ROGER WATERS - PROS AND CONS OF HITCHHIKING UNCENSORED GATEFOLD 12" VINYL LP ALBUM

Roger Waters is a name that is synonymous with Pink Floyd, one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time. However, in 1984, Waters decided to branch out and create a solo album, entitled "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking." The album is a concept piece that follows the dreams of a man as he travels through his subconscious mind. It's a departure from the sound and style of Pink Floyd, but it still contains Waters' signature lyrical and musical style.

The album's central theme is the subconscious mind, and the journey that one takes when they delve into it. The protagonist of the album is a man who is dreaming and has hitchhiked into his own mind. The songs on the album deal with the man's experiences and the themes that emerge as he travels through his subconscious.

One of the primary themes of the album is relationships. Throughout the album, the man reflects on his past relationships and the mistakes he has made. He is haunted by the memories of his ex-wife and his affair with a younger woman. The song "Sexual Revolution" deals with the protagonist's fear of being alone and his desire to find love.

Another theme of the album is mortality. The man reflects on his own mortality and the inevitability of death. In the song "4:30 AM (Apparently They Were Traveling Abroad)," the man contemplates the fragility of life and the fear of dying alone.

The album features a range of musical styles, from hard rock to jazz. Waters' lyrics are poetic and insightful, and the music complements the themes of the album. The album features several guest musicians, including Eric Clapton on guitar and Michael Kamen on keyboards.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "5:06 AM (Every Stranger's Eyes)." The song features a catchy guitar riff and a driving rhythm that builds to a crescendo. The lyrics deal with the protagonist's fear of the unknown and his desire for connection.

Another standout track is "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking." The song features a bluesy guitar riff and a hypnotic rhythm. The lyrics deal with the protagonist's fear of commitment and his desire for freedom.

"The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" was a commercial and critical success, reaching number 31 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album showcased Waters' lyrical and musical talents and solidified his reputation as a solo artist. The album was also a departure from Pink Floyd's sound and style, showing Waters' willingness to experiment and explore new musical territory.

The original album cover for Roger Waters' "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" features a photograph by French artist and photographer Thierry Le Gouès, which depicts a woman's bare back with a suitcase on it, along with a road sign and a hitchhiking thumb. The cover was considered sexually suggestive and controversial, leading to censorship in some countries.

t is believed that the censorship was due to concerns over nudity and sexual content, as well as fears that the original cover could be seen as promoting hitchhiking, which was considered dangerous at the time.

It's worth noting that the album was released during a time when there was increased concern about explicit or offensive content in music, with the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) leading a campaign to label albums with explicit lyrics. The controversy surrounding the album cover may have been a response to this larger cultural trend.

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Band Members and Musicians on: ROGER WATERS - The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking Uncensored Gatefold

Band/Musicians
• Roger Waters

  George Roger Waters, known by his stage name Roger Waters, was born on 6 September 1943 in Great Bookham, Surrey, England. He grew up in a musical family, with his father Eric Fletcher Waters being a schoolteacher and a talented pianist. Waters developed a passion for music at an early age, learning to play the piano and the clarinet.

  In his teenage years, Waters discovered rock and roll music, which ignited his desire to pursue a career in the industry. He formed his first band, The Abdabs, in 1962 while attending Regent Street Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster) in London. The Abdabs later evolved into Sigma 6 and eventually became Pink Floyd in 1965, with Waters on bass guitar and vocals.

  As a founding member of Pink Floyd, Waters played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound and artistic direction. He quickly established himself as the primary lyricist and conceptual leader of the group. Waters' introspective and thought-provoking lyrics became a signature element of Pink Floyd's music, exploring themes of alienation, politics, and human nature.

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  Throughout his tenure with Pink Floyd, Waters penned many of the band's most iconic songs, including "The Wall", "Wish You Were Here", "Another Brick in the Wall", and "Money". His creative vision and innovative ideas led to the production of several groundbreaking albums, such as "The Dark Side of the Moon" (1973), "Wish You Were Here" (1975), and "The Wall" (1979), which are considered timeless classics in the realm of rock music.

  Waters' contributions extended beyond his songwriting abilities. He also provided lead vocals on numerous Pink Floyd tracks and was recognized for his exceptional bass guitar skills. His stage presence and charismatic performances captivated audiences around the world during the band's live shows.

  However, tensions within Pink Floyd began to escalate in the late 1970s, leading to conflicts over creative control and personal differences between the band members. These tensions culminated in Waters' departure from Pink Floyd in 1985, after which the band continued without him.

  Following his departure from Pink Floyd, Waters embarked on a successful solo career. He released his debut solo album, "The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking", in 1984, which was followed by several critically acclaimed albums, including "Radio K.A.O.S" (1987), "Amused to Death" (1992), and "Is This the Life We Really Want?" (2017). Waters' solo work often continued his exploration of sociopolitical issues and personal introspection.

  Apart from his musical pursuits, Waters has been actively involved in various political and social causes. He is known for his advocacy of human rights and has used his platform to raise awareness about global conflicts and injustices. His concerts often incorporate political and social messages, promoting peace and social equality.

  Roger Waters' contributions to music and his influence on rock as a genre are immeasurable. His introspective songwriting, powerful vocals, and willingness to tackle complex subjects have earned him a dedicated fan base worldwide. Despite the challenges he faced throughout his career, Waters continues to be a prolific artist and an influential figure in the music industry.

• Andy Bown

    Andy Bown (Full-name: Andrew Steven Bown ) an English musician, singer, and songwriter who has been active in the music industry since the 1960s. He is known for his work as a keyboardist and rhythm guitarist for the band Status Quo, as well as for his solo work and collaborations with other artists. He has also written songs for other musicians and worked as a producer.

