‘Comfortably Numb’
As you may have already seen over on the Latest News page, or from the posts of several fans who wrote in the previous entry to share the good news, David’s classic ‘Comfortably Numb’ solo has been voted the best guitar solo of all-time by listeners of UK radio station, Planet Rock.
It was up against some impressive competition, beating solos by the likes of Slash, Eddie Van Halen and Jimmy Page.
Congratulations to David on achieving yet another Number One.
Let us know whether or not you agree with the decision over on our latest poll. As always, feel free to share your thoughts here.
There was another great response to last week’s poll: Which is your favourite track from 1984′s ‘About Face’?
‘Murder’ polled 30% of the vote. Runners up were ‘Near The End’ (17%) and ‘Out Of The Blue’ (10%) with ‘Let’s Get Metaphysical’ and ‘Love On The Air’ each polling 8%.
I’d also love to hear from the lucky few who were at Abbey Road yesterday. I hope you had a great time.
Ciao,
so the on an island project is taking some rest while technicians, artists etc. etc. take care of preparing the DVD.(which could be a stunning DVD if you take care of the comments made here to the PULSE DVD). David Gilmour will be out of the lights for some time. But I do have the feeling that MR. Gilmour and all the Ex floyd will do something (probably separatedly) in the near future.
Let me think….Roger Waters will probably tour also on 2007 (if so, I’ll be there). And Rick Wright? he was working on a new album, wasn’t he? Nick Mason? touring with Roger? and David Gilmour? Oh, if we want another record it won’t be before at least three years. He likes, as he say, let the next project come slowly to him.
Well David, I hope that being on stage has given you more and more desire to do so…..so you can leave your family, from time to time, to satisfy this greedy fans who should get a life instead of waiting for you to pull the strings….ah, without new “floyd related” material I will get sick. When I began to forget about all this PF music, DG makes a stunning solo album and the fanatic inside rises. Anyone has a cure for this kinda disease? hahahaha :-)
Ciao.
Angelo
Thanks for explaining about how tired the band were. It makes you wonder how they get through three hours of playing in front of an audience, doesn’t it? Oh how they deserve a rest now.
How did I guess? You put your name forward for entering the competition after Tomasz asked could he enter. In another post a couple of days later, Deborah asked you hadn’t you got a plane to catch, so I put two-and-two together!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
About the silliness and people dropping off….
I agree that people got a little sensitive and dropped off. I’m sure some get tired or get busy…I’ve been crazy this summer and hardly had time for this Blog, my own, or anything else for that matter.
Where’s Hysteron Proteron? Are you out there reading this? Maybe I should post some comment about the state of the world to get you riled up?
Where’s Bianca? Maybe I should provide a quote from Nigel Powers about the Dutch to get you incensed enough to post?
Or just say Whish You Were Here….
No, too schmaltzy…
Just get back to that barn for heaven’s sake! My keyboard’s are getting dusty!
[Anyone has a cure for this kinda disease? hahahaha :-)]
Piergiorgio, I think we gave this disease a name a while back but the name escapes me… I think we all suffer it to one degree or another. There is no cure; only painful withdrawl or continuing fixes…
I think I need a serious stint in detox and rehab……
Piergiorgio,
Regard Syd’s bikes and possessions. From a legal perspective his belongings are part of his estate. As an adult he probably had obligations that need to be settled.
It is possible that the sale is not done for greed but to settle his estate. We don’t know what kind of last will and testament was left behind nor do we know the value of his estate. But upon his passing “his stuff” has to go somewhere or to someone. The individual receiving the stuff would have to pay taxes or a levy on the items. It may be easier to sell off the stuff to pay the taxes and then just hold onto whatever money is left over. It is a little trickier with wealthy people than it is with every day common folk.
Look, it is also possible that he left these items to a charity. Realistically, what is a charity going to do with a bunch of bikes. If they can convert these items to cash, they’ll be able to help accomplish their charitable missions.
I’m just trying to show another perspective on the topic so that people don’t always jump to the conclusion that things are done for money and greed.
FEd, thanks for indulging me in trying to show another point-of-view on this topic.
Andrew
“i just don’t know why we have to continue with this whining about the rules”
Victor, did I miss anything. I don’t hear anybody whining about “the rules”.
This experience has been about opinions and shared sympathies and (excuse me) FUN. Some of the spontaneity may have appealed to some more than others but I hope it was, and will continue to be, in the spirit of shared community and fully consistent with this being first and foremost a David Gilmour site.
