David Gilmour, the guitarist for Pink Floyd, is about as skilled at his instrument as anyone can be. Even the remarkable Gilmour, though, has been reluctant to follow in the footsteps of his heroes. Even though he was inducted into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” sold millions of records, and fundamentally altered the music industry, imposter syndrome can still strike anyone.
Peter Green, the founding member of Fleetwood Mac, passed away in 2020. His death marked the loss of one of the greats in British music history. Even though he was only with the group for three years, for many, it was the height of their creative output. Rumours, thanks to their later lineup, was a far more commercial success.
David Gilmour was well-known in the vibrant London scene prior to starting the band. He had made a brief appearance with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. Once he teamed up with John McVie and Mick Fleetwood, the band appeared destined to use their psychedelic genius to transform the world.
But Green would experience a metamorphosis from LSD, which would force him to abandon rock ‘n’ roll. After receiving a schizophrenia diagnosis, the guitarist put his mental well-being ahead of his music. Green eventually went back on stage and went on tour in his later years, having spent decades concentrating on his recuperation.
Fleetwood chose to honour his late friend by throwing a career-celebrating concert at the London Palladium a few months before he passed away in 2020. Noel Gallagher, Pete Townshend, and Kirk Hammett of Metallica were among the eager artists willing to take part. However, Fleetwood found it extremely difficult to persuade Gilmour.
Fleetwood told Rolling Stone that Gilmour was first reluctant to play because of his gratitude for Green, describing the challenging process of securing his participation. “I wasn’t too familiar with him. However, I was aware of his connection to Peter Green’s music. We used to walk past in the evening when he was hanging out near Notting Hill Gate. Two years earlier, I thought to approach him without warning: “Would you be willing to do this?” Fleetwood got going.
“But he had so much reverence for Peter Green’s playing and for Peter as a person and for the songs,” the drummer went on. At first, he felt cold feet. “I don’t know if I can interpret Peter’s work,” he said. It’s truly incredible. Perhaps I’m not capable of that. “What are you talking about?” I asked. You can, of course. “Right now, I’m kind of passing on the idea because of what I’m talking about with you here,” he stated. But if this continues, maybe later on, I’ll have enough bravery. When I called him back, at least a year and a half later, he said, “I’m ready and I really want to do this.” which was very significant.
Fortunately, Gilmour consented to honour his hero. He wowed the crowd with renditions of “Albatross” and “Oh Well, Part Two” during the show. For the encore, he joined the ensemble cast on stage to perform a cover of Elmore James’ “Shake Your Moneymaker.”
