Originally posted by rwingett
Pink Floyd had barely gotten started when Syd left. If they had disbanded at that time they would have been almost completely forgotten. Their fame and financial success came primarily during the post Barrett years. Gilmour's shameless clinging to the Pink Floyd name was an attempt to keep milking that cow for all it was worth. Experience had shown him that nt for Barrett. The person with the least claim to the Pink Floyd name, therefore, is Gilmour.
Pink Floyd had barely gotten started when Syd left. If they had disbanded at that time they would have been almost completely forgotten.
I'm just sayin', Syd came up with the band's name and was the primary songwriter until his LSD induced schizophrenia kicked in. It is therefore more accurate to say that Pink Floyd, in its original form, ceased to exist the moment Syd left. There is a reason why they didn't come up with a new band name, because it was Syd's songwriting which put them on the map in the first place.
Gilmour's shameless clinging to the Pink Floyd name was an attempt to keep milking that cow for all it was worth.
It was no different what Roger and Co. did to Syd. Just because one guy goes insane or doesn't want to play anymore doesn't mean everyone should have to stop. That was the band's rationale in each case, and I think it is a legitimate point.
Waters, despite his personal flaws, at least had the integrity to embark upon a solo career.
If you remember, Roger Waters was also guilty of using Pink Floyd as a front for his own solo career. Animals, The Wall, and the Final Cut were basically Roger Waters solo albums. Benefiting from Gilmour's magic guitar, of course.
Plus, it should not be forgotten that Waters was an original member of the band. Gilmour, on the other hand, was brought in as a replacement for Barrett. The person with the least claim to the Pink Floyd name, therefore, is Gilmour.
It wasn't like Gilmour was some schmo off the street. He was best friends with Syd Barrett. Also, for a short period of time Pink Floyd was a five person unit: Nick Mason, Richard Wright, Syd Barrett, Roger Water and David Gilmour.