So let’s keep it sweet, can we?
Did I just hear my name? What is that then? Are you missing the Egocentric Genius of The Barn Band?
Sorry, she is unavailable right now. But she still has her spies checking the blog to see if her name is being mentioned… Egocentric, huh? *grin*
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you I didn’t leave because I was pissed about the new blog rules – you see, I don’t believe in spite or revenge, that just makes everyone miserable – but I left because of personal reasons. When Fed came with his/her request it just seemed like a good moment to finally take some distance.
Before I left, I have told FEd that it wasn’t because of him/her and I have told my personal blog friends as well. I just didn’t put it on the blog.
But I still love all of my blog friends very much and I miss my dear sweet FEd terribly, since he/she is the only one of them I am obviously no longer in contact with.
Did you miss me too FEd? I told you many times already that I don’t envy you for your job and I try to send positive vibes your way everytime I hear from my spies that there is some sh*t happening on the blog again. Did you feel them?
About being a David-fan: I am nobodies ‘fan’. I hate that word. Admirer? Sure! And I love being part of communities like this one, and sharing a common interest seems like a good way to start. But after a while my interests shift somewhere else and then I also want to talk about other things. And sometimes that means you have to go to other places to do that.
So, am I ‘A Real David-Fan’? Guess not… If I ever have a fanclub, it will be for me! Does that make me egocentric? Let’s hope so! A little ego goes a long way! *grin*
So carry on, be nice to FEd, and if you want to be silly: be silly! You don’t need me for that..
Just stop mentioning my name, because than I keep having to come back, and I was doing such a good job staying away already.. ;-)
Biiiiig huuuuugs for everybody (whether they love me or not, hahaha)!
Bianca, the Egocentric Barn Band Genius who is starting her own fanclub ;-)
[Bless you. - Features Editor]
OK, I voted. “Yes”, of course… :-)
In my opinion, the “On an island” solo is also one of the best.
Fed, I would like to ask a couple of questions. I don’t know if this is the right place, sorry for being a bit Off-Topic.
First (easy): is there a Music Sheet Book of the Meltdown Concert?
Second: being a “hobbyst musician”, I would be VERY interested in knowing what the *real* musicians think about their live performances. For example, what David and his band think about their performances during the tour: the best ones, interesting technical details, their gear, and so on.
I don’t know if I am the only one interested, or if it’s doable, it’s just a thought.
Ciao!
Nicola
[I'm sure everyone would be very interested, I just don't think anyone in the band could answer sufficiently without writing at great length. That's as difficult (and perhaps as pointless) as us asking you to repeatedly limit your thoughts or participate in our polls. It's all so subjective and incomplete, at the end of the day, and it seems that people rarely want to commit themselves to a certain song or solo, because it means leaving out many others, which is extremely tortuous for the busy brains of some. That said, the option is always available should any member of the band or crew wish to say something. I'm just not prepared to nag them about it. Sorry, Nicola. By the way, I don't believe that there's any sheet music for Meltdown. - Features Editor]
Know something? If I died and my family were dealing with my stuff, and folks were discussing what my family were doing with my stuff, I’d be wondering what business it was of theirs.
Then I’d understand that folks perhaps feel like they are part of the Pink Floyd family through their music. So I guess I would turn over in my grave with a grunt and go to sleep, touched that so many people cared.
Death is an enemy, for sure.
Andrew,
thanks for the opinion. It could be as you say. So now I would like to know the truth. I would like to know if it is done for charity or for money. I don’t believe it is done for charity, 100% but I would be happy if I am wrong. anyone who knows could tell us…..
Ciao.
[Victor, did I miss anything. I don't hear anybody whining about "the rules". - Posted by: Tim C (culture vulture) at August 31, 2006 06:37 PM]
actually tim, there have been many sly digs since the ed asked some of you to tone it down. it’s been quite pathetic imo. i agree with lesley who said that some people seem to have abandoned the blog because they couldn’t email their off-topic “silly” posts anymore. lesley wondered whether they were ever really fans in the first place. i wondered how old they are to behave like that.
Piergiorgio, I don’t mean to sound rude but really it is none of yours, mine or for that matter anyone else’s business what happens to Roger’s belongings. I couldn’t care less what happens to the money if it goes to his family, so what, I really don’t see the problem.
