Roger Waters, the English musician and co-founder of Pink Floyd, remains one of rock music’s most influential and divisive figures. Known for his conceptual ambition and lyrical depth on albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, Waters has also built a reputation as a vocal political activist. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $310 million, and at 81 years old, he continues to tour and generate headlines for his outspoken views.
Born George Roger Waters on 6 September 1943 in Great Bookham, Surrey, he co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 alongside Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright. After Barrett’s departure in 1968, Waters became the band’s principal lyricist and conceptual leader, driving their most critically acclaimed work. His departure from Pink Floyd in 1985 led to a protracted legal battle over the band’s name, but his legacy as a musician remains secure.
Waters stands 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) tall and has been married multiple times, though his current marital status is a matter of conflicting reports. His political activism, particularly his pro-Palestinian stance and criticism of Israeli policy, has drawn both praise and accusations of antisemitism, making him a polarising presence decades after Pink Floyd’s peak.
Who Is Roger Waters? The Pink Floyd Co-Founder’s Biography
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | George Roger Waters |
| Born | 6 September 1943 (age 81) |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $310 million |
Key insights about Roger Waters
- He is the chief lyricist and conceptual driver behind Pink Floyd’s landmark albums The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall.
- Waters left Pink Floyd in 1985 and has since released four solo studio albums, the most recent being Is This the Life We Really Want? (2017).
- His net worth of approximately $310 million places him among the wealthiest rock musicians globally, with the bulk coming from Pink Floyd royalties and touring.
- He has been married four times according to some sources, with children from three of those marriages; his current spouse is not definitively confirmed in recent records.
- Waters remains actively political, organising a petition in 2019 to block Israel from hosting Eurovision and making comments on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that alienated some fans.
- As of mid-2026, no official 2025 tour dates have been announced, though his previous This Is Not a Drill tour extended into 2024–2025.
Snapshot facts
| Category | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Birthplace | Great Bookham, Surrey, England | National Today |
| Career Start | 1965 (co-founded Pink Floyd) | Wikipedia |
| Signature Work | The Wall (1979 album) | CelebrityNetWorth |
| Political Stance | Pro-Palestine, anti-war, socialist-leaning | HotNewHipHop |
| Current Tour | No confirmed 2025 tour; This Is Not a Drill legs ran into 2024–2025 | CelebrityNetWorth |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | Healthy Celeb |
| Net Worth (2025) | $310 million | Parade |
| Spouse (ambiguous) | Married to Laurie Durning (2012–2015 divorce filed); earlier wives Judith Trim, Carolyne Christie, Priscilla Phillips | BoomsBeat |
What Are Roger Waters’ Most Famous Songs and Albums?
Pink Floyd’s Iconic Albums
Waters wrote or co-wrote the lyrics for most of Pink Floyd’s best-known work. The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with Waters contributing lyrics to tracks such as “Money” and “Time.” Wish You Were Here (1975) features the title track and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” a tribute to Syd Barrett. Animals (1977) and The Wall (1979) are concept albums built around Waters’ increasingly personal and political themes.
Solo Work
After leaving Pink Floyd, Waters released several solo albums, including The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking (1984), Radio K.A.O.S. (1987), and Amused to Death (1992). His most recent studio album, Is This the Life We Really Want?, appeared in 2017 after a 25-year hiatus.
Signature Songs
Key songs associated with Waters include “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2),” “Comfortably Numb,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Money,” and “Time.” All were either written or co-written by Waters during his tenure with Pink Floyd.
According to Mabumbe and CelebrityNetWorth, Waters is the principal lyricist on Pink Floyd’s most commercially successful albums. His songwriting royalties form the largest portion of his estimated $310 million net worth.
What Is Roger Waters Doing Now? Tour, News, and Politics in 2025
Touring Status
As of mid-2026, no confirmed Roger Waters tour dates for 2025 have been announced. His previous This Is Not a Drill tour, which began in 2022, included legs stretching into 2024–2025, but no new 2025 schedule has been made public. Venue contracts and the political climate have reportedly complicated planning.
Political Activism and Controversy
Waters has long been a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy and the Israeli government. He organised an unsuccessful 2019 petition to block Israel from hosting Eurovision due to the Palestinian conflict. His comments on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also alienated some fans. In November 2023, BMG cut ties with him; Waters claimed pro-Israel groups pressured the decision. Critics have labelled his anti-Zionist stance as antisemitic, a charge he denies.
Waters’ political views have led to professional repercussions, including lost recording deals and reduced radio airplay in some markets. At the same time, his activism has earned him support from pro-Palestinian groups and anti-war movements. HotNewHipHop notes that he remains one of rock’s most divisive public figures.
