40 Rare Facts About David Gilmour

David Gilmour Facts: David Gilmour is a renowned British musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He was born on March 6, 1946, in Cambridge, England. Gilmour is best known as the guitarist and one of the lead vocalists of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd.

Gilmour joined Pink Floyd in 1968, initially as a session guitarist and backup vocalist. After the departure of founding member Syd Barrett, he became an integral part of the band’s lineup alongside Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright. Gilmour’s distinctive guitar style, characterized by expressive solos and melodic playing, played a significant role in shaping Pink Floyd’s sound.

1. David Gilmour was born on March 6, 1946, in Cambridge, England.
2. Before joining Pink Floyd, Gilmour briefly attended the University of Cambridge to study modern languages.
3. He played the saxophone in his school band, the Ramblers, before becoming a guitarist.
4. Gilmour’s first encounter with Pink Floyd was as a session guitarist, playing on their album “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn” (1967) before officially joining the band.
5. He is known for his distinctive guitar playing style, utilizing techniques such as bending notes and incorporating slides and vibrato.
6. Gilmour is left-handed but plays guitar right-handed.
7. He played a crucial role in the development and creation of Pink Floyd’s iconic albums “The Dark Side of the Moon,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “The Division Bell.”
8. Gilmour co-wrote several of Pink Floyd’s most well-known songs, including “Comfortably Numb,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “Time.”
9. He is recognized for his soulful and emotive guitar solos, which often serve as the highlights of Pink Floyd’s songs.
10. Gilmour’s critically acclaimed self-titled debut solo album was released in 1978.
11. He has released several successful solo albums throughout his career, including “About Face” (1984) and “On an Island” (2006).
12. In addition to his guitar skills, Gilmour is an accomplished singer and has provided lead vocals on many Pink Floyd tracks.
13. Gilmour has been involved in numerous charitable endeavors, including donating royalties from his album “On an Island” to help fund a housing project for the homeless.
14. He has collaborated with various artists outside of Pink Floyd, including working with musicians such as Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, and Bryan Ferry.
15. Gilmour is an avid collector of classic cars and has an extensive collection that includes vintage Ferraris and Aston Martins.
16. He is a licensed pilot and owns a helicopter.
17. Gilmour is a supporter of environmental causes and has actively campaigned for Greenpeace.
18. In 2008, Gilmour sold his famous “Black Strat” guitar at an auction for a record-breaking $3.9 million, with the proceeds going to charity.
19. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Anglia Ruskin University in 2016 for his contributions to music.
20. Gilmour was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, both as a member of Pink Floyd in 1996 and as a solo artist in 2008.
21. Gilmour’s father, Douglas Gilmour, was a lecturer in zoology at the University of Cambridge.
22. He made an appearance in the film “Pink Floyd: The Wall” (1982), playing the character of the doctor who sedates the protagonist.
23. Gilmour has a passion for sailing and has owned several boats throughout his life.
24. He has a black belt in karate and has practiced martial arts since his youth.
25. Gilmour has composed film scores, including the soundtrack for the French film “La Carrera Panamericana” (1992).
26. He was instrumental in reuniting Pink Floyd for a one-off performance at Live 8 in 2005, marking their first performance together in 24 years.
27. Gilmour is a dedicated collector of vintage guitars and has a vast collection that includes iconic instruments like a 1954 Stratocaster and a 1955 Les Paul Goldtop.
28. He is a skilled painter and has showcased his artwork in exhibitions, often incorporating his love for landscapes and seascapes into his pieces.
29. Gilmour was inspired by blues guitarists such as B.B. King and Robert Johnson, and their influence can be heard in his playing style.
30. He has been honored with multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career.
31. Gilmour contributed guitar work to albums by artists like Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Kate Bush.
32. He has performed at various charity concerts, including the “Concert for Diana” in 2007, organized to honor the memory of Princess Diana.
33. Gilmour’s iconic guitar solo in Pink Floyd’s song “Comfortably Numb” is often hailed as one of the greatest guitar solos in rock music history.
34. He is a fan of cricket and has attended matches and supported the English national team.
35. Gilmour is a supporter of Amnesty International and has participated in events to raise awareness and funds for human rights causes.
36. He has collaborated with electronic music artist The Orb on an ambient album titled “The Orb’s Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld” (1991).
37. Gilmour has a private recording studio called Astoria, located on the grounds of his home.
38. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2003 New Year Honours for his services to music.
39. Gilmour has been involved in philanthropic initiatives related to homelessness, cancer research, and humanitarian causes.
40. He performed at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, playing Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” to a global audience.

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