David Gilmour has spent nearly 50 years refining his status as one of rock’s most iconic guitarists. While most are familiar with his game-changing work in Pink Floyd, Gilmour’s solo career often flies under the radar. But 2024 gives us a unique numerical coincidence—David Gilmour, now 78, first ventured solo in 1978. Coincidence? Probably, but it’s a cool fact nonetheless, and a perfect excuse to revisit his solo work and celebrate his continued artistry, even as he prepares to enter his eighth decade.
From 1978 to Luck and Strange
Gilmour’s first solo album, self-titled and released in 1978, marked a break from Pink Floyd, but it wasn’t a total escape. Several pieces written during the creation of David Gilmour eventually found their way into The Wall. Most notably, early sketches of what would become “Comfortably Numb” were laid down during this time but ultimately didn’t fit the mood of his solo debut. Good thing he saved it—The Wall wouldn’t be the same without it, and David Gilmour stood strong on its own, showing off a looser, bluesy side of Gilmour that contrasted Floyd’s sprawling, conceptual soundscapes.
Zip ahead to 2024, and Gilmour’s most recent album Luck and Strange showcases a musician who hasn’t lost his touch even after a nine-year stretch between releases. There’s a patience and depth to his guitar work here—each note still feels meticulously chosen, with no rush to prove anything. His signature style—soaring, sustained solos, often imbued with a touch of melancholy—remains unmistakable. There’s also a familial surprise: Gilmour’s 22-year-old daughter, Romany, sings on the record, proving that inherited musical talent runs deep.
Gilmour’s wife and mother to four of his eight children, Polly Samson, is a novelist and journalist. She collaborated with him and wrote lyrics for two of his albums as well as the last two records by Pink Floyd.
A Tribute to Syd Barrett and Old Friendships
One of the more poignant moments in Gilmour’s solo career came in 2006 when he performed a cover of “Arnold Layne,” Pink Floyd’s 1967 single, in tribute to Syd Barrett. Barrett was the band’s founding frontman and a close friend of Gilmour’s before mental illness took him away from the spotlight. This performance wasn’t just a nostalgic nod but a heartfelt farewell to a man who shaped the early sound of Pink Floyd. Gilmour’s choice of this track—a whimsical, psychedelic number—reminded everyone of his innate respect for the past and his roots.
Fun Facts: Modeling, Godfathering, and Animal Advocacy
Despite his laid-back and unassuming presence, Gilmour’s life outside music is full of surprising quirks. Before his career as Pink Floyd’s guitarist took off, he worked briefly as a model in the late ’60s. Maybe those baby blues and high cheekbones could have landed him in Vogue, but thankfully for rock fans, music called his name.
Speaking of family ties, Gilmour’s connections in Hollywood are just as interesting. Naomi Watts, star of films like Mulholland Drive and King Kong, is Gilmour’s goddaughter. Watts’ father, Peter Watts, was a roadie for Pink Floyd in the 1970s, creating an unexpected but enduring bond between the actress and the legendary guitarist. It’s hard to imagine Watts rocking out to Dark Side of the Moon in her youth, but that’s the kind of rich backstory you get when you’re David Gilmour.
Another side of Gilmour that often goes unnoticed is his deep commitment to charity work, particularly for environmental causes. He’s a well-known advocate for animal rights, supporting various organizations that work to protect wildlife and domestic animals. In 2003, Gilmour sold his London mansion for £3.6 million and donated the proceeds to Crisis, a UK-based charity focused on homelessness.
Romany: The Next Generation
Romany Gilmour has stepped into the spotlight alongside her father, contributing vocals on his recent albums and even touring with him. Her voice adds a fresh, ethereal layer to his signature sound, blending beautifully with the soulful guitar work. Watching father and daughter on stage is a touching sight—Romany represents the next chapter in the Gilmour legacy, a continuation of musical prowess that has spanned generations. His son, Matt, has his own band.
Still Going Strong
At 78, Gilmour shows no signs of slowing down. His solo career has always been more understated than his work with Pink Floyd, but it’s no less significant. He’s constantly evolving while staying true to his sound—just listen to Luck and Strange, where every song feels meticulously crafted, every guitar note is steeped in years of hard-won experience.
As for the future, Gilmour doesn’t have much to prove. His guitar work has shaped the very essence of classic rock music, and his solo albums are proof of his brilliance. Whether it’s through his groundbreaking work in Pink Floyd or the quiet beauty of his solo projects, Gilmour continues to captivate us, one expressive note at a time.
-Staci Layne Wilson
Photo: David Gilmour, 2015 (Jimmy Baikovicius via Wikimedia Commons)
Great article about one of the truly great guitarists in history.
Thank you!
Pink Floyd’s magic was in their ability to reflect back to us the complexity of the human experience, on such a grand scale, amplifying the dark churn of our emotions yet in a way to let us feel more known and less alone on our journey. I feel the same way about Luck and Strange, its majestic beauty and tinges of sadness and its hopes and fears… Gilmour at this later hour has remarkably managed to broaden his legacy further, and deepen it, and show and remind us how much beauty there is out there.