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David Jon Gilmour was born on 6 March 1946, in [[Cambridge]], England.{{sfn|Fitch|2005|p=115}} His father, Douglas Gilmour, eventually became a senior lecturer in [[zoology]] at the University of Cambridge, and his mother, Sylvia (née Wilson), was a teacher and film editor who later worked for the [[BBC]]. At the time of Glimour's birth they lived in [[Trumpington, Cambridgeshire]], but in 1956 after several relocations the couple moved their family to [[Grantchester]] Meadows.<ref>{{harvnb|Blake|2008|p=14}}: the house in Trumpington; {{harvnb|Manning|2006|pp=10–11}}.</ref>{{refn|group=n|Gilmour has three siblings: Peter, Mark and Catherine.{{sfn|Blake|2008|p=14}}}}
David Jon Gilmour was born on 6 March 1946, in [[Cambridge]], England.{{sfn|Fitch|2005|p=115}} His father, Douglas Gilmour, eventually became a senior lecturer in [[zoology]] at the University of Cambridge, and his mother, Sylvia (née Wilson), was a teacher and film editor who later worked for the [[BBC]]. At the time of Glimour's birth they lived in [[Trumpington, Cambridgeshire]], but in 1956 after several relocations the couple moved their family to [[Grantchester]] Meadows.<ref>{{harvnb|Blake|2008|p=14}}: the house in Trumpington; {{harvnb|Manning|2006|pp=10–11}}.</ref>{{refn|group=n|Gilmour has three siblings: Peter, Mark and Catherine.{{sfn|Blake|2008|p=14}}}}


Gilmour's parents encouraged him to pursue his interest in music, and in 1954 he bought his first single, [[Bill Haley]]'s "[[Rock Around the Clock]]".{{sfn|Manning|2006|pp=10–11}} His enthusiasm for music was stirred the following year by [[Elvis Presley]]'s [[Heartbreak Hotel]], and later "[[Bye Bye Love (The Everly Brothers song)|Bye Bye Love]]" by [[the Everly Brothers]] piqued his interest in guitar. He then borrowed one from his neighbor, but never gave it back. Soon afterward he started teaching himself to play using a book and record set by [[Peter Seeger|Pete Seeger]].{{sfn|Blake|2008|pp=18–19}} At age 11, Gilmour began attending [[the Perse School]] on Hills Road, Cambridge, which he "didn't enjoy".{{sfn|Manning|2006|p=11}} While there he met future [[Pink Floyd]] guitarist and vocalist [[Syd Barrett]], and bassist and vocalist [[Roger Waters]], who attended [[Cambridgeshire High School for Boys]], also situated on Hills Road.{{sfn|Blake|2008|pp=15–17}}
Gilmour's parents encouraged him to pursue his interest in music, and in 1954 he bought his first single, [[Bill Haley]]'s "[[Rock Around the Clock]]".{{sfn|Manning|2006|pp=10–11}} His enthusiasm for music was stirred the following year by [[Elvis Presley]]'s "[[Heartbreak Hotel]]", and later "[[Bye Bye Love (The Everly Brothers song)|Bye Bye Love]]" by [[the Everly Brothers]] piqued his interest in guitar. He then borrowed one from his neighbour, but never gave it back. Soon afterward he started teaching himself to play using a book and record set by [[Peter Seeger|Pete Seeger]].{{sfn|Blake|2008|pp=18–19}} At age 11, Gilmour began attending [[the Perse School]] on Hills Road, Cambridge, which he "didn't enjoy".{{sfn|Manning|2006|p=11}} While there he met future [[Pink Floyd]] guitarist and vocalist [[Syd Barrett]], and bassist and vocalist [[Roger Waters]], who attended [[Cambridgeshire High School for Boys]], also situated on Hills Road.{{sfn|Blake|2008|pp=15–17}}


