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Portrait of Roger Waters

Photo: Eddie Berman · CC BY 2.0

Roger Waters

Vocal Advocate for Palestinian Rights

Friend of PalestineNot Palestinian, and stood with Palestine
Born
6 September 1943
Born in
Great Bookham, Surrey, England
Read Roger’s story2 videosAsk about Roger

Why Roger is here

His outspoken support for Palestinian human rights and advocacy against Israeli policies.

Their story

Roger Waters, born in Surrey, England, in 1943, co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 and became its main lyricist, writing much of The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall before leaving the band in 1985. He has toured as a solo artist ever since.

After visiting the West Bank in 2006, where he wrote "We don't need no thought control" on Israel's separation wall, he became one of the leading voices of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. He has spent years urging other musicians not to play in Israel until Palestinians are free.

In pictures

Milestones

The moments that shaped Roger’s path.

  1. Co-founding Pink Floyd, one of the most popular rock bands of all time.

  2. Using his concerts to project images of the Separation Wall and highlight the plight of Palestinians.

  3. Publicly endorsed the BDS movement in March 2011, following his 2006 visit to the West Bank.

    Watch

  4. Speaking at various forums and events, such as the University of Massachusetts Amherst event on Palestinian Human Rights.

  5. Continuously advocating for Palestinian rights during his North American tour despite facing protests and accusations of anti-Semitism.

    Watch

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Publicly wearing a Palestinian kheffiyeh during performances to show solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

  2. Incorporating political activism into his music and concerts, such as projecting names and photos of political prisoners and slain journalists on screens during his performances.

  3. Vocal criticism of Israeli policies and advocacy for Palestinian human rights in various international forums.

  4. Educating audiences about the situation in Palestine through his music, lyrics, and public statements.

  5. Supporting BDS and advocating against the Israeli occupation in Palestine.

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Watch & listen

Roger in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Watch on YouTube↗

  • 02Watch on YouTube↗

Further reading

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