When we think of rock legends, names like Pete Townshend of The Who and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd spring to mind. Their timeless music has left an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll. and future generations of musicians can feel their influence. But did you know that these two rock legends once collaborated? Townshend got in to save Gilmour from a bad situation in the early 1980s.
Gilmour and Townshend had been friends for many years. Their relationship was built on mutual respect and admiration for each other’s talent. This bond would prove to be a saving grace for Gilmour when he found himself struggling to complete two songs. The songs ‘Love on the Air’ and ‘All Lovers are Deranged,’ for his 1984 solo album, ‘About Face.’
The collaborative spirit that Gilmour and Townshend shared extended beyond the recording studio. In the mid-1980s, Townshend formed a 16-piece band called ‘Deep End’. Pink Floyd was between projects at the time. Gilmour found himself available to serve as lead guitarist. This brief but memorable experience had already cemented their bond as musicians and friends. It demonstrated their ability to create magic on stage together. so David reached out to Pete when he was in desperate need of assistance was a natural result.
With time running out and inspiration at an all-time low, Gilmour turned to his trusted friend Townshend for assistance in finishing these tracks. And a fascinating story of friendship and artistic camaraderie emerged from a January 1985 interview with David Gilmour. It was titled ‘Out of the PINK and into the BLUES’. It was later included in the collector’s yearbook ‘Guitar Classics VI’ in 1993.
As Gilmour explained in the interview, he sent Townshend a cassette with only the backing tracks. He allows him to add his creative touch. Gilmour took a risk by entrusting his friend with the artistic direction of these songs, but it paid off. When the cassette was returned to him, Gilmour was overjoyed with the results. He only made minor changes.
In the interview, David Gilmour described the desperate situation. “I had lyrics for those songs. But I didn’t particularly like them. I asked him for help because I was running out of time and inspiration to improve the lyrics. When I received the cassette back for ‘Love on the Air,’ it pleasantly surprised me. I like where he put the line and how he did the vocals. I had heard the vocal line in a completely different place and deliberately sent Pete a tape with no melody on it.
It was just a completed backing track with no lines and no idea what I wanted the lyrics to be. He had no restrictions. Of course, he added words where I intended to be instrumental. ‘Lovers‘ was the same situation, but I shifted the placement of his melody and lyrics slightly.”
The collaboration between Gilmour and Townshend exemplifies the powerful synergy that can occur when two extraordinary talents come together. Despite the time constraints and creative challenges they faced, their collaborative efforts resulted in the creation of two unforgettable songs. It continues to resonate with listeners today.
Gilmour’s confidence in Townshend’s abilities, as well as Townshend’s willingness to lend a helping hand in times of need, demonstrate the strength of their friendship. And also the magic that can occur when artists support one another.
This incredible story reminds us of the value of collaboration and its impact on the creative process. Gilmour’s decision to contact Townshend resulted in the successful completion of two outstanding tracks. It established their friendship and artistic collaboration.
