After the Animals tour of 1977, Waters began writing two separate pieces of work. In 1979 the band was given a choice to record one of these pieces, The Wall or The Pros And Cons Of Hitch-hiking. They chose The Wall because it was considered the less personal of the two and seemed the better one to work with, although Gilmour said the demos of the two concepts sounded very similar and obviously needed a lot of work. Gilmour also claimed that they had not discounted doing Pros and Cons at a later date, but as it turned out after The Final Cut, Waters was inclined to work on this album as a solo artist.
Recording for the album took place February and December 1983 in London, using Olympic Studios, Eel Pie Studios and Waters own Billiard Room, the studio were his demos are constructed. The album is a sexual fantasy and the album takes the format of a 42 minute dream, which is the length of the album. As Waters himself explains in a 1984 interview, "Within the context of these dreams, the subconscious is weighing up the pros and cons of living with one woman within the framework of a family ... against the call of the wild, if you like"
Waters was to soon to learn the problems of going solo.
MTV failed to adequately promote him, partly because of his refusal to answer any questions concerning Pink Floyd when interviewed before the first Earls Court concert in 1984. Not only was the interview not shown on MTV, but they all but ignored the three promo clips from the album. Perhaps this was a factor in the poor public reaction to the first single, the title track to the album, which was widely released. Although MTV did air a short documentary of Waters in 1985, his further reluctance in dealing with MTV was to hurt him in the future when they were to give a lot more attention to Gilmour's Pink Floyd during the 1987 battle. In addition, Waters found that he kept his anonymity during the Pink Floyd years better than he imagined: "I thought that ... people did kind of identify me with quite a lot of the work that went into the Floyd. Particularly in terms of the shows, but they didn't."
| The album was to get some publicity but not in the way Waters had wanted. The front cover picture of model Linzi Drew hitch-hiking naked was condemned by many feminist groups. It was considered sexist with some claiming it even advertised rape. Many posters advertising the album were ripped down and destroyed by protesters. A censored cover even appeared on Japanese albums and reissue American albums. The censoring takes the form of a black box over the model's bottom.
Waters second wife Carolyne, to whom the album is dedicated, knew Eric Clapton's wife, Patti Boyd Harrison Clapton. There is a story from a friend of Clapton, that he agreed to work on the album and tour after a drinking session with Waters. Regardless, Waters played Clapton some demos and, despite criticism of those around him, including his manager, Clapton played on the album and 1984 tour after long wanting to play anonymously in another person's band. By the end of the 1984 tour, however, Clapton said, according to Rolling Stone magazine, that he was tired of the tour because "of the rigidity of it ... I was feeling a bit stifled." But Waters was soon to work with Clapton again with Waters co-writing the opening theme to the movie "The Hit", the score for which Clapton was responsible for. |
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The live show was designed by Mark Fisher and Jonathon Park, with the aid of film-makers Nicholas Roeg and Bernard Rose, plus animation from Gerald Scarfe. The stage was set up like a bedroom in which the dream takes place, with a working TV that shows old movies before the show and at the interval.
The back screen was 30 metres across and 9 metres high, designed for 3 x 35mm projectors. The show was not as complicated as people think according to Jonathon Park. The only problem was synchronising the three projectors together, off which the click track for the performers and the sound effects was produced. A description of the tour set is described in REG 15 Waters US record company, CBS, did not support the 1985 concerts as they felt he had nothing to promote and what they really wanted was a new Pink Floyd record. Waters reasons for this tour was the favourable reaction he got during the USA leg of the 1984 tour where he only played 10 concerts in 6 cities. Even without Eric Clapton, the 16 concerts did reasonably well, with a special show being the New York concert of March 28 1985 as the world's first holophonic (that is, directional sound) broadcast.
Because of the expense of the shows, Waters lost more than $700,000 during the Pros And Cons tour. Apparently, the backdrop film itself cost $400,000. A film on the concept was proposed, and it was in 1987 that a press release for the Radio KAOS album claimed a film adaptation of the Pros And Cons had been completed, though nothing has been heard since.
LP
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(Greece: EMI/Harvest 064-2401051) |
CD's
(Australia: Columbia 462551 2) booklet without songtext
(Canada: Columbia/Sony WCK 39290)
(Japan: CBS/Sony 35DP 149)8-page booklet with song text in english and japanese
(Japan: EMI/Harvest CDP 7 46029 2)
(Japan: Sony SRCS 6404) Nice Price Line, banderole plus additional folded paper with songtext in english and japanese, probably release-date: May 1st, 1994
(Netherlands: EMI/Harvest CDP 7 46029 2) 8-page booklet with songtexte. Backcover: blue border.
(Netherlands: EMI/Harvest CDP 7 46029 2) 8-page booklet with songtext
(Southafrica: Artone/Gallo Record Company/Columbia CDANIC 040)
(USA: Columbia CK 39290) folded booklet with songtext, censored cover.
