Pink Floyd classic Wish You Were Here covered by Eric Clapton and Roger Waters called ‘beautiful’ by listeners

A cover of a classic song from legendary rock band Pink Floyd has been hailed as a “beautiful” moment between Eric Clapton and Roger Waters.

The veteran guitarist joined one of Pink Floyd’s founding members for a touching rendition of Wish You Were Here. Their performance was broadcast live on NBC for the Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope event to raise funds for those affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Elton John, Diana Ross, and Madonna were also present for the fundraiser, which featured Waters and Clapton covering Wish You Were Here. An upload of the performance to YouTube has seen the pair praised by listeners, who have called this a “beautiful” version of the band’s hit song.

One fan wrote: “The beautiful thing about music is it doesn’t always have to be the same. Pink Floyd’s music will be alive and well when we all all gone from this earth. Those of you who criticise Roger’s voice need to remember that he wrote these beautiful words. He is, in every sense of the word, a living legend! You and I? Not so sure huh?”

Another added: “I’m probably one of a few who actually liked Roger’s singing in this version, although I like Gilmour’s better, this one is still good in my opinion.” A third shared: “Such a different experience, but I love this version too.”

Others believe this is an insight into what the song would have sounded like if it were held for the Waters-led project, The Wall. A fan wrote: “This version is what it would have sounded like if Wish You Were Here were on The Wall album.” Another suggested that, although Gilmour’s is the superior version, Clapton and Waters’ cover more than holds its own.

They wrote: “I have to say. I don’t usually like other guitarists on the parts David wrote and played, because, well, you can’t be as good or even better than David Gilmour, but I like the way Eric Clapton plays David’s parts here. He’s an amazing guitarist, he has a brilliant style, he makes beautiful music, and he played David’s parts in his own recognisable way, which is really nice.

“Of course, not as good as David’s, but still really good. As for Rogers singing.. Well… He’s been better, although he was never really a good singer, but not bad. Beautiful version.”

A third agreed, adding: “I’m a huge fan of Roger Waters. I love The Final Cut and The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking, but I do not like this version of Wish You Were Here, particularly, much is lost at the chorus. That’s not the only problem. Clapton is wonderful here, incidentally.”

Another user has countered and suggested it was Waters who offered the better rendition of Wish You Were Here. They wrote: “Both versions are awesome, but please don’t dislike me for calling this one slightly better than David’s. It just has that calmness topped up with that beautiful chorus.” You can watch the performance from Clapton and Waters below.