Living the life of a rock star might seem glamorous, but financially, it’s far from practical. While many dream of traveling the world as a wealthy musician, the reality is that the costs add up quickly—studio time, promoters, elaborate stage setups—all of which take a serious toll on an artist’s earnings. Most musicians experience financial struggles at some point, especially early in their careers. However, as David Gilmour became more seasoned in the industry, he developed a keen sense for when money was being spent recklessly.
Many artists don’t recognize their own financial missteps until it’s too late—whether it’s from extravagant spending or self-destructive habits. While plenty of musicians turn to excess to cope with the pressures of fame, Gilmour managed to maintain a level-headed approach. Though he wasn’t entirely opposed to getting high, he understood the dangers that came with drug use, particularly after witnessing the tragic decline of Pink Floyd’s original frontman, Syd Barrett. Barrett’s struggles served as a cautionary tale, reinforcing Gilmour’s awareness of the pitfalls that came with unchecked indulgence.
As Pink Floyd evolved after Dark Side of the Moon, internal tensions grew, especially when Roger Waters took control over creative decisions. Waters had every right to shape the band’s artistic direction, particularly regarding the meaning behind his lyrics. However, by the time they reached The Wall, their live performances had transformed into elaborate theatrical productions, complete with massive set pieces—including an actual wall built and dismantled on stage each night. While visually striking, such ambitious designs came at an astronomical cost.
Staging The Wall live required millions of dollars, even for a limited number of shows. Though the production was undeniably groundbreaking, Gilmour later reflected on the extravagance of it all, especially after parting ways with Waters in the 1980s. As he moved forward, he remained aware of similar excesses in the industry. The rise of MTV ushered in an era where music videos and live performances became increasingly elaborate, often prioritizing spectacle over substance. Gilmour had seen firsthand how easily money could be wasted, and he was never shy about calling it out.