David Gilmour is an English guitarist, singer, songwriter, and composer, best known as a member of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. Born March 6, 1946, in Cambridge, England, he is celebrated for his emotive guitar work and distinctive voice. Below is a concise overview based on available information:
Key Facts:
- Full Name: David Jon Gilmour
- Age: 79 (as of June 2025)
- Family:
- Parents: Douglas (zoology lecturer) and Sylvia (teacher)
- Married to Virginia “Ginger” Hasenbein (1975–1990; four children: Alice, Clare, Sara, Matthew)
- Married to Polly Samson (1994–present; four children: Charlie, Joe, Gabriel, Romany)
- Honors:
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE, 2003)
- Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Pink Floyd (1996)
- Q Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music (2008)
- Net Worth: Estimated at $180 million (Celebrity Net Worth)
Career Highlights:
- Pink Floyd:
- Joined in 1967 as guitarist and co-vocalist, replacing Syd Barrett
- Key albums: The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), The Wall (1979), The Final Cut (1983)
- Took creative control after Roger Waters’ departure in 1985, leading A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987) and The Division Bell (1994)
- Signature guitar solos: “Comfortably Numb,” “Time,” “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”
- Pink Floyd sold over 250 million records worldwide
- Solo Career:
- Albums: David Gilmour (1978), About Face (1984), On an Island (2006), Rattle That Lock (2015), Luck and Strange (2025)
- Luck and Strange (released 2024) hit #1 in the UK, praised for its reflective tone; features Romany Gilmour and Polly Samson’s lyrics
- Collaborated with artists like Kate Bush, Paul McCartney, and The Orb
- Guitar Style:
- Known for melodic, emotive solos using a Fender Stratocaster (“Black Strat”)
- Influenced by blues, folk, and rock; uses minimal effects for a pure tone
- Ranked #14 in Rolling Stone’s 2023 list of greatest guitarists
- Production:
- Produced albums for Kate Bush, Syd Barrett, and others
- Contributed to soundtracks like La Carrera Panamericana (1992)
Personal Life:
- Early Life: Grew up in Cambridge, met Syd Barrett at school; self-taught guitarist
- Activism: Sold $21.5 million worth of guitars in 2019, donating proceeds to ClientEarth for climate change initiatives
- Residences: Owns homes in London, West Sussex, and a farmhouse in Greece
- Health: No major public health issues reported; still actively touring in 2024/2025
- Relationships:
- Strained dynamic with Roger Waters, ongoing public disputes over Pink Floyd’s legacy
- Close to bandmates Nick Mason and Richard Wright (d. 2008)
Recent Activity:
- 2024/2025 Tour: Supporting Luck and Strange, with sold-out shows in London, Rome, New York, and Los Angeles; includes daughter Romany on vocals
- Pink Floyd Catalog Sale: Sony Music acquired Pink Floyd’s recorded music and likeness rights for $400 million in October 2024, despite Waters’ objections
- X Sentiment: Fans praise Gilmour’s soulful guitar and new album, though some criticize high ticket prices or lament Pink Floyd disputes
- Live Performances: Recent shows feature extended jams, covers like “Purple Rain,” and guest appearances (e.g., Kate Bush, 2002)
Notable Quotes:
- On music: “I’m not content to just churn out stuff for the sake of it. It’s got to mean something.”
- On Pink Floyd: “It’s a shame we couldn’t all get along, but the music still speaks.”
- On Luck and Strange: “It’s about mortality, but it’s not morbid—it’s about living now.”