As the music industry grapples with the intersection of art, personal beliefs, and societal expectations, Waters’ departure from BMG prompts reflection on the delicate balance between artistic expression and its consequences.