12 INCH
5.01 AM (THE PROS AND CONS OF HITCH-HIKING) (extended) / 5.01 AM (THE PROS AND CONS OF HITCH-HIKING) (LP version)
(USA: Columbia AS 1861) promo stamp on black die-cut sleeve
(USA: Columbia AS 1864) "Selections from the Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking specially banded for radio" promo sticker and gold promo stamp on black die-cut sleeve
5.01 AM (THE PROS AND CONS OF HITCH-HIKING) (extended) / 4.30 AM (APPARENTLY THEY WERE TRAVELLING ABROAD) / 4.33 AM (RUNNING SHOES)
(Australia: CBS BA 12091) p/s |
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5.01 AM (THE PROS AND CONS OF HITCH HIKING) / 4.30 AM (APPARENTLY THEY WERE TRAVELLING ABROAD)
(Australia: CBS BA 223197) |
(USA: Columbia 38-04455) white label promo
5.06 AM (EVERY STRANGERS EYES) / 4.39 AM (FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY, PT 1 AND 2)
(Holland: Harvest 1A 006-2002167) p/s5.06 AM (EVERY STRANGERS EYES) / 4.39 AM (FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY, PART 1) (USA: Columbia 38-04566)5.06AM (EVERY STRANGERS EYES) / 5.06AM (EVERY STRANGERS EYES) (USA: Columbia 38-04566) white label promo |
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(UK: London Wavelength # 529) 1LP with Waters, broadcast July 15 1984THE INSIDE TRACK
(USA: D.I.R.) 3LP broadcast October 22 1984, with Waters and Gilmour interviews and musicINNERVIEW
(USA) series #24 show 8+9, 1984, 2LP, Waters interview with Jim LaddOFF THE RECORD
(USA) series #28, show 12, 1LP
(USA) series #32, show 3, 1LP from 1985
(USA: Westwood One OTR 84-28) broadcast July 2 + 9 1984, 2LP Waters interview by Mary TurnerROCK OVER LONDON
(USA: Westwood One OTR 85-11) broadcast March 11 1985, 1LP Waters interview with Mary Turner
(USA: Radio International 214/215) broadcast April 7 + 14 1985, 2LP Waters interview
(Japan: Sex Beat Records SBR 001), Acetate in a black box with T-shirt -with Across The Universe on side 1PINK FLOYD - 1984 EARLS COURT, LONDON
(Japan: Country Rockers Concert MS 3002) LP, Earl's Court London 1984THANKS FOR THE RIDE
(Mirror Records 16-17684) 2LP, live Isstadion, Stockholm, Sweden June 16 1984 (full concert)
SEE ROGER PLAY
(Holland: OK 774 - SL 074 - TTM 058) 3LP, live Oude-Ahoy Hallen, Rotterdam, June 19 1984 (no encores)
PHOBIA
(Trade Mark Of Quality TMQ 71101) LP, recorded live sometime 1984
NOW CAN BE HEARD ... LIVE
(Holland: Wall Records HOLE 19187) LP, second side live Palais Omni Sport de Bercy, Paris, July 6 1984, (see REG 3)
ROGER
(USA: Reg Records 707) 2LP, live Radio City Music Hall, New York, USA, March 28 1985, review in REG 1
Special LP
This is a special double LP set. It combines both the entire Pros and Cons of HitchHiking and Radio K.A.O.S albums. It is similar to the "Nice Price" discount LP's which proliferated in the US before the advent of CD's. However, this combo album I believe is from the UK. Unfortunately, I have only this image of it and no catalog listing for it nor manufacturer.
BOOTLEG CD
THANKS FOR THE RIDE
(Golden Stars GSCD 1018) Part 1, live Isstadion, Stockholm, Sweden June 16 1984 (full concert) review in REG 1
(Golden Stars GSCD 1019) Part 2, live Isstadion, Stockholm, Sweden June 16 1984 (full concert) review in REG 1
THE PROS AND CONS OF HITCH-HIKING LIVE
(Holland: CDR PG 001/002) 2CD, live Oude-Ahoy, Rotterdam, June 19 1984 (full concert), gold discsTHE PROS AND CONS OF HITCH-HIKING PERFORMED LIVE
(Italy: Silver Rarities SIRA 45/46) 2CD (65.34 / 55.17), live NEC, Birmingham, June 27 1984 (full concert), review in REG 3
IN THE PINK
(Italy: Silver Rarities SIRA CD7) single CD (57m), live Radio City Music Hall, New York, USA, March 28 1985, review in REG 1
TOUR MERCHANDISE
TOUR PROGRAMS
EUROPEAN TOUR 1984T-SHIRTS AND OTHER MERCHANDISE
This 30 x 30 cm album sized program contains 32 pages packed with photographs, drawings and information. The front and rear cover is the similar to the album cover with the nude hitch-hiker drawn. Inside is a tour itinerary overlaid on a map of Europe, superb Scarfe drawings of band members and of Reg the animated dog, live photos from the Animals and Wall shows, a set list, stage plans plus a synopsis of the Pros And Cons album. NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 1984
This is basically the same as the European version except it omits the production team (sound, lights and effects) credits and the stage production team on page 3 and, of course, the different itinerary map on page 4. The only other difference is page 30 has a full colour ad for the Pros and Cons album and cassette instead of the European black and white ad.
