David Gilmour’s Thoughts on Selling the Pink Floyd Catalogue
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, David Gilmour revealed his ongoing interest in selling Pink Floyd’s catalogue, which would allow him to step away from the creative disagreements that have plagued the iconic prog-rock band. This idea of parting with Pink Floyd’s vast music collection has been on the table since 2022, but negotiations stalled after bassist Roger Waters made comments regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Despite the setback, Gilmour has now shared that selling Pink Floyd’s catalogue is still “in discussion.” The deal could bring in hundreds of millions for the band, but for Gilmour, the financial gain isn’t the driving factor. His primary goal is to remove himself from the persistent disputes within the group, which he described as a “mud bath.”
Why David Gilmour Wants to Sell Pink Floyd’s Catalogue
While selling Pink Floyd’s catalogue could result in a huge payday, David Gilmour has made it clear that the potential financial windfall isn’t what motivates him. Instead, Gilmour seeks to distance himself from the ongoing creative disputes within the band. He explained, “To be rid of the decision-making and arguments that are involved with keeping it going is my dream.”
Pink Floyd’s internal decision-making process operates on a veto system, according to Gilmour. He said, “You could say it’s three people saying yes, but one person saying no.” This structure has made it difficult for the band to make unanimous decisions, contributing to Gilmour’s desire to step away.
Selling the Pink Floyd catalogue would mirror similar moves by other legendary artists. For example, Bruce Springsteen sold his catalogue to Sony Music Publishing for $500 million in 2021, while Stevie Nicks sold an 80 percent stake in her music in 2020. The trend of iconic musicians selling their back catalogues has been growing in recent years, as artists seek to capitalize on their lifelong works.
David Gilmour’s Focus on Solo Projects Amid Catalogue Sale Talks
While Gilmour contemplates the sale of Pink Floyd’s catalogue, he’s also focusing on his solo career. His latest album, Luck and Strange, is set to release on September 6th, marking his fifth solo studio album and his first in nearly a decade since 2015’s Rattle That Lock.
Gilmour’s wife, Polly Samson, who has contributed lyrics for Pink Floyd in the past, collaborated on this new album as well. Additionally, the album includes contributions from the late Richard Wright, Pink Floyd’s keyboardist, giving it a personal connection to the band’s history.
Despite these solo endeavors, Gilmour hasn’t completely closed the door on Pink Floyd. “I never say never,” he noted, leaving fans with a glimmer of hope for a possible return to the iconic group at some point in the future.
Conclusion
David Gilmour’s potential sale of Pink Floyd’s catalogue represents a significant moment in the band’s legacy, allowing him to step away from the ongoing disputes that have long affected their decision-making process. While he remains focused on his solo work, Gilmour’s comments suggest that Pink Floyd’s future is still open-ended. Whether or not the catalogue sale happens, fans can look forward to Gilmour’s new music and the possibility of a return to the band at some point.