In September 1962, Gilmour began studying modern languages at [[Advanced Level (UK)|A-Level]], and along with Barrett, went to Cambridge Technical College.{{sfn|Manning|2006|p=11}} Despite not finishing the course, Gilmour would eventually learn to speak fluent French.{{sfn|Manning|2006|p=11}} Gilmour and Barrett spent their lunchtimes practising guitar together, and Barrett would often refer to Gilmour as "Fred".{{sfn|Manning|2006|p=11}} They were not yet bandmates, and Gilmour started playing in the band [[Jokers Wild (band)|Jokers Wild]] in 1962, which he left in 1967. In August 1965, Gilmour [[busking|busked]] around Spain and France with some friends, including Barrett.{{sfn|Manning|2006|p=18}} They performed songs by [[the Beatles]], but were not very successful, living virtually a hand-to-mouth existence. In July 1992, Gilmour stated in an interview with Nicky Horne on BBC radio that he ended up being treated for [[malnutrition]] in hospital.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.megapinkfloyd.com/band_members_david_gilmour.asp |title=PINK FLOYD – David Gilmour Photos, Biography, Apparel |publisher=Megapinkfloyd.com |accessdate=9 August 2010}}</ref> The pair were also arrested for busking; later, the two trekked to Paris, camping outside the city for a week and visiting the [[Louvre]].{{sfn|Manning|2006|p=18}} In 1967, Jokers Wild earned a residency in France and Gilmour returned to London for equipment supplies. During this visit, he went to see Pink Floyd recording "[[See Emily Play]]" in Chelsea, and was shocked to find that Barrett did not seem to recognise him. Gilmour returned permanently to England later that year.
In September 1962, Gilmour began studying modern languages at [[Advanced Level (UK)|A-Level]], and along with Barrett, went to Cambridge Technical College.{{sfn|Manning|2006|p=11}} Despite not finishing the course, Gilmour would eventually learn to speak fluent French.{{sfn|Manning|2006|p=11}} Gilmour and Barrett spent their lunchtimes practising guitar together, and Barrett would often refer to Gilmour as "Fred".{{sfn|Manning|2006|p=11}} They were not yet bandmates, and Gilmour started playing in the band [[Jokers Wild (band)|Jokers Wild]] in 1962, which he left in 1967. In August 1965, Gilmour [[busking|busked]] around Spain and France with some friends, including Barrett.{{sfn|Manning|2006|p=18}} They performed songs by [[the Beatles]], but were not very successful, living virtually a hand-to-mouth existence. In July 1992, Gilmour stated in an interview with Nicky Horne on BBC radio that he ended up being treated for [[malnutrition]] in hospital.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.megapinkfloyd.com/band_members_david_gilmour.asp |title=PINK FLOYD – David Gilmour Photos, Biography, Apparel |publisher=Megapinkfloyd.com |accessdate=9 August 2010}}</ref> The pair were also arrested for busking; later, the two trekked to Paris, camping outside the city for a week and visiting the [[Louvre]].{{sfn|Manning|2006|p=18}} In 1967, Jokers Wild secured a residency in France and Gilmour returned to London for equipment supplies. During this visit, he went to see Pink Floyd recording "[[See Emily Play]]" in Chelsea, and was shocked to find that Barrett did not seem to recognise him. Gilmour returned permanently to England later that year.


==Pink Floyd==
==Pink Floyd==

Revision as of 08:20, 23 October 2013

This article is about the English rock musician. For the American jazz guitarist, see David Gilmore.
For other people named David Gilmour, see David Gilmour (disambiguation).
David Gilmour
CBE
Gilmour performing in Munich, Germany on 29 July 2006
Gilmour performing in Munich, Germany on 29 July 2006
Background information
Birth nameDavid Jon Gilmour
Born (1946-03-06) 6 March 1946 (age 78)
Cambridge, England
GenresProgressive rock, psychedelic rock, art rock
Occupation(s)Musician, singer, songwriter, producer, music programmer
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, saxophone
Years active1963–present
LabelsEMI Columbia, Harvest, Capitol, Columbia, Sony, EMI
Websitewww.davidgilmour.com

David Jon Gilmour, CBE (b. 6 March 1946), is an English musician, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is best-known for his work as the guitarist and co-lead vocalist of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. It is estimated that as of 2012, the group have sold over 250 million records worldwide, including 74.5 million units sold in the United States.[1]

In addition to his work with Pink Floyd, Gilmour has produced a variety of artists, and has enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist. He has been actively involved with many charities over the course of his career.

In 2005, Gilmour was appointed CBE for his services to music.[2] He was awarded with the Outstanding Contribution title at the 2008 Q Awards.[3] In 2011, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number 14 in their list of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Early life

David Jon Gilmour was born on 6 March 1946, in Cambridge, England.[4] His father, Douglas Gilmour, eventually became a senior lecturer in zoology at the University of Cambridge, and his mother, Sylvia (née Wilson), was a teacher and film editor who later worked for the BBC. At the time of Glimour's birth they lived in Trumpington, Cambridgeshire, but in 1956 after several relocations the couple moved their family to Grantchester Meadows.[5][n 1]

Gilmour's parents encouraged him to pursue his interest in music, and in 1954 he bought his first single, Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock".[7] His enthusiasm for music was stirred the following year by Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel", and later "Bye Bye Love" by the Everly Brothers piqued his interest in guitar. He then borrowed one from his neighbour, but never gave it back. Soon afterward he started teaching himself to play using a book and record set by Pete Seeger.[8] At age 11, Gilmour began attending the Perse School on Hills Road, Cambridge, which he "didn't enjoy".[9] While there he met future Pink Floyd guitarist and vocalist Syd Barrett, and bassist and vocalist Roger Waters, who attended Cambridgeshire High School for Boys, also situated on Hills Road.[10]

In September 1962, Gilmour began studying modern languages at A-Level, and along with Barrett, went to Cambridge Technical College.[9] Despite not finishing the course, Gilmour would eventually learn to speak fluent French.[9] Gilmour and Barrett spent their lunchtimes practising guitar together, and Barrett would often refer to Gilmour as "Fred".[9] They were not yet bandmates, and Gilmour started playing in the band Jokers Wild in 1962, which he left in 1967. In August 1965, Gilmour busked around Spain and France with some friends, including Barrett.[11] They performed songs by the Beatles, but were not very successful, living virtually a hand-to-mouth existence. In July 1992, Gilmour stated in an interview with Nicky Horne on BBC radio that he ended up being treated for malnutrition in hospital.[12] The pair were also arrested for busking; later, the two trekked to Paris, camping outside the city for a week and visiting the Louvre.[11] In 1967, Jokers Wild secured a residency in France and Gilmour returned to London for equipment supplies. During this visit, he went to see Pink Floyd recording "See Emily Play" in Chelsea, and was shocked to find that Barrett did not seem to recognise him. Gilmour returned permanently to England later that year.

