‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason’: The Pink Floyd Album Roger Waters Dismissed as ‘A Clever Forgery’ and the Rift That Defined an Era
In the pantheon of rock music, few bands carry the cultural weight of Pink Floyd. Known for their groundbreaking albums like The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall, Pink Floyd became synonymous with innovation, introspection, and larger-than-life concepts. But behind the scenes, the band was a cauldron of creative tension, particularly between bassist and lyricist Roger Waters and guitarist and vocalist David Gilmour.
One of the most contentious moments in the band’s history came with the release of A Momentary Lapse of Reason in 1987. The album was the first to be released after Waters left the band, marking the beginning of a new era for Pink Floyd—but also igniting a firestorm of criticism from Waters himself, who famously dismissed the record as “a clever forgery.” This remark would encapsulate the acrimony between the two musicians and the broader debate about what Pink Floyd truly represented in the absence of its former creative leader.
The Departure of Roger Waters
To understand the significance of A Momentary Lapse of Reason, one must first revisit the tumultuous events that led to Roger Waters’ departure. By the early 1980s, Waters had assumed near-total creative control over Pink Floyd. While this dominance resulted in masterpieces like The Wall and the ambitious but polarizing The Final Cut, it also alienated his bandmates, particularly Gilmour and drummer Nick Mason.
Tensions reached a breaking point in 1985 when Waters declared that Pink Floyd was “a spent force creatively” and left the band. Believing that the group could not continue without him, Waters sought to legally dissolve the band. However, Gilmour and Mason fought back, arguing that Pink Floyd was larger than any single member and had every right to continue. The ensuing legal battle was bitter and public, with fans and critics taking sides in the feud.
The Making of ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason’
Determined to prove that Pink Floyd could thrive without Waters, David Gilmour spearheaded the creation of A Momentary Lapse of Reason. The album marked a significant departure from the band’s traditional collaborative approach. Gilmour brought in a host of outside contributors, including lyricist Anthony Moore, producer Bob Ezrin, and session musicians, to craft the record.
The result was an album that bore many of the hallmarks of Pink Floyd’s signature sound: lush production, atmospheric guitar work, and introspective themes. Tracks like “Learning to Fly” and “On the Turning Away” became staples of the band’s live performances, while the instrumental opener “Signs of Life” evoked the cinematic quality that fans had come to expect.
Yet, the album’s creation was far from smooth. Critics and fans alike noted the absence of Waters’ incisive lyricism and conceptual ambition. Gilmour himself later admitted that A Momentary Lapse of Reason felt more like a solo album than a true Pink Floyd record.
Roger Waters’ Reaction: “A Clever Forgery”
When A Momentary Lapse of Reason was released, it debuted to commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart and selling millions of copies worldwide. However, the critical reception was mixed, with many reviewers praising the production but questioning its artistic depth.
Roger Waters, for his part, was scathing in his assessment. In interviews, he derided the album as “a clever forgery,” suggesting that it imitated the Pink Floyd sound without capturing its essence. Waters argued that the album lacked the conceptual coherence and emotional depth that had defined the band’s earlier work, attributing these shortcomings to his absence.
“The band I knew and loved no longer existed,” Waters declared. “What’s left is a brand, not a creative force.”
Waters’ criticism extended beyond the music itself. He accused Gilmour and Mason of exploiting the Pink Floyd name for commercial gain, a charge that deepened the animosity between the former bandmates.
The Fans’ Perspective: Divided Loyalties
The release of A Momentary Lapse of Reason forced Pink Floyd’s fanbase to grapple with a fundamental question: Could the band truly exist without Roger Waters? For some, the album was a welcome return to the atmospheric soundscapes that had made Pink Floyd legendary, even if it lacked the conceptual ambition of albums like The Wall. For others, it felt like a hollow attempt to recapture past glories, an album that sounded like Pink Floyd but didn’t feel like Pink Floyd.
The divide among fans mirrored the broader tension between Waters and Gilmour. Supporters of Waters viewed him as the heart and soul of the band, the visionary whose ideas had elevated Pink Floyd to greatness. Supporters of Gilmour, on the other hand, saw him as the musical backbone of the group, the man who brought Waters’ often esoteric concepts to life through his evocative guitar work and melodic sensibilities.
The Legacy of ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason’
Despite the controversy surrounding its release, A Momentary Lapse of Reason has carved out its own place in Pink Floyd’s storied history. The album’s success paved the way for the band’s triumphant world tour, which featured elaborate stage productions that rivaled those of their 1970s heyday. The tour also marked the beginning of a new chapter for Pink Floyd, one that saw the band reclaim its status as a live juggernaut.
In the years since its release, A Momentary Lapse of Reason has been reassessed by critics and fans alike. While it may never achieve the iconic status of albums like The Dark Side of the Moon or Wish You Were Here, it is increasingly recognized as an important transitional work—a record that kept the Pink Floyd name alive during a period of uncertainty.
In 2019, the album received a remixed and updated edition as part of The Later Years box set. This version, overseen by Gilmour and Mason, aimed to bring the record closer to the band’s original vision, stripping away some of the 1980s production flourishes and re-recording certain parts to enhance its coherence.
Reconciliation and the Enduring Rift
In the decades since the release of A Momentary Lapse of Reason, the relationship between Waters and Gilmour has remained fraught. Occasional reunions, such as their performance at Live 8 in 2005, have offered glimpses of reconciliation, but these moments have been fleeting.
For Roger Waters, the album remains a sore point—a symbol of what he sees as the commodification of Pink Floyd’s legacy. For David Gilmour and Nick Mason, it represents a testament to their resilience and determination to carry on in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, A Momentary Lapse of Reason is more than just an album; it is a reflection of one of the most compelling narratives in rock history—a story of creative brilliance, personal conflict, and the enduring power of music.
Conclusion: A Band Divided, a Legacy Untarnished
The debate over A Momentary Lapse of Reason is unlikely to ever be resolved, much like the feud between Roger Waters and David Gilmour. Yet, the album’s place in Pink Floyd’s history is secure. It stands as a testament to the band’s ability to adapt and evolve, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
For fans, the album is a reminder of the complexities of artistic collaboration and the enduring allure of Pink Floyd’s music—a legacy that continues to captivate listeners, long after the final chord has faded.