• Ray Cooper

    Ray Cooper (Full-name: Raymond Cooper) an English percussionist and drummer who has worked with a wide range of artists in various genres of music. He is known for his work with Elton John, having played percussion on many of his albums and tours, as well as for his collaborations with other musicians such as George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones. Cooper has also released several solo albums and is known for his unique style of percussion, which often incorporates unconventional instruments and sounds.

• Eric Clapton

    Eric Clapton (Full-name: Eric Patrick Clapton ) a British guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is widely considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times. He first gained fame as a member of the band The Yardbirds, and later as a member of Cream, one of the first supergroups. Clapton has also had a successful solo career and has released numerous hit songs, including "Layla," "Wonderful Tonight," and "Tears in Heaven." He has won 18 Grammy Awards and has been awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music.

    Clapton was born in Ripley, Surrey, England, in 1945. He showed an early interest in the guitar and began playing in local bands in his teens. He rose to prominence in the mid-1960s as a member of The Yardbirds, and later as a member of Cream, where he showcased his virtuosic guitar playing and blues-influenced style.

    In the 1970s, Clapton launched a successful solo career, releasing several critically acclaimed albums and hit songs. He collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and B.B. King, and became known for his emotional and soulful playing.

    Throughout his career, Clapton has struggled with personal issues, including addiction, and has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse. Despite this, he has continued to tour and perform, and has remained a popular and influential figure in the music world.

    In addition to his musical achievements, Clapton is also known for his philanthropy and activism. He founded the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a treatment and rehabilitation facility for individuals struggling with substance abuse, and has been involved in numerous charitable causes throughout his career.

    Eric Patrick Clapton was born in Ripley, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom on 30/3/1945. He is the first child of Edward Walter Fryer 21/03/1920 and Patricia Molly 07/01/1929.

    When he was 40 years old, his father Edward Walter Fryer died (15/05/1985). When he was 54 years old, his mother Patricia Molly died (Mar 1999).

    His partner is Lory Del Santo. His partner is Alice Ormsby-Gore. His partner is Yvonne Kelly. On 27/3/1979, he married Pattie Boyd in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, United States. On 1/1/2002, he married Melia McEnery. He was 33 years old when he married Pattie Boyd. He was 56 years old when he married Melia McEnery. He got divorced from Pattie Boyd in 1989. He has three children with Melia McEnery: Julie Rose Clapton 13/6/2001, Ella May Clapton 14/3/2003, Sophie Belle Clapton 1/2/2005. He has one son with Lory Del Santo: Conor Clapton 21/08/1986. He has one daughter with Yvonne Kelly: Ruth Kelly Clapton 1985.

• Michael Kamen

    Michael Kamen Michael Kamen was an American composer, conductor, and musician who was active in the music industry from the 1970s until his death in 2003. He is best known for his work as a composer of film scores, having contributed to the soundtracks of many popular movies, including the "Die Hard" series, "Lethal Weapon," and "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." Kamen was also a skilled arranger and conductor, and worked with a wide range of artists in various genres of music. He collaborated with Roger Waters on several projects, including "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking," where he played piano, keyboards, and conducted the National Philharmonic Orchestra.

• Andy Newman

    Andy Newman (Full-name: Paul Humphrey ) was an English musician who was best known as the pianist and a founding member of the band Thunderclap Newman. The band was active in the late 1960s and is best known for its hit single "Something in the Air." Newman played piano and organ on the song and also wrote its distinctive piano riff. After the band's breakup, Newman continued to work in the music industry as a session musician and producer. He passed away in 2016. It's worth noting that Andy Newman did not contribute to "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" album.

• David Sanborn

    David Sanborn an American saxophonist, composer, and band leader who has been active in the music industry since the 1960s. He is known for his distinctive sound and style of playing, which incorporates elements of jazz, funk, and R&B. Sanborn has worked with a wide range of artists in various genres of music, including Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, and Roger Waters. He played saxophone on "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" album, contributing to its unique sound and style. Sanborn has also released many solo albums and is regarded as one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.

• Madeline Bell

    adeline Bell M an African American singer. She was born in Newark, New Jersey in the United States in 1942 and began her career as a session singer in New York City in the early 1960s.She is known for her powerful voice and her work as a session singer, having contributed backing vocals to many popular songs and albums. Bell has worked with a wide range of artists in various genres of music, including Dusty Springfield, Elton John, and George Harrison. She provided backing vocals on "The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking" album, adding depth and texture to many of the tracks. Bell has also released several solo albums and is regarded as one of the most talented and versatile vocalists of her generation.

• Katie Kisson
• Doreen Chanter
• Raphael Ravenscroft
• Kevin Flanagan
• Vic Sullivan

Track Listing of: ROGER WATERS - The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking Uncensored Gatefold

Side One:
1. 4:30 AM (Apparently They Were)
2. Travelling Abroad
3. 4:33 AM (Running Shoes)
4. 4:37 AM (Arabs with Knives and West German Skies
5. 4:39 AM (For the first time today, Part II)
6. 4:41 AM (Sexual Revolution)
7. 4:47 AM (The Remains of Our Love)

Side Two:
1. 4:50 AM (Go Fishing)
2. 4:56 AM (For the first time today, Part 1)
3. 4:58 AM (Dunroamin, Duncarin, Dunlivin)
4. 5:01 AM (The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking Part 10)
5. 5:06 AM (Every Strangers Eyes)
6. 5:11 AM (The Moment of Clarity

Album cover photos of : ROGER WATERS - The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking Uncensored Gatefold

 Note: the pictures on this page are actual photos of the album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).