David Gilmour, one of the most iconic guitarists of the ’60s and ’70s, has earned a permanent place in music history with his contributions to Pink Floyd. As the band’s guitarist and co-lead singer, Gilmour’s playing helped shape alternative rock’s sound, and his songwriting became a crucial part of the genre’s evolution. However, beyond his legendary career, Gilmour’s views on his work, particularly live performances, give fans a rare look into the mind of a master.
When asked about his favorite song to perform live, Gilmour immediately pointed to Echoes, calling it “terrific fun” to play, particularly on his solo tours in 2006. The song, originally from Meddle (1971), was a collaboration with bassist Roger Waters, whose lyrics brought a unique dynamic to the track. Gilmour described their performances of Echoes as a “duet” between himself and Waters, highlighting how the two worked together to create something magical. Reflecting on the song’s significance, Gilmour added, “It couldn’t and shouldn’t be played again now that he is dead.”
While Echoes remains one of his favorite pieces, Gilmour also expressed a love for other Pink Floyd tracks, including High Hopes from The Division Bell and The Great Gig in the Sky. Despite having a range of favorites, it’s clear that Echoes holds a special place in his heart, not only because of its musical value but also because of the bond it represented between him and Waters. He fondly recalled taking the song on his 2006 solo tour, cementing its role in his personal and professional journey.
When discussing his music’s legacy, Gilmour offered a typically humble response: “Legacy? What’s a legacy?” he mused. “I think our music will continue to be played for a while. Then it will be forgotten like everything else will be forgotten. How long will that take? A hundred years, a thousand years, a million years? I have no idea.” Gilmour’s nonchalant approach to his legacy reflects his focus on the present, letting his music speak for itself rather than obsessing over its long-term impact.
Yet, there’s one track that stands out as possibly the closest Gilmour came to indulging his ego: Comfortably Numb. Known for its stunning guitar solo, Gilmour has spoken about the power he felt when performing it live, especially during the iconic moments when he would step into the spotlight. “It was a fantastic moment,” Gilmour recalled, describing the awe of playing the solo in front of an audience of 15,000 people, their eyes lifting in collective wonder as he played. This experience, where every night the crowd seemed to gasp in unison, encapsulated the grandeur of the moment for Gilmour.
While Gilmour remains largely humble about his legacy, his connection to Echoes and Comfortably Numb highlights the profound emotional resonance these songs have for him, making them more than just performances but deeply personal milestones in his extraordinary career.
