David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist behind Pink Floyd’s iconic sound, is known for his soulful melodies and soaring solos. But according to some, his expressiveness takes a backseat when he’s not on stage.
Steve McElroy, founder of The Australian Pink Floyd, revealed in a recent interview that Gilmour is a man of few words, especially at home with his wife Polly Samson.
This might come as a surprise to fans who connect deeply with the emotions Gilmour pours into his music. But as McElroy points out, for Gilmour, the guitar becomes his voice. It’s through his instrument that he truly communicates his feelings.
“He gets his emotions out through his Strat. Luckily for us, he got a lot of it down on tape and we get to enjoy it!” McElroy shared.
A Tribute Fit For A Rock Icon
Steve McElroy isn’t just a fan of Pink Floyd, he’s dedicated to recreating their music with meticulous detail. In 1988, he formed The Australian Pink Floyd Show in South Australia, and their dedication goes beyond just the music.
McElroy even uses a similar guitar setup to David Gilmour, the band’s legendary guitarist. This attention to detail is evident in their live shows, where they’ve earned the title of undisputed champions when it comes to replicating Pink Floyd’s sound.
The Australian Pink Floyd Show’s success speaks for itself. With over five million tickets sold worldwide, they’ve captivated audiences across the globe. Their dedication even earned them the ultimate accolade – an invitation to perform at David Gilmour’s 50th birthday party.
This official stamp of approval from Gilmour himself is a testament to the band’s ability to faithfully recreate the music of Pink Floyd.
David Gilmour’s Signature Sound
Gilmour’s iconic guitar sound is practically synonymous with the Fender Stratocaster. While he’s dabbled with other guitars like Telecasters and Les Pauls, the Strat remains his undisputed favorite. This love affair with Strats can be traced back to his early musical influences.
One key inspiration was guitarist Hank Marvin, known for his distinctive Stratocaster sound. However, upon joining Pink Floyd, Gilmour faced expectations to play instruments similar to Syd Barrett, the band’s previous guitarist. Despite these expectations, Gilmour remained loyal to the Strat.
McElroy pointed out the tremolo arm as a key factor in Gilmour’s style. The iconic Pink Floyd guitarist and frontman’s unique and precise use of the whammy bar unlocked a new dimension in his playing, allowing him to express himself in a way no other instrument could.
Capturing the Pink Floyd Experience
Steve McElroy and his The Australian Pink Floyd Show were devoted guardians of Pink Floyd’s legacy. This Pink Floyd superfan emphasized the importance of replicating not just the band’s iconic sound, but also the emotional essence that permeates their music.
“Pink Floyd created their own universe of sound,” Steve explains. “No other band has ever sounded the same. It’s so important to capture not just the sound but also the feel and the emotion of their amazing music.”
The Australian Pink Floyd Show is currently embarking on a North American tour. They’ll be performing in various cities across the United States and Canada throughout the summer, giving fans a chance to relive the magic of Pink Floyd live.