Roger Waters’ Marriage: Fame and Infidelity’s Toll

Roger Waters, the legendary musician and co-founder of Pink Floyd, has been married five times in his life. His first marriage, to childhood sweetheart Judy Trim, lasted from 1969 to 1975. His second marriage, to Lady Carolyne Christie, the niece of the 3rd Marquess of Zetland, lasted from 1976 to 1992. His third marriage, to actress and filmmaker Priscilla Phillips, lasted from 1993 to 2001. His fourth marriage, to filmmaker and journalist Laurie Durning, lasted from 2012 to 2015. His fifth and current marriage, to model and dancer Kamilah Chavis, began in 2021.

What led to the breakdown of his previous marriages? How did fame and infidelity affect his relationships?

Personal Life

Roger Waters was born in 1943 in Surrey, England. His father, Eric Fletcher Waters, was a schoolteacher and a pacifist who died in World War II when Roger was five months old. His mother, Mary Whyte Waters, was also a schoolteacher and a strong influence on Roger’s political views. Roger grew up in a middle-class family with his older brother John. He attended the Cambridgeshire High School for Boys, where he met his future bandmates Syd Barrett and David Gilmour.

Roger Waters was interested in music from an early age. He learned to play the guitar and formed several bands with his friends. He also developed a passion for literature, especially the works of George Orwell and William Shakespeare. He enrolled at the Regent Street Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster) to study architecture, where he met Nick Mason and Richard Wright. Together with Syd Barrett, they formed Pink Floyd in 1965.

Pink Floyd soon became one of the most successful bands in rock history. They pioneered the genre of progressive rock, combining experimental sounds, complex compositions, and lyrical themes of alienation, madness, war, and politics. Roger Waters was the main songwriter and lyricist of the band, as well as the bassist and vocalist. He also became the leader of the band after Syd Barrett left in 1968 due to mental health issues.

Marital History of Roger Waters

Roger Waters’ first marriage was to Judy Trim, whom he met when he was 15 years old. They married in 1969 and had two children: Harry (born in 1976) and India (born in 1978). However, their marriage was strained by Roger’s busy touring schedule and his growing fame. Roger also admitted to being unfaithful to Judy on several occasions. They divorced in 1975.

Roger Waters’ second marriage was to Lady Carolyne Christie, whom he met at a party in 1975. They married in 1976 and had two children: Jack (born in 1979) and Alice (born in 1982). Their marriage was also affected by Roger’s musical career and his increasing control over Pink Floyd. Roger became more distant and isolated from his bandmates and his family. He also had several affairs with other women, including actress Anjelica Huston. He and Carolyne separated in 1988 and divorced in 1992.

Roger Waters’ third marriage was to Priscilla Phillips, whom he met on the set of his film The Wall in 1982. They married in 1993 and had one child: Harry (born in 1997). Their marriage was more stable than his previous ones, but they still had their share of problems. Roger was often away from home working on his solo projects or touring with other musicians. He also struggled with depression and alcoholism. He and Priscilla divorced in 2001.

Roger Waters’ fourth marriage was to Laurie Durning, whom he met at a party in New York in 1999. They married in 2012 after living together for more than a decade. They had no children together but were both close to their respective children from their previous marriages. Their marriage seemed to be happier than Roger’s previous ones, as they shared similar interests and values. Roger had also mellowed down with age and had reconciled with some of his former bandmates.

Roger Waters’ fifth marriage is to Kamilah Chavis, whom he met at a charity event in Los Angeles in 2018. They married in 2019 after a whirlwind romance. They have no children together but are both fond of animals and have adopted several dogs. Their marriage is still new but they appear to be very much in love.

A Happy Marriage with Kamilah Chavis

Roger Waters’ marriage history shows that fame and infidelity can take a toll on one’s personal life. He has admitted that he regrets hurting his ex-wives and children with his selfishness and arrogance. He has also said that he has learned from his mistakes and has found peace and love with Kamilah Chavis.