Among the many albums he has worked on or admired, certain records stand out as his personal favorites. Wish You Were Here, Meddle, and The Division Bell represent significant moments in Pink Floyd’s history, while Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix reflects the inspiration Gilmour drew from the rock legend.
In this article, we will explore behind-the-scenes stories of these albums, revealing the creative processes, emotional struggles, and defining moments that shaped their sound.
Gilmour has openly stated that Wish You Were Here (1975) is his favorite Pink Floyd album. He praises it for its perfect balance of music and lyrics, as well as its emotional depth. The album was deeply personal for the band, as it was written as a tribute to their former frontman, Syd Barrett.
The album’s opening and closing track, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, is a direct homage to Barrett. The song’s haunting, ethereal guitar work—one of Gilmour’s most iconic performances—reflects both admiration and sorrow.
During the recording sessions, an unrecognizable Syd Barrett unexpectedly visited the studio. Overweight and with a shaved head, he shocked his former bandmates, who struggled to process the encounter. This surreal moment reinforced the album’s themes of loss and nostalgia.
Following the massive success of The Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd felt the pressures of fame. Tracks like Welcome to the Machine and Have a Cigar critique the music industry, reflecting the band’s growing disillusionment. Gilmour’s guitar work, combined with Roger Waters’ poignant lyrics, captures this sentiment perfectly.
The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, where the band embraced new production techniques, including the use of synthesizers and unconventional soundscapes. Gilmour’s playing on Wish You Were Here, the title track, remains one of his most beloved performances.
Before Wish You Were Here, another album held a special place in Gilmour’s heart—Meddle (1971). He has described it as a turning point for Pink Floyd, where they truly discovered their signature sound.
The standout track on Meddle, Echoes, takes up the entire second side of the vinyl. It showcases Gilmour’s dynamic guitar work, from atmospheric textures to soaring solos. The song evolved through long jam sessions, with each member contributing ideas.
The iconic sonar-like "ping" sound at the song’s beginning came from Richard Wright’s keyboard experimentations. Gilmour’s interplay with Wright throughout the track highlights their deep musical chemistry.
Pink Floyd used unique recording methods for Meddle, including placing microphones inside pianos and utilizing tape loops to create atmospheric effects. The album represents a bridge between their early psychedelic sound and the more structured compositions of The Dark Side of the Moon.
The Division Bell (1994) marked a significant shift for Pink Floyd. Following Roger Waters’ departure, Gilmour took the helm, collaborating closely with keyboardist Richard Wright and his wife, lyricist Polly Samson.
Gilmour considers High Hopes one of his favorite Pink Floyd songs. The track’s lyrics, co-written with Polly Samson, reflect on nostalgia, missed opportunities, and the passage of time. The melancholic melody, combined with Gilmour’s emotional lap steel guitar solo, makes it one of the album’s most powerful moments.
The band sought to recapture the collaborative energy that defined their earlier works. The result was a more organic and introspective album, featuring extended instrumentals and atmospheric production.
Songs like Keep Talking and Lost for Words explore themes of miscommunication—possibly a nod to the fractured relationship with Roger Waters. Gilmour’s guitar work on The Division Bell is fluid and expressive, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion without words.
While Gilmour has not shared specific behind-the-scenes stories about Electric Ladyland (1968), his admiration for Jimi Hendrix is well-documented. Seeing Hendrix perform live in the 1960s was a transformative experience for Gilmour, inspiring his approach to guitar playing.
Hendrix’s experimental techniques, from stereo panning to multi-layered overdubs, left a lasting impact on Gilmour. Tracks like Voodoo Child (Slight Return) and 1983… (A Merman I Should Turn to Be) showcase the kind of atmospheric guitar work that would later influence Pink Floyd’s sound.
Gilmour’s use of bends, sustain, and expressive phrasing can be traced back to Hendrix’s influence. While their styles are distinct, Hendrix’s fearless approach to guitar undoubtedly shaped Gilmour’s musical identity.
David Gilmour’s favorite albums—Wish You Were Here, Meddle, The Division Bell, and Electric Ladyland—offer a glimpse into his artistic journey. Each record represents a different stage of his career, from Pink Floyd’s early experimental days to their later polished sound.
Through these albums, we see not only Gilmour’s evolution as a musician but also his deep emotional connection to music. His ability to blend technical brilliance with raw emotion ensures that his legacy will endure for generations.
