The Tide Is Turning

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"The Tide Is Turning (After Live Aid)" is a pivotal track from Roger Waters' 1987 album Radio K.A.O.S., and it carries a fascinating backstory. Inspired by the 1985 Live Aid concert, the song was a late addition to the album after Waters' record label, Columbia Records, deemed the original ending—featuring a simulated nuclear attack in the song "Four Minutes"—too bleak. Waters, who had offered to perform at Live Aid but was turned down by organizer Bob Geldof, channeled the event's global compassion into the song's optimistic tone. He described it as capturing the moment when "the airwaves were full of compassion and light," referencing the billion candles burning during the concert. The song's lyrics also include a subtle jab at 1980s war-glorifying films, with a verse about Sylvester Stallone that was partially removed from the recorded version to avoid potential lawsuits but is hidden in Morse code throughout the album. This Morse code, spelling out lyrics like "Together we'll fight Sylvester Stallone," adds a layer of intrigue for dedicated listeners who decode it.

Another notable aspect of "The Tide Is Turning" is its live performance history. During Waters' 1990 concert The Wall – Live in Berlin, held at the site of the recently fallen Berlin Wall, the song served as the closing number, replacing "Outside the Wall." The performance featured an all-star cast including Joni Mitchell, Cyndi Lauper, Bryan Adams, Van Morrison, and Paul Carrack, reflecting the song's message of hope and unity. Waters has since expressed mixed feelings about the Radio K.A.O.S. album, criticizing its overproduction and the decision to trim it from a double to a single album, which he felt diluted the concept. In interviews, he mentioned considering an EP release of unreleased tracks from the project, though this never materialized. The song also gained a visual dimension through its music video, part of a Video EP Waters created for the album, which included "Radio Waves," "Sunset Strip," "Fish Report," and "Four Minutes."

Roger Waters, born George Roger Waters on September 6, 1943, in Great Bookham, Surrey, England, began his musical journey in an unconventional way. Raised by his mother in Cambridge after his father’s death in World War II, Waters showed little interest in music during his early years. He studied mechanical engineering briefly before abandoning it for a hitchhiking tour. His musical spark ignited when he reconnected with school friend Syd Barrett, with whom he co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 alongside Nick Mason and Richard Wright. The band’s name came from combining the first names of blues musicians Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Initially led by Barrett’s psychedelic vision, Pink Floyd gained traction with their 1967 debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. After Barrett’s departure in 1968 due to mental health struggles, Waters took on a more prominent role as bassist, lyricist, and conceptual leader, steering the band toward iconic concept albums like The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), and The Wall (1979). His departure from Pink Floyd in 1985 marked the start of his solo career, beginning with The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking (1984) and followed by Radio K.A.O.S..

Fans can stay updated on Roger Waters’ latest projects through his official website, where he shares news about tours and releases like The Dark Side of the Moon Redux Live, set for release on neon pink vinyl for Record Store Day 2025. His social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he posts about music, activism, and political commentary. For fans seeking community, the Roger Waters Fans Facebook group offers a space for discussion and updates. Additionally, fan-run sites like Pink Floyd Fan provide extensive archives on Waters’ work with Pink Floyd and his solo career, fostering a vibrant community for Zoo Freaks and beyond to celebrate his legacy.

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