Legendary guitarist David Gilmour developed his iconic guitar style in a straightforward manner. In a recent interview with UCR, he candidly stated, “I realized my fingers were just never going to go much faster.” This reflection showcases his understanding that musical expression is not solely about speed but about finding one’s unique sound. Gilmour emphasized the importance of carving out one’s own musical journey by stating, “You’ve got to find your own path in this thing.” Nevertheless, he humorously admitted, “I do wish I could do it a bit better sometimes,” highlighting his humility and desire for continual improvement even after achieving so much.

The enthusiastic crowd at Madison Square Garden on November 4 was likely in unanimous agreement that there was no need for improvement in the remarkable two-and-a-half-hour performance they experienced. Gilmour’s ability to connect with the audience through his music was palpable, and the energy in the arena reflected his legendary status and the anticipation for his set. This concert marked the beginning of an exciting five-night run at this iconic venue, drawing fans from near and far to witness his extraordinary talent live.

Exclusive photos from the MSG show, showcasing the electrifying atmosphere and Gilmour’s dynamic performance, can be found below. The guitarist is currently on tour to promote Luck and Strange, his first solo album in nearly a decade. Fans were treated to a comprehensive exploration of the album, interspersed with classic Pink Floyd tracks, as well as selections from his previous solo endeavor, 2015’s Rattle That Lock, creating a rich tapestry of sound that appealed to both new listeners and long-time fans.

READ MORE: David Gilmour, ‘Luck and Strange’: Album Review

This strategic combination of new and classic material proved to be an excellent decision in terms of pacing and sequencing throughout the show. A particularly memorable segment included selections from Luck and Strange, such as “The Piper’s Call,” alongside “A Great Day for Freedom” from Pink Floyd’s 1994 album The Division Bell, and “In Any Tongue” from Rattle That Lock. The iconic “The Great Gig in the Sky” from Dark Side of the Moon further showcased Gilmour’s deep catalog. One enthusiastic audience member remarked to a companion, “If all of those songs are from his new album, that new album is pretty good,” underscoring the positive reception of his latest work.

Initially, Gilmour had shown reluctance to revisit the classic Pink Floyd era of the ‘70s when the tour was first announced, leading many to speculate it was due to his ongoing feud with former bandmate Roger Waters. However, he later softened his stance, revealing to UCR that the setlist would indeed include “one or two from the ‘70s.” He also noted, “But a lot of the music will be newer and younger than 50 years old,” indicating his desire to focus on fresh material while still honoring his roots.

The setlist and audience reactions confirmed Gilmour’s thoughtful approach to including lesser-known tracks from his impressive catalog. Fan-recorded videos of his passionate solo on “Fat Old Sun,” from the 1970 album Atom Heart Mother, quickly circulated online after the tour commenced, capturing the essence of his talent. This particular performance earned him a standing ovation, demonstrating the audience’s appreciation for his artistry and the emotional depth he brings to his music.

Watch David Gilmour Perform ‘Fat Old Sun’ at Madison Square Garden

Material from The Division Bell was also a highlight of the concert experience. Notably, “A Great Day for Freedom” made a significant return to Gilmour’s solo setlists during this current tour, having only been performed sporadically in the early 2000s. Another breathtaking moment was the rendition of “The Great Gig in the Sky,” where the legendary vocal improvisations of the original were beautifully recreated by a quartet comprised of vocalist and pianist Louise Marshall, the Webb Sisters, and Gilmour’s daughter, Romany. This stunning configuration, surrounded by candlelight, created an intimate atmosphere while Gilmour added contemplative pedal steel parts off to the side.

Anyone who has attended a Pink Floyd or Gilmour concert understands the importance of the visual experience, and this was undoubtedly true at Madison Square Garden. A particularly striking moment during “High Hopes” seamlessly integrated the visual effects on-screen with an unexpected live element in the arena, enhancing the overall impact of the performance.

It was no surprise that timeless classics like “Wish You Were Here” and “Comfortably Numb”—the latter closing the show as the encore—elicited some of the most enthusiastic responses from the audience, who sang along with every word at an impressive volume. However, the new material from Luck and Strange was equally well-received, with “Scattered” closing out the second part of the main set, highlighted by yet another incredible Gilmour solo that left a lasting impression on the audience.

Watch David Gilmour Perform ‘Scattered’ at Madison Square Garden

This week’s concerts in New York signify the culmination of Gilmour’s global residency tour, which commenced on September 27 in Rome, Italy, where he performed six shows. Following that, he took the stage for another six dates in London, England, at the renowned Royal Albert Hall. This current promotional run marks Gilmour’s return to the United States for his first performances in eight years, with a series of nine dates spanning from Los Angeles to New York City.

READ MORE: David Gilmour Performs in Los Angeles

<pLooking ahead, Gilmour expressed his desire to not keep fans waiting too long for a follow-up to Luck and Strange. In his conversation with UCR, he revealed that he has already begun to sketch out ideas for new music, stating, “I will definitely be moving onto that in the new year,” which has fans eagerly anticipating what he will create next.

The New York dates continue tonight (Nov. 6) at Madison Square Garden, promising another unforgettable evening for fans.

David Gilmour Nov. 4, 2024 Madison Square Garden, New York City Set List
1. “5 A.M.”
2. “Black Cat”
3. “Luck and Strange”
4. “Breathe (In the Air)
5. “Time”
6. “Breathe” (Reprise)
7. “Fat Old Sun”
8. “Marooned”
9. “A Single Spark”
10. “Wish You Were Here”
11. “Vita Brevis”
12. “Between Two Points”
13. “High Hopes”
14. “Sorrow”
15. “The Piper’s Call”
16. “A Great Day for Freedom”
17. “In Any Tongue”
18. “The Great Gig in the Sky”
19. “A Boat Lies Waiting”
20. “Coming Back to Life”
21. “Dark and Velvet Nights”
22. “Sings”
23. “Scattered”
24. “Comfortably Numb”