Pink Floyd

Gilmour was approached in late December 1967 by drummer Nick Mason, who asked if he would be interested in joining Pink Floyd, which he did in January 1968, briefly making Pink Floyd a five-piece band.[13] They had initially intended to continue with Barrett as a nonperforming songwriter.[14] Gilmour filled in for Syd Barrett's guitar parts when the frontman was unable to take a consistent part in Floyd's live performances. Syd Barrett "left" the group due to his erratic behaviour—commonly believed to have been caused by excessive use of LSD—when the band chose not to pick Barrett up one night for a gig; and Gilmour by default assumed the role of the band's lead guitarist. He took over most of the band's lead vocal duties, with bassist Roger Waters and keyboard player Richard Wright also occasionally singing in Barrett's stead. However, after the successes of The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here, Waters took greater control of the band, writing and singing lead on most of Animals and The Wall. Wright was fired during the sessions for The Wall, and the relationship between Gilmour and Waters would further deteriorate during the making of the film showcasing The Wall and the 1983 Pink Floyd album The Final Cut. The last band performance of The Wall took place on 16 June 1981, at Earls Court, London; it was Pink Floyd's last appearance with Waters until the band's reunion on 2 July 2005, at the Live 8 concert in London's Hyde Park, 24 years later.[15]

Gilmour performing with Pink Floyd in the early 1970s

After the recording of Animals, Gilmour thought that his musical talents were being underused, and channeled his ideas into his eponymous first solo album in 1978, which showcased his guitar style, as well as underscoring his songwriting skills. A song written during the finishing stages of this album, but too late to be used, was incorporated into another song by Waters, which became "Comfortably Numb", which was included on The Wall.[16] The negative atmosphere surrounding the creation of The Wall album and subsequent film, compounded by The Final Cut's virtually being a Roger Waters solo album, led Gilmour to produce his second solo album, About Face, in 1984.[17] He used it to express his feelings about a range of topics, from the murder of John Lennon[17] to his relationship with Waters. He has since admitted that he also used the album to distance himself from Pink Floyd. He toured Europe and the US along with support act the Television Personalities, who were promptly dropped from the line-up after revealing Syd Barrett's address on stage.[18] Mason also made a guest appearance on the UK leg of the tour, which despite some cancellations eventually turned a profit.[19] When he returned from touring, Gilmour played guitar with a range of artists, and also produced The Dream Academy, who had a top ten hit with "Life in a Northern Town".[20]

In 1985, Waters declared that Pink Floyd were "a spent force creatively".[21] In 1986, Gilmour and drummer Nick Mason issued a press release stating that Waters had quit the band and they intended to continue without him.[22] Gilmour assumed full control of the group and produced A Momentary Lapse of Reason in 1987 with some contributions from Mason and Richard Wright.[17] Wright officially rejoined the band after the release of the album for a lengthy world tour and helped create 1994's The Division Bell.[17] Gilmour explained: "I had a number of problems with the direction of the band in our recent past, before Roger left. I thought the songs were very wordy and that, because the specific meanings of those words were so important, the music became a mere vehicle for lyrics, and not a very inspiring one. Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here were so successful not just because of Roger's contributions, but also because there was a better balance between the music and the lyrics than there has been in more recent albums. That's what I'm trying to do with A Momentary Lapse of Reason; more focus on the music, restore the balance." In 1986, Gilmour purchased the houseboat Astoria, which is moored on the River Thames near Hampton Court, and transformed it into a recording studio.[23] The majority of the two most recent Pink Floyd albums, as well as Gilmour's 2006 solo release On an Island, were recorded there.[24]

On 2 July 2005, Gilmour played with Pink Floyd—including Roger Waters—at Live 8. The performance caused a temporary 1343% sales increase of Pink Floyd's album Echoes: The Best of Pink Floyd.[25] Gilmour donated all of his resulting profits to charities that reflect the goals of Live 8 saying: "Though the main objective has been to raise consciousness and put pressure on the G8 leaders, I will not profit from the concert. This is money that should be used to save lives."[25] Shortly after, he called upon all artists experiencing a surge in sales from Live 8 performances to donate the extra revenue to Live 8 fund-raising. After the Live 8 concert, Pink Floyd were offered £150 million to tour the United States, but the band turned down the offer.[26]

On 3 February 2006, he announced in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica that Pink Floyd would most likely never tour or write material together again. He said: "I think enough is enough. I am 60 years old. I don't have the will to work as much any more. Pink Floyd was an important part in my life, I have had a wonderful time, but it's over. For me it's much less complicated to work alone."[27]

Regarding agreeing to play at Live 8, he said: "There was more than one reason, firstly to support the cause. The second one is the energy-consuming and uncomfortable relationship between Roger and me that I was carrying along in my heart. That is why we wanted to perform and to leave the trash behind. Thirdly, I might have regretted it if I declined." On 20 February 2006, Gilmour commented again on Pink Floyd's future when he was interviewed by Billboard.com, stating, "Who knows? I have no plans at all to do that. My plans are to do my concerts and put my solo record out."

