The Beatles hold a significant place as the most influential and greatest rock band of all time. They are the only band to have sold around 600 million albums worldwide.
This achievement has solidified their status as the number one best-selling music artist in history.
As the top-selling music artist ever, The Beatles have had a profound impact on numerous other artists, including icons like Freddie Mercury, Nirvana, David Gilmour, and many others.
There’s no question that The Beatles were and still are the best, continuing to inspire countless individuals.
One of their most popular fans, David Gilmour has frequently spoken about The Beatles. Whenever he mentions them, he never fails to praise them. Gilmour has immense admiration for The Beatles. A few years ago, when asked whether he thought Pink Floyd was the best band, he humbly responded, “Oh, I don’t know, it’s no [contest], The Beatles are the best.”
Gilmour’s humility shines through, but it’s also a widely accepted truth that The Beatles are the greatest of all time. It’s easy to imagine that The Beatles had a significant influence on Gilmour and Pink Floyd, especially since both bands are English rock groups. The Beatles formed in 1960, while Pink Floyd came together in 1965.
Despite being from the same era, Pink Floyd held The Beatles in such high regard that Nick Mason, Pink Floyd’s drummer, once recalled meeting The Beatles in Studio Two’s control room in 1967, saying, “They were God-like figures to us.”
But the influence wasn’t one-sided; Pink Floyd also inspired The Beatles with their music. It’s often said that The Beatles’ song “What’s the New Mary Jane” was influenced by Pink Floyd’s original frontman, Syd Barrett.
Unfortunately, Barrett couldn’t continue with Pink Floyd due to his struggles with psychedelic drug use and mental health issues. David Gilmour joined the band as Barrett’s replacement in late 1967. As a result, he didn’t get the chance to meet The Beatles in person, but he has always spoken highly of them.
Gilmour hasn’t just talked about The Beatles; he has also covered some of their songs, showcasing how much he admires them and how much their music means to him.
“Here, There, and Everywhere”
Released in 1966, this song is part of The Beatles’ album Revolver. Gilmour holds this song dear, as evident from a 2015 Mojo magazine release. The magazine featured a David Gilmour & Friends compilation CD where artists chose songs they liked and recreated them. Gilmour’s version of “Here, There, and Everywhere” was included, showing his deep connection to the song.
Gilmour also expressed how much The Beatles influenced him. He stated, “I really wish I had been in The Beatles.” He continued, “[They] taught me how to play the guitar. I learned everything—the bass parts, the lead, the rhythm, everything. They were fantastic.”
This song is not just special to Gilmour; it’s also one of Paul McCartney’s favorites. Paul mentioned that it was the only song that earned him praise from John Lennon. McCartney recalled, “John says just as it finishes, ‘That’s a really good song, lad. I love that song.’ And I’m like, ‘Yes! He likes it!’”
“I Saw Her Standing There”
Despite Gilmour’s fame, he remains humble and openly acknowledges his admiration for The Beatles. He has contributed guitar solos to several of Paul McCartney’s songs across three studio albums, including Flowers in the Dirt and Give My Regards to Broad Street.
In an interview with Record Collector, Gilmour reflected on his experiences, saying, “I’m a kid, really. You get into Studio Two at Abbey Road, you’re sitting there with Paul McCartney, and your guitar is plugged in. You think that’s an ordinary day’s work, but of course, it isn’t—it’s magical!” He later added, “Managing to persuade him to sing ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ at the Cavern, with me doing the John Lennon parts, was absolutely fantastic. I’ve been in The Who, I’ve been in The Beatles, and I’ve been in Pink Floyd! Top that, mother****er!”
“Revolution”
In 2002, Gilmour performed The Beatles’ iconic song “Revolution.” Unfortunately, not many people were present to witness Gilmour’s powerful performance. However, this song remains one of Gilmour’s favorites.
During this performance, Gilmour was joined by other musicians, including Roger Taylor, Paul Carrack, Mike Rutherford, and others.
“Across the Universe”
At the same Beatles tribute concert in 2002, Gilmour also performed “Across the Universe.” This beautiful song was penned by none other than the legendary John Lennon, inspired by a disagreement with his first wife, Cynthia.
Gilmour’s performance of this song, along with others, was for the benefit of the Tibet House Trust, adding even more meaning to his tribute to The Beatles.
