Gilmour developed an early interest in music. Encouraged by his parents, his first single purchase was "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley. Influenced by artists like Elvis Presley, particularly "Heartbreak Hotel," and the Everly Brothers' "Bye Bye Love," Gilmour developed a passion for rock and roll. He began learning to play the guitar by borrowing one from a neighbor, an act that sparked a lifelong dedication to music.

At age 11, he enrolled at The Perse School on Hills Road in Cambridge, where he would later meet Syd Barrett and Roger Waters, both of whom would play significant roles in his future musical career. By 1962, Gilmour was studying A-level modern languages at Cambridge Technical College, becoming fluent in French before eventually leaving school to pursue music full-time. He joined a blues-rock band called Jokers Wild, which recorded one album at Regent Sound Studio in West London.

Forming Pink Floyd

Though not an original founding member, Gilmour joined the band Pink Floyd in 1967, after being invited to help cover for Syd Barrett, whose mental health was becoming unstable. By 1968, Gilmour had officially become a full-time member of the group. Pink Floyd had been formed earlier in the 1960s in London by Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright. With Gilmour on board, the band evolved its sound and went on to gain international fame for their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Gilmour's guitar work and vocals became central to the band's identity, particularly on landmark albums such as "The Dark Side of the Moon," "Wish You Were Here," and "The Wall."

Before his major success with Pink Floyd, Gilmour spent time traveling across Spain and France with friends, including Barrett. They performed cover songs to earn a living during their travels, absorbing diverse musical influences along the way.

Personal Life

David Gilmour married American model Virginia "Ginger" Hasenbein on July 7, 1975. The couple had four children together before eventually divorcing. He later married British novelist and journalist Polly Samson, with whom he has four additional children. Samson has also contributed lyrics to several of Gilmour’s solo projects and later Pink Floyd albums.