In December 2006, Gilmour released a tribute to Syd Barrett, who had died on 7 July of that year, in the form of his own version of Pink Floyd's first single "Arnold Layne".[28] Recorded live at London's Royal Albert Hall, the single featured versions of the song performed by Richard Wright and special guest artist David Bowie.[28] The single peaked on the UK Top 75 singles chart at number nineteen.[29]

Since their Live 8 appearance in 2005, Gilmour has repeatedly said that there will be no Pink Floyd reunion. With the death of Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright in September 2008, another reunion of the core group members became impossible.[30] After his death, his surviving former bandmates praised him for his influence on the sound of Pink Floyd. Gilmour said of Wright: "In the welter of arguments about who or what was Pink Floyd, Rick's enormous input was frequently forgotten. He was gentle, unassuming and private but his soulful voice and playing were vital, magical components of our most recognised Pink Floyd sound. Like Rick, I don't find it easy to express my feelings in words, but I loved him and will miss him enormously. I have never played with anyone quite like him."[31]

Solo projects

Gilmour performing in Brussels in 1984, on his About Face tour

Gilmour has recorded four solo albums, all four of which charted in the US Top 40: 2006's On an Island peaked at number 6 in 2006, 2008's Live in Gdansk peaked at number 26, his 1978 self-titled solo debut peaked at number 29 in 1978 and 1984's About Face peaked number 32 in 1984.

Taking time off from Pink Floyd's schedule, Gilmour also took up various roles as a producer, sideman and even concert sound engineer[17] for a wide variety of acts which included[17] former bandmate Syd Barrett, Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Berlin, John Martyn, Grace Jones, Tom Jones, Elton John, Eric Clapton, B. B. King, Seal, Sam Brown, Jools Holland, Bob Dylan, Pete Townshend, the Who, Supertramp, Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Alan Parsons, Peter Cetera, and various charity groups among others.

In 1985, Gilmour was a member of Bryan Ferry's band. He played on Ferry's album Boys and Girls, as well as the song "Is Your Love Strong Enough" for the US release of the Ridley Scott-Tom Cruise film Legend. A music video for the latter was created, incorporating Ferry and Gilmour into footage from the film[17] (released as a bonus on the 2002 "Ultimate Edition" DVD release). Later that year, Gilmour played with Ferry at the London Live Aid concert;[17] his first collaboration with Ferry's keyboard player Jon Carin, later to tour with Pink Floyd.

Gilmour also took part in a comedy skit titled The Easy Guitar Book Sketch with comedian Rowland Rivron and fellow British musicians Mark Knopfler, Lemmy from Motorhead, Mark King from Level 42, and Gary Moore. Guitar tech Phil Taylor explained in an interview that Knopfler used Gilmour's guitar rig and managed to sound like himself when performing in the skit.[32] In 1994, Gilmour played guitar for the video game Tuneland, along with the addition of Scott Page, a saxophonist who had frequently worked with Pink Floyd. On 14 December 1999, Gilmour played a show at The Cavern Club in Liverpool with Paul McCartney, Mick Green, Ian Paice & Pete Wingfield.

2000s

In 2001 and 2002, Gilmour performed a total of six acoustic solo concerts in London and Paris, along with a small band and choir, which was documented on the In Concert release.[33] On 24 September 2004, he performed a three song set at The Strat Pack concert at London's Wembley Arena, marking the 50th anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster guitar.[34]

Gilmour in performance, Frankfurt 2006

On 6 March 2006, Gilmour's 60th birthday, he released his third solo album, On an Island.[35] It debuted at number 1 in the UK charts,[36] and reached the top five in Germany and Sweden.[37] The album earned Gilmour his first US top-ten as a solo artist, reaching number six in Billboard 200.[38] Produced by Gilmour along with Phil Manzanera and Chris Thomas, the album features orchestrations by renowned Polish composer Zbigniew Preisner.[39] The album features David Crosby and Graham Nash performing background vocals on the title track, Robert Wyatt on cornet and percussion, and Richard Wright on Hammond organ and vocals.[40] Other contributors include Jools Holland, Georgie Fame, Andy Newmark, B. J. Cole, Chris Stainton, Willie Wilson, Rado ‘Bob’ Klose on guitar and Leszek Możdżer on piano.[39] The album also features Gilmour's debut with the saxophone.[40] Gilmour toured Europe, US and Canada from 10 March to 31 May 2006 to promote On an Island. There were 10 shows in the US and Canadian leg of the tour. Pink Floyd alumnus Richard Wright, and frequent Floyd collaborators Dick Parry, Guy Pratt and Jon Carin also accompanied him on the tour. More shows took place in Europe from July to August in 2006.[41] In a press release to promote the tour, Gilmour stated: "I'm rather hoping that with this tour announcement, people will believe me when I say, honestly, this is the only band I plan to tour with!"

