Drum Sheet – Pink Floyd – Have A Cigar

Released in 1975 as part of Pink Floyd’s critically acclaimed album Wish You Were Here, “Have A Cigar” stands out as one of the band’s most biting and rhythmically compelling tracks. With its funky groove and cynical lyrics about the music industry, the song features some of the most nuanced and expressive drumming by Nick Mason — a performance that’s often underrated but deeply admired by fans of rhythmic subtlety and feel.

The song originated during the band’s recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios, a time marked by creative tension and self-reflection. After the massive success of The Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd became disillusioned with the music business, and “Have A Cigar” was born from that disillusionment. Roger Waters wrote the lyrics as a satirical jab at record executives, quoting real industry comments they had received — such as the infamous “which one’s Pink?”

The band struggled with vocals during recording. Waters attempted it, as did David Gilmour, but neither was satisfied. They turned to Roy Harper, a friend and fellow musician recording next door, whose gritty voice delivered the sarcasm perfectly. While Harper handled the vocal delivery, the music — including Mason’s drumming — carried the weight of the song’s sneering groove.

Nick Mason’s drums on “Have A Cigar” are crucial to its swagger. His laid-back yet funky style underpins the song’s sleazy atmosphere. The groove is deceptively simple — a straight rock backbeat with syncopated hi-hat work — but Mason’s touch and timing give it depth. He emphasizes feel over flash, locking in tightly with Roger Waters’ bass and allowing Gilmour’s guitar to float over the top. His fills are economical but effective, adding bursts of drama without ever overshadowing the track’s rhythm.

“Have A Cigar” was performed live during Pink Floyd’s 1977 In the Flesh tour, where it was occasionally sung by Waters. The band would often follow it with a segue into “Wish You Were Here” using pre-recorded transitions. While not always a fixture in later live shows, the song has appeared in solo performances by Waters and Gilmour.

For drum fans, “Have A Cigar” is a masterclass in groove-based drumming — proving that restraint, taste, and feel can speak louder than complexity. It’s one of Nick Mason’s finest moments, anchoring Pink Floyd’s sarcasm in a slow-burning, rhythmic smirk.