How Nick Mason Brokered Peace for Pink Floyd's 2005 Live 8 Reunion

For nearly two decades, Pink Floyd’s surviving members barely shared a room. Roger Waters left the band in 1985, sued them over the name, and the legal war turned into a personal one. David Gilmour publicly called Waters “a loose cannon” and “poison.” Rick Wright, fired by Waters during The Wall tour, was brought back as a paid sideman for the post-Waters albums. The idea of a reunion seemed laughable.

Then Bob Geldof called. He wanted Pink Floyd for Live 8, the 2005 charity concert to pressure the G8 summit on African debt. Gilmour and Nick Mason were initially reluctant. Mason, the drummer and Floyd’s quiet diplomat, had never stopped speaking to Waters. He played on Waters’ solo albums and even joined him on one of his tours in 1999. When Gilmour said he’d only do it if Waters and Wright agreed, Mason became the go-between.

Mason first floated the idea to Waters at a dinner. Waters said no. But Mason kept nudging, calmly reminding him the cause was bigger than the feud. Gilmour, meanwhile, softened after Mason said he would only participate if Waters came in. Eventually Mason set up a phone call between Gilmour and Waters, where they agreed to try a single rehearsal. The chemistry clicked. Wright, who had been diagnosed with cancer and would die three years later, was the most eager. He later said playing together again made him feel “whole.” The final lineup—Waters, Gilmour, Wright, Mason—played four songs on Hyde Park’s stage, and the world saw them smile at each other. Mason’s low-key persistence was the glue that held it together.