On 10 April 2006, On an Island was certified platinum in Canada, with sales of over 100,000 copies. A video recording of a show from Gilmour's solo tour, titled Remember That Night – Live at the Royal Albert Hall, was released on 17 September 2007.[42] The double DVD, directed by David Mallet, contains over five hours of footage, including an on-the-road documentary and guest appearances by David Bowie and Robert Wyatt.[42] The final show of David Gilmour's On an Island tour took place at the Gdańsk Shipyard on 26 August 2006. The concert was held before a crowd of 100,000, and marked the twenty-sixth anniversary of the founding of the Solidarity trade union.[43] The show was recorded, resulting in a live album and DVD release: Live in Gdańsk.[24] For the occasion Gilmour performed with an orchestra, using the 38-piece string section of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Zbigniew Preisner.[43]

On 25 May 2009, he participated in a concert at the Union Chapel in Islington, London. The concert was part of the 'Hidden Gigs' campaign against hidden homelessness, which is organised by Crisis, a UK-based national charity campaigning against homelessness. In the concert he collaborated with the Malian musicians Amadou and Mariam.[44] On 4 July 2009, he joined his friend Jeff Beck onstage at the Royal Albert Hall. David and Jeff traded solos on Jerusalem and closed the show with Hi Ho Silver Lining.

In August 2009, he released an online single, Chicago – Change the World, on which he sang and played guitar, bass and keyboards, to promote awareness of the plight of Gary McKinnon. A re-titled cover of the Graham Nash song Chicago, it featured Chrissie Hynde and Bob Geldof, plus McKinnon himself. It was produced by long-time Pink Floyd collaborator Chris Thomas.[45] A video was also posted on-line.[46]

2010s

On 11 July 2010, Gilmour gave a performance for the charity Hoping Foundation with Roger Waters in Oxfordshire, England.[47] The performance was presented by Jemima Khan and Nigella Lawson, and according to onlookers, it seemed that Gilmour and Waters had ended their long-running feud, laughing and joking together along with their respective partners. Waters subsequently confirmed on his Facebook page that Gilmour would play "Comfortably Numb" with him during one of his shows on his upcoming The Wall Live tour – Gilmour performed the guitar solo on 12 May 2011 at the O2 Arena, London and, with Nick Mason, played with the rest of the band playing "Outside the Wall" at the conclusion of the show.[48]

Gilmour released an album with the Orb in 2010 entitled Metallic Spheres,[49] on which he co-wrote every track and their subsequent parts, and produced, played guitar and sang. In 2011, Rolling Stone placed Gilmour at number 14 in a list of the hundred greatest guitarists of all time.[50]

Musical style

Gilmour playing a keyboard, in Düsseldorf during his About Face tour (1984)

Gilmour is primarily regarded as a lead guitarist. His own solo style is often characterized by blues-influenced phrasing, expressive note bends and sustain.[clarification needed] In 2011, Gilmour was rated the 14th greatest guitarist by Rolling Stone magazine. In January 2007, Guitar World readers voted Gilmour's solos, "Comfortably Numb", "Time" and "Money" into the top 100 Greatest Guitar Solos ("Comfortably Numb" was voted the 4th, "Time" was voted the 21st and "Money" was voted the 62nd greatest solo of all time).[51]

Early in his career with Pink Floyd, Gilmour played a multitude of Fender Stratocasters. He recorded one of his most popular guitar solos, for "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2", in one take using no editing or mixing using a 1955 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top guitar equipped with P-90 pick-ups.[52] In 1996, Gilmour was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Pink Floyd. Gilmour's solo on "Comfortably Numb" was voted as one of the greatest guitar solos of all time in several polls by listeners and critics.[53]

Although mainly known for his guitar work, Gilmour is also a proficient multi-instrumentalist. He also played bass guitar on many Pink Floyd tracks, keyboards, synthesiser, banjo, lap steel, mandolin, harmonica, and drums on the Syd Barrett solo track "Dominoes". He also plays the saxophone.

