David Gilmour’s sold-out Hollywood Bowl performance: an iconic venue hosts an iconic musician for an intimate return to guitar mastery under the stars.
On a chilly, breezy October night in Los Angeles, David Gilmour’s return to the Hollywood Bowl was more than just a concert—it was a revelation. Opening a three-night run at the storied venue, the legendary guitarist brought with him the soulful essence of Pink Floyd while showcasing new material from his latest album, Luck and Strange. Gilmour’s presence alone transported the audience into a space where past and present coalesced, creating an experience that felt both deeply nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.
For those gathered under the Hollywood Bowl’s iconic arches, Gilmour’s set was more than a performance; it was a journey. At 78, the British rock icon and master of psychedelic soundscapes brought an energy and passion that reminded fans why he is revered as one of the last true “guitar gods.” His smooth, soaring tones—the hallmark of his playing since the ’70s—were on full display, guiding listeners through a soundscape that felt like stepping into another world.
The night began with “5 A.M.,” a moody instrumental from 2015’s Rattle That Lock, which created an atmosphere of quiet anticipation. The song’s haunting tones, underscored by the crisp night air, drew the audience into a reflective space. Gilmour then slipped into “Black Cat” and “Luck and Strange,” instrumental pieces from Luck and Strange, and a hush fell over the crowd as the Bowl transformed into an ethereal listening room.
Next came the familiar notes of “Breathe (In the Air),” “Time,” and “Breath (Reprise)” from The Dark Side of the Moon, a trio of songs that, even after decades, retained a power that reverberated throughout the amphitheater. The audience responded with collective reverence, a mix of cheers and silent awe. Gilmour’s guitar solos in these classics were as transcendent as ever—familiar but with a weight that felt newly profound.
The set was thoughtfully structured into two halves, with an intermission in between, allowing fans to absorb the emotional depth of each song. The first set included a touching rendition of “Wish You Were Here,” met with a wave of applause and nostalgic delight. Near the close of the set, Gilmour introduced “Between Two Points,” a track from his new album. Sung by his daughter, Romany Gilmour, the song brought an unexpected, touching familial connection to the performance, adding a layer of intimacy to the night.
One of the standout moments was “The Great Gig in the Sky.” This track, originally featuring Clare Torry’s iconic wailing vocals, was masterfully reimagined with Romany, Louise Marshall, and sisters Hattie and Charlie Webb seated around a grand piano. As Marshall played the piano, Gilmour accompanied them on his lap-steel guitar, lending a fresh, yet haunting quality to the piece. The four women’s harmonies captured the song’s emotional intensity with a purity that left the audience spellbound.
Throughout the evening, Gilmour interspersed Pink Floyd classics with songs from Luck and Strange, creating a dynamic interplay between past and present. His new material showcased a distinctive bluesy, almost ethereal quality that complemented his signature guitar sound. Tracks like “A Certain Kind of Silence” displayed his skill in blending genres, infusing the traditional blues framework with a dreamy ambiance that was unmistakably Gilmour.
The show’s only encore saw Gilmore returning to the stage guitar in hand, for the timeless anthemic “Comfortably Numb.” As the iconic opening notes filled the Bowl, it was clear this was the moment many had been waiting for. Gilmour delivered both guitar solos with an intensity and precision that belied his years. His playing was raw, expansive, and emotionally charged, bringing the song to life in a way that seemed to strip away time itself.
The Hollywood Bowl crowd left visibly moved, and with good reason. David Gilmour’s performance wasn’t just a showcase of his skill—it was a testament to his undying commitment to music as an art form. He proved that even after years away from touring, his virtuosity and depth have only deepened. His music felt less like a nostalgia trip and more like a profound reflection on life itself, each note a step in a timeless journey.
This Hollywood Bowl run marks his first U.S. shows in eight years and has already drawn fans from across the country, even internationally. Gilmour has kept this tour limited, with only a handful of sold-out shows in select cities, ending with a five-night residency at Madison Square Garden in New York. For those fortunate enough to witness one of these performances, it’s a reminder that, even in his late seventies, David Gilmour’s legacy is far from fading; it’s evolving, still illuminating and expanding the boundaries of rock music.
DAVID GILMOURWebsite Facebook X
