David Gilmour is the long standing Pink Floyd guitarist known for stacking compressors to get that distinctive tone. He is truly one of the GGG’s – Great Guitar GOAT’s. With his emotive melodic lead work, soulful vocals, and atmospheric soundscapes, Gilmour helped shape the band's distinctive sound and became one of the most revered guitarists in the history of rock music.
Not only is David the Floyd lead guitarist but he is also singer, and songwriter for them.
David Gilmour Career Highlights
1968: Joins Pink Floyd, replacing founding member Syd Barrett, just before the release of A Saucerful of Secrets.
1973: The Dark Side of the Moon is released, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. Gilmour’s guitar work on tracks like "Money" and "Time" gains worldwide recognition.
1975: Wish You Were Here is released, featuring Gilmour’s haunting guitar solos on "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," dedicated to Syd Barrett.
1979: The Wall, a concept album, is released. Gilmour co-writes "Comfortably Numb," known for its legendary guitar solo, and other tracks.
1984: Releases his second solo album, About Face, exploring new musical directions outside of Pink Floyd.
1987: Pink Floyd releases A Momentary Lapse of Reason, their first album without Roger Waters, with Gilmour taking on a leadership role.
1994: The Division Bell is released by Pink Floyd, featuring songs like "High Hopes" and "Marooned," which won a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
2006: Gilmour releases On an Island, his third solo album, which tops UK charts. He embarks on a successful solo tour.
2011: Joins Roger Waters on stage for a performance of "Comfortably Numb" during Waters’ The Wall Live tour, a rare reunion moment for the two.
2015: Pink Floyd releases The Endless River, a largely instrumental album using unreleased material from The Division Bell sessions.
2016: Releases Rattle That Lock, his fourth solo album, inspired by French literature and personal themes, followed by a solo tour.
David Gilmour Band - Collaborations
Pink Floyd: Guitarist and vocalist from 1968 until the band’s dissolution.
Solo Career: Worked with musicians such as Phil Manzanera, Roxy Music guitarist and producer, and bassist Guy Pratt.
Collaborations: Notable collaborations with artists like Kate Bush, Paul McCartney, and Tom Jones.
David Gilmour Grammy Awards
1995: Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "Marooned" with Pink Floyd.
3 Most Famous David Gilmour Songs
- Comfortably Numb
- Shine On You Crazy Diamond
- Wish You Were Here
David Gilmour Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
1986: Gilmour buys the rights to the Pink Floyd name, leading to tension with former member Roger Waters, who disputes the band's continued existence without him.
2005: Pink Floyd’s classic lineup reunites for the first time in 24 years at Live 8 in London, performing four songs to an ecstatic audience.
2019: Gilmour auctions off over 120 guitars from his collection, including his iconic Black Strat, raising $21.5 million for climate change charity.
Along with Brian May he is another British guitarist to be awarded a gong (a CBE) by the Queen (the real Queen).
The Floyd began as a psychedelic band in the hazy 1960’s. Fully immersed in druggy culture. David has only ever commented…
‘You know, once you've had that guitar up so loud on the stage, where you can lean back and volume will stop you from falling backward, that's a hard drug to kick.
David Gilmour ratings
David Gilmour Albums
See also David Gilmour Discography
Songs: Dark side of the moon, Money, Comfortably Numb
Gear: Fender Stratocaster