Equipment

Gilmour playing a Fender Stratocaster in 1984

Some of the equipment Gilmour has used on his solo or Pink Floyd records and tours include many versions of the Fender Stratocaster, several Les Paul, and other guitar models. His primary stage and studio guitar is a 1969 Fender Stratocaster. Black with a black pickguard, it has white pick-up covers and knobs. It does not have the original neck. The guitar has an added switch that combines the neck and bridge pick-ups. It has a Seymour Duncan SSL-1C (SSL-5 Prototype) bridge pick-up. The guitar strap that Gilmour pairs with this instrument once belonged to Jimi Hendrix. His main guitar for the post-Roger Waters era Pink Floyd tours was a Candy Apple Red 1984 1957 Stratocaster reissue. It has a set of EMG SA active pick-ups. This guitar still continues to be used for specific songs during Gilmour's live performances. Gilmour owns a Stratocaster # 0001. This is not the first model made. Cream coloured 1957 reissue Stratocaster. This guitar was used on Gilmour's 1984 solo tour to support the About Face album and also during the early part of the 1987–1990 Pink Floyd tour. During the 1994 Pink Floyd tour it was used as a spare guitar. During Pink Floyd's Live 8 set sidesman Tim Renwick was seen playing it. It has the same EMG setup as his red '57 Reissue model. After it was used for Live 8, the neck from the cream Stratocaster was transferred to Gilmour's main black Stratocaster. '57 Lake Placid Blue. (Serial number #0040). This guitar was used during The Wall recording sessions. Sonic Blue "Eric Clapton" signature Stratocaster with Fender Lace Sensor pick-ups given to Gilmour by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation used most prominently on an episode of French and Saunders. Incidentally Mark Knopfler used Gilmour's EMG red Strat in the same sketch. Double-neck Stratocaster. Custom made body by guitar builder Dick Knight and using standard Fender necks. It was used in the early 1970s. 1959 sunburst Stratocaster body with a 1963 neck with a rosewood fingerboard. This guitar was given to Gilmour by Steve Marriott. Gilmour didn't like the guitar enough to use it for very long but did like the neck better than the original one on his black Stratocaster and the two were switched. The sunburst model was used as A spare and for slide guitar in subsequent years. White with white pickguard. Used in the late 1960s. Received as a gift from the rest of the band.[54]

Gilmour used a Stratocaster equipped with the Doug Wilkes 'Answer' sliding pick-up system on the 'Momentary Lapse of Reason' recording. Telecaster Blonde body with white pickguard. Used on the On an Island tour. '52 Butterscotch Reissues with black pickguard. Used between 1987 and 1995. The first guitar was tuned in Dropped D rather than a standard tuning and was used for "Run Like Hell". The second served as a backup instrument and had a regular guitar tuning. Gilmour used this guitar for Astronomy Domine. '59 Custom Telecaster with sunburst ash body, white binding on the body, rosewood fingerboard, and a white pickguard. A Gibson Humbucker was briefly placed in the neck position but this was removed before it was used on the Animals' recording sessions. Last seen at rehearsals during the On an Island tour. '61 Telecaster used during The Wall recording sessions. Also used live in the post-Waters era for "Run Like Hell". Last seen on the Syd Barrett memory concert in 2007. 1960s brown-faded body. Used in the late 1960s. 1960s blonde ash body with white pickguard. This was Gilmour's main guitar during his first year with Pink Floyd, but it was lost by an airline company in 1968, prompting Gilmour to buy the brown-faded Telecaster.[55] Esquire '55 Sunburst body a.k.a. "The workmate Tele". Neck pick-up added. Used at the recording sessions for his first solo album and seen on the back cover of his second solo album, and used in The Wall recording sessions and subsequent tour. Also seen when Gilmour performed with Paul McCartney in the late 1990s, at the Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller tribute concert and at the AOL Elvis Tribute on the song Don't both in 2001.

Other electric guitars

Along with the Fender models, Gilmour has also used: a Gibson Les Paul goldtop model with P-90 pick-ups during recording sessions for The Wall and A Momentary Lapse of Reason.[56] It was used for the guitar solo on 'Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2'. Gilmour also plays a Gretsch Duo-Jet, a Gretsch White Falcon, and a "White Penguin". He played a Bill Lewis 24-fret guitar during the Meddle and Dark Side of the Moon recording sessions, and a Steinberger GL model which was his main guitar during A Momentary Lapse of Reason recording sessions.[57]

Acoustics

Gilmour has used many different acoustic guitars throughout his career including a Gibson "Chet Atkins" classical model, and a Gibson J-200 Celebrity acoustic guitar.[58] Gilmour used several Ovation models including a Custom Legend 1619-4, and a Custom Legend 1613-4 nylon string guitar, both during The Wall recording sessions.[59] Martin models used include a D-35, and a D12-28 12-string.[59] Gilmour's large acoustic collection also includes many models from Taylor, Takamine and Guild.

Steel guitar

Gilmour playing lap steel guitar, 26 January 1977

Throughout his recording career Gilmour has added a different element to his guitar style with his use of steel guitars. A pair of Jedson pedal steel guitars were used frequently in the early 1970s. Originally purchased from a pawn shop while Gilmour was in Seattle in 1970, the Jedson was used during recording of "One of These Days" from "Meddle" and "Breathe" and "Great Gig in the Sky" from The Dark Side of the Moon.[60] Gilmour also owns a Fender Deluxe lap steel, which he used during The Division Bell tour in 1994.[58] Gilmour also owns a Champ lap steel model. Along with the Fender steel models Gilmour has also used: a Gibson EH150, and two Jedson models: one red (1977-tuned D-G-D-G-B-E for Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Parts 6–9, 1987–2006: Tuned E-B-E-G-B-E for High Hopes) and one blonde. He also uses a ZB steel model.[59]

Bass guitars

Gilmour has played bass both in the studio and onstage, and has played many different bass models including: an Ovation Magnum, a Fender Bass VI, Fender Precision and Jazz bass models and a Charvel fretless (all used during The Wall recording sessions). He also owns a Doug Wilkes built Precision-style single pick-up bass which was used on the 'Momentary Lapse of Reason' sessions. During the 1991 Amnesty International concert Gilmour used a Music Man Fretless Stingray bass while conducting the house band and again during Spinal Tap's performance of "Big Bottom". (All guitarists played bass on this song, and Gilmour played the solo)