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 1985
This is very similar to the 1984 program but includes a black cover with a photo of Roger hugging his bass on the rear. This program is expanded to 36 pages to fit in some excellent live photos from the 1984 Pros And Cons tour. The only other differences is a few changes in the set list, some new band members with accompanying Scarfe caricature, and the different tour itinerary.
There were some white T-shirts with coloured sleeves that featured Scarfe caricatures including "REG or is it ROG?" Other merchandise includes sweatshirts, badges, posters and even a red rucksack
The 64 page songbook includes a colour section at the front with full lyrics plus photos from the tour, both live and from the backdrop film. The black and white section begins with full album credits. Interspersed with the song transcriptions, are an additional 4 full page photos from the tour backdrop film.
PROMOS/ CLIPS
THE PROS AND CONS OF HITCH-HIKING 1984 (4m) no footage of Waters
SEXUAL REVOLUTION 1984 (5m) with Waters footage, the copy circulating from MTV labels this as "Every Strangers Eyes"
EVERY STRANGERS EYES 1984 (5m) with Waters footage
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, "A Journey in the Life", BBC TV, December 6 1985 (2m)
- Waters appears on this John Lennon tribute TV show and performs with Andy Fairweather-Low
INTERVIEWS AND DOCUMENTARIES
"Earsay", BBC TV, UK May 5 1984 (5m) discussion of the album plus a clip of Pros And Cons promo
"Earsay", BBC TV, UK May 19 1984 (9m) interview with many people involved in the tour
"Before The Tour", Channel 4, UK TV (9m) exactly the same as the above program
Stockholm concert report, SVT1 TV, Stockholm, Sweden, June 16 1984 (6m) with Waters interview and live Money clip
"Innerview" with Jim Ladd, TF 1, French TV, June 25 1984 (43m) a 58 minute version also exists
Private Unaired Roger Waters MTV interview with Nina Blackwood prior to Earls Court concert, June 21 1984 (23m) - transcribed in REG 10 and 11
"Portrait of Roger Waters", MTV Documentary, USA TV, July 16 1984 (13m)
"The New Music", Toronto, Canada, August 4 1984 (9m) Waters interview and clips
MTV (USA), Waters comment on going solo, 1984 (1m)
REHEARSAL VIDEO
Unknown location for this 1984 rehearsal which was filmed for the band members to see what the show looked like (35m)
- MONEYThis video usually comes with a number of the related documentaries, interviews and promos (see REG 13)
- interval with film on TV screen
- APPARENTLY THEY WERE TRAVELLING ABROAD (part)
- RUNNING SHOES
- ARABS WITH KNIVES AND WEST GERMAN SKIES (part)
- FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY, PART 2 (part)
- SEXUAL REVOLUTION
- THE REMAINS OF OUR LOVE
- GO FISHING
- THE PROS AND CONS OF HITCH-HIKING
LIVE BOOTLEG VIDEOS
The Civic Centre, Hartford, USA, July 18 1984 (130m) full concert
Brendan Byrne Arena, Rutherford, USA, July 21 1984 (125m) full concert
Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada, July 28 1984 (122m) full concert
Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada, July 29 1984 (65m) from The Gunners Dream to the end of the concert
Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada, July 29 1984 - full concert
The Forum, Montreal, Canada, July 30 or 31 1984 (120m) full concert (see review in REG 13)
The Auditorium, Buffalo, USA, March 21 1985 (126m) full concert
The Forum, Los Angeles, USA, April 4 1985 - no encore (see review in REG 13)
Radio City Music Hall, New York, USA, March 28 1985 (140m) complete holophonic concert broadcast live on USA radioSELECTED AUDIO INTERVIEWS
Radio City Music Hall, New York, USA, March 28 1985 (65m) delayed partial broadcast on BBC Radio, UK
"Saturday Live", BBC radio, UK, June 9 1984
"Innerview" with Jim Ladd, USA radio, 1984 (51m)
"Off The Record" with Mary Turner, USA radio, broadcast July 2 + 9 1984 (92m)
"Off The Record" with Mary Turner, USA radio, broadcast March 11 1984 (50m)
Q107 Rock Radio, Toronto, Canada, March 22 1985 - interview with Waters and live phone-in
"Rockline", USA radio, April 1 1985 (45m) live phone-in