The 2005 Live 8 Reunion: How Bob Geldof Got Pink Floyd Back Together

Bob Geldof spent months convincing David Gilmour, who initially said there was “absolutely no chance” of a reunion. The breakthrough came when Gilmour agreed on a single condition: it would be for Live 8 only—no new album, no tour, no further performances.

Roger Waters also set terms. He demanded the band play as equals, with no creative hierarchy, and insisted on using the same lighting rig and stage design as the other members. He also agreed to donate his share of any profits to charity, matching Gilmour’s pledge.

Nick Mason acted as the go-between, smoothing tensions. Richard Wright, who had been fired by Waters during The Wall era, was formally included as a full band member for the first time since 1979. The four songs—“Breathe,” “Money,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “Comfortably Numb”—were rehearsed in secret, and the performance ran without a single major hitch.