Fender Signature Stratocaster

David Gilmour Signature Stratocaster NOS (without tremolo arm) in its case

In November 2006, Fender Custom Shop announced two reproductions of Gilmour's "Black" Strat for release on 22 September 2008. Gilmour's website states the release date was chosen to coincide with the release of his Live in Gdansk album.[61] Both guitars are based on extensive measurements of the original instrument, each featuring varying degrees of wear. The most expensive is the David Gilmour Relic Stratocaster[62] which features the closest copy of wear on the original guitar. A pristine copy of the guitar is also made, called the David Gilmour NOS Stratocaster.[63]

Personal life

Gilmour at Live 8 in July 2005

Gilmour's first marriage was to American-born model and artist Virginia "Ginger" Hasenbein, on 7 July 1975.[64] The couple had four children: Alice (born 1976), Claire (born 1979), Sara (born 1983) and Matthew (born 1986).[65] They originally attended a Waldorf School, but Gilmour called their education there "horrific".[66] In 1994, he married journalist Polly Samson. His best man was his teenage friend and Pink Floyd album artwork designer Storm Thorgerson.[67] The couple have four children, Charlie (born 1991) (Samson's son with Heathcote Williams whom Gilmour adopted), Joe (born 1995), Gabriel (born 1997) and Romany (born 2002).[68] Charlie's voice can be heard on the telephone to Steve O'Rourke, at the end of "High Hopes" from The Division Bell.[4]

Gilmour has been associated with various charity organisations. In May 2003, Gilmour sold his house in Little Venice to the ninth Earl Spencer and donated the proceeds worth £3.6 million to Crisis to help fund a housing project for the homeless. He has been named a vice president of the organisation.[69] Other charities to which Gilmour has lent support include Oxfam, the European Union Mental Health and Illness Association, Greenpeace, Amnesty International,[17] The Lung Foundation, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy,[17] Teenage Cancer Trust, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).[70] He also donated £25,000 to the Save the Rhino foundation in exchange for Douglas Adams's name suggestion for the album that became The Division Bell.[24]

Gilmour is an experienced pilot and aviation enthusiast. Under the aegis of his company, Intrepid Aviation,[17] he had amassed a collection of historical aircraft. He later decided to sell the company, which he had started as a hobby, feeling that it was becoming too commercial for him to handle. In a BBC interview, he stated:

Intrepid Aviation was a way for me to make my hobby pay for itself a little bit, but gradually over a few years Intrepid Aviation became a business because you have to be businesslike about it. Suddenly I found instead of it being a hobby and me enjoying myself, it was a business and so I sold it. I don't have Intrepid Aviation any more. I just have a nice old biplane that I pop up, wander around the skies in sometimes...[71]

Gilmour has stated in interviews that he doesn't believe in an afterlife and that he is an atheist.[72][73] On 22 May 2008, he won the 2008 Ivor Novello Lifetime Contribution Award.[74] In autumn 2008, he was awarded for outstanding contribution for music by the Q Awards. He dedicated his award to his bandmate Richard Wright, who died in September 2008.[3] On 11 November 2009, Gilmour received an honorary doctorate from the Anglia Ruskin University.[75]

Discography

Main article: David Gilmour discography
See also: Pink Floyd discography
Studio albums

Notes

  1. ^ Gilmour has three siblings: Peter, Mark and Catherine.[6]

