David Gilmour's Retort to Roger Waters' 'Publicity Stunt' Claim Over Guitar Auction

When Roger Waters called David Gilmour’s 2019 guitar auction for climate charity a “publicity stunt,” Gilmour didn’t let it slide. His response came fast on social media: Waters was “ill-informed” and the sale raised millions for ClientEarth. Then Gilmour twisted the knife, pointing out that Waters might want to look at his own “publicity stunts” and tax arrangements before critiquing others.

Waters had claimed Gilmour could have just written a check without selling his instruments. Gilmour countered that the auction was a legitimate way to move gear he no longer used, and that the money went directly to fighting climate change. He added that Waters’ comments were “uncharitable and misplaced,” hinting at the longtime tensions between the two Pink Floyd founders.

The auction itself was huge — it raised £21.5 million, with Gilmour’s iconic black Stratocaster selling for nearly £3.7 million. Waters’ jab seemed more like a reflexive barb than a serious critique, and Gilmour’s reply reminded everyone who actually showed up with results.