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Roger Waters Says He’s ‘More Important’ Than Drake or The Weeknd

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

Roger Waters has quite the high opinion of himself, and it’ll likely upset anyone that are fans of Drake or The Weeknd.

Speaking with Canada’s The Globe and Mail following his July 8 and 9 shows in Toronto, Waters said to the interviewer, “What’s interesting about you being here with me now is that none of the newspapers in Toronto sent anybody to review my shows. What I’d like to know, what I’d like you to ponder on, and maybe ask your readers, is if they have any theories as to why that may be?”

The interviewer would respond saying, “I hate to get in the way of a good conspiracy theory, but your concert wasn’t the biggest in town that night. I was assigned to cover the Weeknd’s concert at Rogers Centre.” Waters would reply, “But the Weeknd was canceled,” referring to the singer’s tour kick-off show in Toronto being canceled at the last minute due to a mass network outage that impacted the entire arena, including not being able to open the venue’s doors.

“And my show was for two nights,” continued Waters. “I have no idea what or who the Weeknd is, because I don’t listen to much music. People have told me he’s a big act. Well, good luck to him. I’ve got nothing against him. Would it not have been possible to review his show one night and my show another night?”

The interviewer would go on to tell Waters The Globe and Mail doesn’t review concerts as much as they used to, but he was glad that his interview request with the former Pink Floyd leader was granted.

“Good, I’m glad to hear that, and I look forward to reading this in the pages of your newspaper,” said Waters in response. “I’m not trying to make a personal attack. I’m just saying it seemed odd. And, by the way, with all due respect to the Weeknd or Drake or any of them, I am far, far, far more important than any of them will ever be, however many billions of streams they’ve got. There is stuff going on here that is fundamentally important to all of our lives.”

 

These 10 Classic Rock Songs are 'Scientifically Proven' to Induce Sleep

  • 10. John Lennon - 'Imagine'

    “Imagine” is the title track off of Lennon’s classic 1971 album. Since its release, it has been an anthem for peace. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

  • 9. Eagles - 'Desperado'

    “Desperado” is one of the Eagles’ most iconic tracks. It’s been covered by a number of artists, including Clint Black and Diana Krall. However, most would argue the definitive cover was recorded by Linda Ronstadt. (In fact, some might argue Ronstadt’s cover is also the definitive version, but that’s another conversation for another day.)

  • 8. The Police - 'Every Breath You Take'

    Sure, it’s a song about obsessing over a lover, but even decades later, it’s so good! Perhaps, just ignore the creepy stalker vibes of this classic, and just let the melody wash over you.

  • 7. Lou Reed - 'Walk On the Wild Side'

    One of Lou Reed’s best solo songs, it seems almost quaint that “Walk On the Wild Side” was once considered to be eyebrow-raising. Fun fact: “Walk On the Wild Side” was a double A-side with “Perfect Day,” which is another dreamy classic.

  • 6. Jackson Browne - 'The Load Out'

    An ode to a concert road crew, “The Load Out” is featured on Browne’s classic 1977 album Running On Empty. The track wasn’t initially released as a single, but it grew in popularity thanks to the song being played on the radio.

  • 5. Pink Floyd - 'Wish You Were Here'

    One of Pink Floyd’s most moving songs, “Wish You Were Here” is both a classic in their catalog and in rock, period. It’s mellow melody surely is the reason why it landed on this list.

  • 4. The Beatles - 'Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight'

    The “Golden Slumbers” portion of this song was literally inspired by a lullaby. Frankly, imagining “Golden Slumbers” without “Carry That Weight” just seems wrong, hence why it was likely included here.

  • 3. Elton John - 'Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters'

    “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” was never released as a single, but it’s among Sir Elton’s most beloved tracks. The song gained new life after it was included in the 2000 film Almost Famous. Additionally, John performed a moving rendition of the song at the 9/11 tribute show The Concert for New York City.

  • 2. Led Zeppelin - 'Going to California'

    Led Zeppelin is one of the greatest hard rock bands every, but they sure did know how to write a ballad. “Going to California” is one of their best and one of their dreamiest.

  • 1. Elton John - 'Your Song'

    It’s a little bit funny just how much we adore this classic. Considering the criteria of this study, we definitely don’t mind it being number one.

Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights

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Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter
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