Citations

  1. ^ For 250 million records sold see: "Pink Floyd Reunion Tops Fans' Wish List in Music Choice Survey". Bloomberg Television. 26 September 2007. Retrieved 2 August 2012.; For 74.5 million RIAA certified units sold see: "Top Selling Artists". RIAA. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
  2. ^ Blake 2008, p. 378.
  3. ^ a b "Q Awards 2008 Outstanding Contribution". .qawards.co.uk. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
  4. ^ a b Fitch 2005, p. 115.
  5. ^ Blake 2008, p. 14: the house in Trumpington; Manning 2006, pp. 10–11.
  6. ^ Blake 2008, p. 14.
  7. ^ Manning 2006, pp. 10–11.
  8. ^ Blake 2008, pp. 18–19.
  9. ^ a b c d Manning 2006, p. 11.
  10. ^ Blake 2008, pp. 15–17.
  11. ^ a b Manning 2006, p. 18.
  12. ^ "PINK FLOYD – David Gilmour Photos, Biography, Apparel". Megapinkfloyd.com. Retrieved 9 August 2010.
  13. ^ Povey 2008, p. 47.
  14. ^ Mason 2005, p. 109–111.
  15. ^ Povey & Russell 1997, p. 185.
  16. ^ Schaffner 1991, pp. 221–222.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Miles, Barry (1994). Pink Floyd the visual documentary (Updated ed.). London: Omnibus. ISBN 0-7119-4109-2. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ Schaffner 1991, p. 123.
  19. ^ Blake 2008, p. 304.
  20. ^ Blake 2008, p. 312.
  21. ^ Povey 2008, pp. 240–241, 246.
  22. ^ Povey 2008, p. 240.
  23. ^ Blake 2008, p. 318.
  24. ^ a b c Mabbett, Andy (2010). Pink Floyd – The Music and the Mystery. London: Omnibus,. ISBN 978-1-84938-370-7.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ a b "Pink Floyd gives back". Retrieved 2 December 2007.
  26. ^ "Pink Floyd offered millions to tour". Retrieved 2 December 2007.
  27. ^ "Il requiem di David Gilmour "I Pink Floyd? Sono finiti"". Repubblica.it. 3 February 2006. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
  28. ^ a b Mabbett 2010, pp. 140–141. sfn error: multiple targets (2×): CITEREFMabbett2010 (help)
  29. ^ "Arnold Layne chart position". Retrieved 4 December 2007.
  30. ^ Booth, Robert (16 September 2008). "Pink Floyd's Richard Wright dies". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
  31. ^ AFP (16 September 2008). "afp.google.com, Pink Floyd's Gilmour mourns bandmate Wright". Google. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
  32. ^ "David Gilmour – DVD Draw" – The Phil Taylor Interview
  33. ^ Povey 2008, pp. 306, 314–315.
  34. ^ Povey 2008, p. 315.
  35. ^ Blake 2008, p. 387.
  36. ^ "David Gilmour Biography". Archived from the original on 3 December 2007. Retrieved 4 December 2007.
  37. ^ "On an Island music charts". Retrieved 4 December 2007.
  38. ^ April 2006 "Billboard 200". Archived from the original on 6 January 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2007. {{cite web}}: Check |archiveurl= value (help)
  39. ^ a b Povey 2008, p. 298.
  40. ^ a b Mabbett 2010, pp. 139–140. sfn error: multiple targets (2×): CITEREFMabbett2010 (help)
  41. ^ Povey 2008, pp. 306–310.
  42. ^ a b Mabbett 2010, pp. 141–142. sfn error: multiple targets (2×): CITEREFMabbett2010 (help)
  43. ^ a b Povey 2008, p. 310.
  44. ^ "Pink Floyd news resource". Brain Damage. 27 May 2009. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
  45. ^ "Chicago". Retrieved 4 August 2009.
  46. ^ "McKinnon Campaign". Retrieved 4 August 2009.
  47. ^ By Daniel Kreps (12 July 2010). "Pink Floyd's Gilmour and Waters Stun Crowd With Surprise Reunion | Rolling Stone Music". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
  48. ^ "Pink Floyd bandmates reunite at Roger Waters concert". viagogo. 16 May 2011. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  49. ^ "The Orb on Gilmour's website". Davidgilmour.com. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
  50. ^ Wenner 2011, p. 59.
  51. ^ "100 Greatest Guitar Solos: 51–100". Guitar World. Retrieved 9 August 2010.
  52. ^ Fitch & Mahon 2006, pp. 75–76.
  53. ^ David Gilmour's Guitar Solo is Number 1 (Musicjot)/
  54. ^ The White Stratocaster. "The White Stratocaster". Gilmourish. Retrieved 19 January 2009.
  55. ^ Telecasters. "Telecasters". Gilmourish. Retrieved 19 January 2009.
  56. ^ Fitch 2005, pp. 428, 431.
  57. ^ Fitch 2005, pp. 420: Bill Lewis 24-fret guitar, 431: Steinberger GL model.
  58. ^ a b Fitch 2005, p. 434.
  59. ^ a b c Fitch & Mahon 2006, p. 268.
  60. ^ Fitch 2005, p. 424.
  61. ^ "The Voice and Guitar of Pink Floyd | Official Site". David Gilmour. Retrieved 19 January 2009.
  62. ^ "David Gilmour Relic Stratocaster". Zuitar.com. Retrieved 16 August 2008.
  63. ^ "David Gilmour NOS Stratocaster". Zuitar.com. Retrieved 16 August 2008.
  64. ^ Gilmour, Ginger. "Ginger Art". Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  65. ^ Fitch 2005, p. 116.
  66. ^ "Daily Telegraph Article: "We Don't Need No Steiner Education"". Waldorfcritics.org. Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2009.
  67. ^ Samson, Polly (18 April 2013). "Best man at our wedding". Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  68. ^ Blake 2008, p. 371: Romany, Fitch 2005, p. 116: Charlie, Joe and Gabriel.
  69. ^ "David Gilmour backs Crisis urban village". Crisis. Retrieved 20 May 2003.
  70. ^ "FAQs". Retrieved 27 May 2012.
  71. ^ "Intrepid Aviation". Archived from the original on 21 October 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
  72. ^ Newsday, published 30 March 2006: "I'm an atheist, and I don't have any belief in an afterlife..."
  73. ^ "The theme of the new album – those Pink Floyd habits die hard – is mortality. One song, 'This Heaven', reflects Gilmour's atheism".The Sunday Telegraph (London), 28 May 2006, Section Seven, Pg. 8.
  74. ^ 2008 Ivor Novello Award Winners
  75. ^ "Cambridge City News, Cambridge Local News Stories & Latest Headlines About Cambridge | ARU honours Floyd's Gilmour with degree". Cambridge-news.co.uk. Retrieved 9 August 2010.

Sources

Further reading

External links

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