The best‑known “Wish You Were Here” was sung by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, who performs the lead vocal on the band’s 1975 title track.

Main answer

When people ask “who sang Wish You Were Here,” they almost always mean the classic Pink Floyd song from the 1975 album Wish You Were Here.

On the original studio recording, the lead vocal is sung by guitarist David Gilmour, with Roger Waters contributing as co‑writer of the song.

Other versions and performances

  • Live, both David Gilmour and Roger Waters have sung “Wish You Were Here” in their respective solo concerts.
  • Many covers exist (from YouTube artists to full tribute bands), but none are as strongly associated with the song as Pink Floyd’s original recording with Gilmour on vocals.

TL;DR: For the classic rock track most people mean, the answer to “who sang Wish You Were Here” is David Gilmour of Pink Floyd.