MUSIC
Roger Waters responds to critics of his Berlin shows calling it a ‘smear’ campaign
The former Pink Floyd member is under investigation by German police for his live shows in Berlin.
Roger Waters has responded to the backlash he’s received from the Berlin stops of his ‘This Is Not a Drill’ tour last week on May 17 and 18 at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
Calling the critiques a “smear” campaign, Waters, 79, took to social media to provide context to his shows and speak out against the allegations against him.
He is currently under investigation by German police for the content of his shows, which included him wearing a Nazi-like military uniform as he performed songs from Pink Floyd’s 1979 album ‘The Wall’.
Waters defends his live performance
“My recent performance in Berlin has attracted bad faith attacks from those who want to smear and silence me because they disagree with my political views and moral principles,” Waters began in his statement shared on Twitter.
“The elements of my performance that have been questioned are quite clearly a statement in opposition to fascism, injustice, and bigotry in all its forms. Attempts to portray those elements as something else are disingenuous and politically motivated.”
He then addressed the uniform he’s been seen wearing while performing ‘In the Flesh’ every time he performs the song.
The uniform features a white and red armband with two “marching hammers” that feature prominently in the 1982 movie adaptation of ‘The Wall’, and subsequent live performances of the album, including a 1990 performance in Berlin that became a concert film, a year after the Berlin Wall came down.
“The depiction of an unhinged fascist demagogue has been a feature of my shows since Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’ in 1980.”
He continued, “I have spent my entire life speaking out against authoritarianism and oppression wherever I see it. When I was a child after the war, the name of Anne Frank was often spoken in our house, she became a permanent reminder of what happens when fascism is left unchecked.
“My parents fought the Nazis in World War II, with my father paying the ultimate price.”
He concluded by saying that “regardless of the consequences of the attacks against me, I will continue to condemn injustice and all those who perpetrate it.”
Waters is still under investigation
“We are investigating on suspicion of incitement to public hatred because the clothing worn on stage could be used to glorify or justify Nazi rule, thereby disturbing the public peace,” a Berlin police spokesperson said.
“The clothing resembles the clothing of an SS officer,” they added.