REG News from 1995 to 1997

Recently, in answer to my queries as to information about when Roger Waters might once more begin touring, Roger's manager, Mark Fenwick, again contacted me with the following: "Dear Michael, Thankyou for your latest edition of REG. Roger has no plans to tour in 1995. Should there be any change in the agenda I will let you know."

So there you have it REG members. It is distressing news to all of us who are waiting both patiently and impatiently for Roger to tour. Are we being too impatient? I think not. We are just a bunch of devoted fan(atic)s... who are going insane with expectation and anticipation. Perhaps, we will all have the opportunity to attend the Broadway version of The Wall first, and hopefully soon after, see Roger in concert on tour.

Waters Tribute by Geesin

"I wrote to Ron Geesin to get his view on the Music From the Body article in REG #8. He thought the article was fine. He also mentioned a new re-issue CD which might interest the members of REG.

Ron Geesin stated that he will be releasing a new re-issue CD coming out on Cleopatra Records (USA) entitled "As He Stands." It will include a track called "To Roger Waters Wherever You Are." This track will also be included on a Pink Floyd type tribute CD also on Cleopatra Records, to be issued here by Cherry Red Records."

The Wall at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The Wall

In the Old Days, pre-Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd played to audiences which, by virtue of their size, allowed an intimacy of connection that was magical.

However, success overtook us and by 1977 we were playing in football stadiums. The magic, crushed beneath the weight of numbers. We were becoming addicted to the trappings of popularity.

I found myself increasingly alienated in that atmosphere of avarice and ego until one night in the Olympic Stadium, Montreal, the boil of my frustrations burst.

Some crazed teenage fan was clawing his way up the storm netting that separated us from the human cattle pen in front of the stage screaming his devotion to the demi-gods beyond his reach.

Incensed by his misunderstanding and my own connivance, I spat my frustration in his face.

Later that night; back at the hotel shocked by my behavior I was faced with a choice.

To deny my addiction and embrace that "comfortably numb" but "magic-less" existence or accept the burden of insight, take the road less travelled and embark on the often painful journey to discover who I was and where I fit. The Wall was the picture I drew for myself to help me make that choice.

Roger Waters
Summer, 1995

Now forever imortalized at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum, Pink Floyd the progressive rock band, founded by Syd Barrett and Roger Waters is truly legend forever in the annals of music history.

It was Roger Waters, the bands leader, head songwriter, lyicist, singer, bass player, and creative genius who was mostly responsible for Pink Floyd's popularity and rise to stardom. Roger Waters' song and lyric writing ability, together with the fantastic and unique guitar style of the band's lead guitarist David Gilmour, rocketed Pink Floyd into a dimention of fame and renown unprecidentded in Rock and Roll history.

Under the leadership of Syd Barret in the late 1960's, the band became a bastion of psychedelia, and musical experimentation.

With Roger at the helm, Pink Floyd became a symbol and anthem of the anti-establishment youth movement of the 1970's. For this distinction the band Pink Floyd became Rock superstar Icons and legend in their own time.

Roger Waters not in attendance at Hall of Fame induction

There have been many and rampant rumors concerning an imminent tour or concert by Roger Waters. One such rumor suggested Roger had traveled several times to the Grand Canyon and was planning to do a concert there in late July, early August. In answer REG sources responded; "Roger has made no deliberate visits to the Grand Canyon and there is no intention to perform there in (1996 or) 1997"

There have also been many reports and rumors concerning a new Roger Waters album to be released in 1996. Some have even said it would be a new double album. To this our sources responded, "Roger is currently writing the music (and doing demo's) for an opera entitled "Ca Ira. He is doing this in conjunction with a well-known French librettist called Etienne Rhoda-Gil. The opera is about the French Revolution and is based on a series of drawings by Etienne's wife, Nadine. We are shooting a film depicting the 'making of' as they record the demo of the work. It is hoped that we will be in a position to schedule a release date for this project within the next 6 months. Of course ...understand that the project will not be a new Roger Waters album, but an album composed by Roger Waters and his French collaborator."

In recent developments, Dave has commissioned an author to write his version of Pink Floyd's official history. And reports have it that Gilmour has demanded that a great deal of Nick's book be used. It may mean that now the book is to be published as a collaborative effort.

David's version of the book is tentatively scheduled to be published and released in December 1996.

Rick Wright to make new album

Jim Ladd, real life DJ and Radio KAOS DJ from the album and tour of the same name, has been reportedly fired!!! KLSX has been assimilated by the market forces. "...they like order, lime light, power, game shows, rodeos, star wars, TV. they're the powers that be, if you see them come.....YOU BETTER RUN...."