For current information on Roger Waters’ touring and public statements, the official site rogerwaters.com remains the primary source. Independent coverage is available through music news outlets and his verified social media channels.
How Did Roger Waters’ Career Unfold? Key Milestones
- 1943 – Born in Great Bookham, Surrey, England. (Source: National Today)
- 1965 – Co-founds Pink Floyd with Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright. (Source: Wikipedia)
- 1979 – Releases The Wall, a double album that becomes one of the best-selling records in history. (Source: CelebrityNetWorth)
- 1985 – Leaves Pink Floyd and begins a legal battle over the band’s name. (Source: Mabumbe)
- 1999–2002 – Tours extensively and releases the album Amused to Death. (Source: CelebrityNetWorth)
- 2023 – Pink Floyd releases “Hey Hey Rise Up,” the band’s first new song in 28 years, incorporating a Waters vocal sample. (Source: IMDb)
- 2024–2025 – This Is Not a Drill tour continues; Waters remains politically active. (Source: CelebrityNetWorth)
What Do We Know for Certain—and What Remains Unclear About Roger Waters?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Roger Waters co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 and wrote lyrics for The Wall. | Exact net worth figures vary by source; $310 million is the most consistent recent estimate. |
| He was born 6 September 1943 in Great Bookham, Surrey. | Details of his next album are unconfirmed. |
| His height is 6 ft 3 in (191 cm). | His current marital status is ambiguous; sources disagree on whether he is married to Laurie Durning, Priscilla Phillips, or another partner. |
| He is a vocal pro-Palestinian activist and has been accused of antisemitism. | His future touring schedule depends on venue contracts and political climates. |
Where Does Roger Waters Stand in Music and Political History?
Waters occupies a dual role as both an iconic musician and a polarising activist. His legacy with Pink Floyd is secure: the band’s albums remain perennial bestsellers, and his songwriting is studied in music schools. Yet his solo work and political statements often overshadow recent tours. At 81, he is one of the few legacy rock stars still performing large-scale shows, maintaining high production values and unapologetic political messaging.
The controversy surrounding his views—particularly on Israel and Ukraine—has cost him professional relationships but also solidified his status as a figure who uses his platform for advocacy, whether one agrees with him or not. This tension between art and activism defines his public identity today, much as it did during Pink Floyd’s most provocative years.
What Do Authoritative Sources Say About Roger Waters?
“George Roger Waters (born 6 September 1943) is an English singer-songwriter, musician and political activist.”
“English rock musician, singer-songwriter & composer. Best known as bass player, co-lead vocalist, lyricist & principal songwriter in the rock band Pink Floyd.”
Further biographical details come from BoomsBeat and Healthy Celeb, which provide height, family, and career facts. Financial estimates are consolidated by Parade and HotNewHipHop.
What’s Next for Roger Waters?
Fans should watch for possible 2025 tour dates in the U.S. and Europe, though none have been officially confirmed. New solo music could emerge, and Waters is likely to continue making political statements, especially ahead of the 2025 elections. Ongoing legal and PR skirmishes regarding his comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict may also shape his public appearances. For a similar deep dive into another British musician’s career, read our Richard Ashcroft – Biography, Net Worth and Latest Album.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roger Waters
How tall is Roger Waters?
He is 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) tall, according to Healthy Celeb and National Today.
Who is Roger Waters married to currently?
His current marital status is uncertain. He married Laurie Durning in 2012 and she filed for divorce in 2015. Some older sources list Priscilla Phillips as his wife. There is no definitive 2025–2026 update.
What is Roger Waters’ most famous song?
“Comfortably Numb” is often cited, followed by “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2).” Both were written or co-written by Waters during his Pink Floyd years.
What are Roger Waters’ political views?
He is a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, critical of Israeli policy, and identifies as a socialist. Critics have accused him of antisemitism, which he denies.
How many children does Roger Waters have?
He has three biological children: Harry Waters (musician) with Carolyne Christie, India Waters (model) with Carolyne Christie, and Jack Waters with Priscilla Phillips.
Why did BMG cut ties with Roger Waters in 2023?
BMG ended its relationship with Waters in November 2023 amid controversy over his political statements. Waters claimed pro-Israel groups pressured the decision.
Is Roger Waters touring in 2025?
As of mid-2026, no official 2025 tour dates have been announced. His previous This Is Not a Drill tour ran through 2024–2025.
What is Roger Waters’ net worth?
Most recent sources estimate his net worth at $310 million, primarily from Pink Floyd royalties and touring.
Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering culture, entertainment, lifestyle, events, media trends and consumer features.