How Guy Pratt Became Pink Floyd's Post-Waters Bassist and Made Those Iconic Lines His Own

Guy Pratt stepped into the least enviable gig in rock history: replacing Roger Waters’ bass parts live. He joined Pink Floyd for the 1987–89 A Momentary Lapse of Reason tour, then stayed through The Division Bell and later David Gilmour’s solo tours. But instead of just mimicking Waters note-for-note, Pratt brought a looser, funkier feel — especially on songs like “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” and “Comfortably Numb,” where he’d subtly syncopate the groove.

Pratt didn’t just stand there either. He became the band’s onstage hype man, the one guy willing to smile, bounce around, and even sing backing vocals on “Run Like Hell.” He’s talked in interviews about how intimidating it was to play lines that millions of people know by heart, so he focused on locking in with drummer Nick Mason while adding his own touch — never changing the melody but letting the pocket breathe. That approach earned him a permanent spot in the Floyd extended family, and he’s still the guy behind the bass whenever Gilmour plays the classics.