Lee Saunders new opus due

Although Mr. Saunders lyric writing style is different than that of Roger Waters, his song writing, album composition, and concept design tend to be quite similar and his philosophy and character even more so.

Lee Saunders, a keyboard and synthesizer artist, has played with the likes of Steve Hillage of Gong and Hawkwind's Nik Turner. His first album "A Promise of Peace" created quite a stir among Floyd fans, but received little publicity or acclaim and was dubbed "too political" by many critics and radio stations who refused to play it.

"50 Years On," promises to be even more political and is based on themes such as; big business, money, prejudice, fanaticism, bigotry, and injustice. It should prove quite interesting and provocative to everyone and especially to all Waters and Floyd fanatics.

It is almost inconceivable how or why such rumors are continually spread, especially on the internet, and why anyone would perpetrate such hoaxes, especially on fans swept up in adulation and frustrated anticipation of any work from their idol.

Our REG corespondent Alastair McLean in Great Britain has contacted Roger's manager Mark Fenwick on behalf of our club. Alastair asked about what Roger is working on, if he is still working on a stage play of The Wall and when we might expect an album from the famous recluse.

Mr. Fenwick replied: "Roger Waters is in the final stages of writing and creating a demo of 'CA IRA' which should be completed by the middle of the year. You will appreciate that Roger Waters is writing this in conjunction with the French librettist, Etienne Roda-Gil and when a record is released (possibly 1998) it will be performed by a full orchestra and opera singers.

As far as the stage play of 'The Wall' is concerned, work progresses."

Brain Damage Petitions Roger to tour

The petitions were collected and sent to REG headquarters where we tabulated and polled the songs Roger's fans want most to see him play. We then sent Roger these 300 petitions. Maybe he'll get the message that his fans want to see him tour.

The top songs his fans want to see Roger play are: "What God Wants (Parts 1-3)," "Amused To Death," "The Bravery of Being Out of Range," and "The Tide is Turning."

As to the status of Ca Ira, Roger's opera about the French Revolution, Mr. Fenwick stated, "The news is that the writing of CA IRA continues apace, and substantial excerpts from the whole work should be completed by Autumn. The next stage, of course, is the recording of the piece by orchestra, opera singers and choir and its eventual staging. As you know, Roger will not perform on the recording."

In reference to all the rumors which had proliferated on the internet concerning a new Roger Waters album which was purportedly to have been released last Spring, Mr. Fenwick unequivocally renounced them. Mark Fenwick stated: "Rumours and more rumours - not true! Can you really contemplate an album entitled Glass Eye ?!"

For fans wanting to hear the latest about Roger, Mark mentioned a new interview Roger had recently done. "Look out for a documentary on Abbey Road Studios which is still in production and in which Roger is interviewed about his memories of recording there." (this has already aired on BBC and in the US also.)

The most exciting news however is in regard to Roger Waters' present activities. I sat almost in shock as Mark Fenwick told me the unbelievable news about a new Roger Waters solo album in the works. Mark Fenwick stated: "He (Roger Waters) has indicated to me a desire to start recording a new studio album sometime this summer. The release date is unknown, as is the title, and although he would like to tour sometime in the future, there are no immediate plans."

This news was given us last Summer and we have heard nothing new since. However when there is anything new to report, rest asured it will be REG that will be an authentic source of information. Since we all understand how much of a perfectionist Roger tends to be, it may take awhile before we see any fruits of Roger's recording. However long it takes however, we fans eagerly await his efforts and his creations.

We are pleased and honored that REG is perhaps the first news media representative to break this exciting news story.

Not again!!!

Also being reported from sources other than Ticket Master and TV Guide is that there will be no new Pink Floyd album for this supposed tour! Where this one came from is anyone's guess.

I reported this rumor rubbish to Mark Fenwick, Roger Waters' manager. Only if, and when such unbelievable rumors are confirmed by Mr. Fenwick or Roger Waters himself, should anyone believe these preposterous tales.

The Official REG response is as follows:
Roger Waters and Pink Floyd reuniting for a tour??? Give me a break! Or to use Roger's term, this is totally 'Puerile' nonsense! It is an unbelievable absurdity that Roger would even consider performing again with Pink Floyd! These rumors are pure tripe! No matter how wonderful it would be, or how much you as fans want to believe these rumors are true, unless you hear it from reputable sources like REG or Rogers manager, Mark Fenwick, Don't believe it!

National Association of FanClubs