Biography
Who is David Gilmour?
Early life and real name
David Jon Gilmour was born on March 6, 1946, in Cambridge, England. His father, Douglas Gilmour, worked as a senior lecturer in zoology at the University of Cambridge, while his mother, Sylvia, was a trained teacher who later worked as a film editor for the BBC. The family initially lived in Trumpington before moving to Grantchester during his childhood.
His parents strongly encouraged his early interest in music. He bought his first single in 1954 and soon began teaching himself to play guitar using a book and record set. At age 11, he attended the Perse School on Hills Road, where he crossed paths with future bandmates Syd Barrett and Roger Waters.
Joining Pink Floyd
In December 1967, David Gilmour accepted an invitation to join Pink Floyd to cover for Syd Barrett, whose erratic behavior made performing increasingly difficult. By March 1968, Barrett officially left the group, and Gilmour stepped in as the lead guitarist. His arrival brought a new musical direction to the band's experimental sound.
Following the departure of Roger Waters in 1985, Pink Floyd continued under Gilmour's leadership. Under his guidance, the group released several successful studio albums, including A Momentary Lapse of Reason in 1987, The Division Bell in 1994, and The Endless River in 2014. His contributions helped cement the group as one of the most commercially successful acts in music history.
Solo work and collaborations
Alongside his work with the band, David Gilmour released his self-titled debut solo album in 1978. He followed this with several other solo projects, including About Face in 1984, On an Island in 2006, Rattle That Lock in 2015, and Luck and Strange in 2024. Several of his solo records reached the top position on the UK Albums Chart.
He also contributed to projects by numerous other artists. In the 1970s, he helped find singer-songwriter Kate Bush by paying for her early demo recordings and helping her secure a record contract. Also, he collaborated with musicians such as Roy Harper, Bryan Ferry, Paul McCartney, and Pete Townshend.
Awards and personal life
David Gilmour has received multiple honors throughout his career. He was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005 as a member of Pink Floyd. In 2003, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and he later received an award for Outstanding Contribution at the Q Awards.
He has been married twice and is the father of eight children. His second wife, novelist Polly Samson, has contributed lyrics to many of his songs. Throughout his life, he has also supported various charitable causes, focusing on issues such as animal rights, environmentalism, homelessness, and human rights.
Birthday and age
David Gilmour was born on March 6, 1946, which makes David 80 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. David shares the date with 29 other famous people.
Explore more
