David Gilmour
David Gilmour | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall in 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | David Jon Gilmour |
| Born | 6 March 1946 Cambridge, England |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 1963–present |
| Spouse(s) | Ginger Gilmour
(m. 1975; div. 1990)Polly Samson (m. 1994) |
| Website | davidgilmour |
Biography
David Gilmour is a British guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer best known as the voice and lead guitarist of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd. Born on March 6, 1946, in Cambridge, England, Gilmour developed a passion for music at an early age, teaching himself guitar and drawing inspiration from blues, jazz, and rock.
In 1968, Gilmour joined Pink Floyd, replacing founding member Syd Barrett as his mental health declined. His arrival marked a turning point in the band’s sound and direction. With his expressive guitar work and ethereal voice, Gilmour became a central force behind the band's most iconic albums, including The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979). His guitar solos—particularly on tracks like “Comfortably Numb” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”—are widely regarded as some of the greatest in rock history.
After the departure of Roger Waters in the mid-1980s, Gilmour assumed leadership of Pink Floyd, guiding the band through the albums A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987) and The Division Bell (1994). He has also pursued a successful solo career, releasing albums such as David Gilmour (1978), On an Island (2006), and Rattle That Lock (2015).
Gilmour is known for his meticulous musicianship, melodic phrasing, and rich guitar tone, often achieved using a Fender Stratocaster and a carefully crafted effects setup. Beyond music, he is an active philanthropist, supporting causes related to homelessness, human rights, and the environment.
He is married to novelist and lyricist Polly Samson, with whom he has collaborated creatively. Together, they have several children.
David Gilmour remains one of rock’s most influential and respected figures, a guitarist whose emotional depth and sonic innovation have shaped generations of music lovers.
Music (likes)
BBC's Desert Island Discs (2003)
- Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks
- Ballad In Plain D - Bob Dylan
- I'm Still Here - Tom Waits
- Dancing In The Street - Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
- Anthem - Leonard Cohen
- A Man Needs A Maid - Neil Young
- For Free - Joni Mitchell
- Rudy With a Flashlight - The Lemonheads [1]
Literature (likes)
Miscellaneous
- The Qur'an [1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "David Gilmour". Desert Island Discs. 6 April 2003. BBC.