I can’t understand where is the real problem! Half of the people who said silliness left the blog, the other half stop said silliness…why do you feel the necessity to attack us for our past behaviour? If you are happy it is finished, stop to say things of make me feel the necessity to reply and go off topic!!! Also because, in this way, YOU ARE OFF TOPIC TOO!!!!
I’m joking, but I think that Piergiorgio and Michèle (they mentioned “silliness”, if I remember well) were only tryining to be nice with some old friend’s of blog…and it should have finish thereif you didn’t underline that we were “ugly”, “bad” and “boring” (are too strong words, but I’m just a poor italian and but I hope you understand what I mean to say).
So, I wonder why some of you were not able to let Piergiorgio and Michèle be simply nice. Some other, in past, have told they miss silliness and no one of the old “silly people” started to break “rules” again…and I can’t understand which is the problem now!
I think we shouldn’t continue to “offend” (also this is a strong word, but I don’t know one lighter, sorry!) each other about what we did and what you don’t did 6 months ago. I could say that you, that don’t say silinness are all boring, but it would be impolite, stupid and not necessay. So why I should tell you something similar? So, I think we should GO ON, simply!
Who wants to stay on the blog knows this is David Gilmour’s blog and who prefered left, should be left to do his/her life in peace. I think! I hope it has sense for you too!
Great week end to everyone
L!
Sorry Michèle if I haven’t won for you, yesterday! The next time, maybe!
[Yes, please, let it drop. For God's sake, you're boring me to tears with this. The rules are there and if you don't like them, go away. I don't care. It's that simple. Just try and have some more respect for the opinions of others, because that's the most interesting thing we have. - Features Editor]
[I'm sure everyone would be very interested, I just don't think anyone in the band could answer sufficiently without writing at great length. ....................... That said, the option is always available should any member of the band or crew wish to say something. I'm just not prepared to nag them about it. Sorry, Nicola. By the way, I don't believe that there's any sheet music for Meltdown. - Features Editor]
Thanks a lot for your answers Fed, I understand.
Sad about the Meltdown sheet music. I own many Pink Floyd music books, it would be great to also have something dedicated to those David’s versions of the songs. By the way, I bought Bizet’s “Je crois entendre encore” music sheet, and man! it’s beautiful and difficult!
Thanks again, ciao!
Nicola
[There's a book of sheet music for 'On An Island'. I don't know if it's out yet. - Features Editor]
Ciao,
listen Fellas, you know that sometimes it is difficult to stay here? Sometimes it is difficult to lose patience.
Read this [i wondered how old they are to behave like that]
And this: [it is none of yours, mine or for that matter anyone else's business what happens to Roger's belongings.]
to all of you: this place will be boring if the only attitude accepted by you RABID FANS is only devotion. I am used to express opinions without offending anybody, and I am used to rise subjects and talk about that. You don’t think the same as I do? Be polite, for God’s sake.
It is not our business to comment about anything? Are we only allowed here (I ask this to you not to Fed, he is democratic)to applaude to anything from the “band”? Are we in the f*cking “In the flesh” song???
Sometimes you got on my nerves. I repeat: I miss the old dialogues; I miss people talking out of the chorus (as we say in Italy). And I am disgusted by people that insist in not answering TO an opinion, but attack the one who HAS an opinon telling him he shouldn’t have!!!!
Sorry Fed, and sorry to all the Fellas out there who “argued” frankly and politely to me.
ciao.
[There's a book of sheet music for 'On An Island'. I don't know if it's out yet. - Features Editor]
It is available and most likely if you have a musical instruments shop near you it will be available there too. :-)
Hope that helps
V
[Thank you, Veronica. You saved me from looking. - Features Editor]
[ It is available and most likely if you have a musical instruments shop near you it will be available there too. :-) ]
Thanks a lot Veronica!!! I noticed it on many on-line shops, so I ordered it at my local shop.
Maybe, following the huge success of “On an island”, somebody will decide to publish also the “Meltdown” book. As a fan and amatuer musician, I am very interested in it, being the songs acoustic-guitar-oriented. Expecially the acoustic version of “Shine on…” would be great to have on book! I already (try to) play it, but having it written would be different!
By the way, has anyone seen that “Dark Side of the Moon” DVD where David explains the guitar and VCS3 parts? It’s ***GREAT***!!!
Nicola
“it’s been quite pathetic imo.”
Victor,
Thank you for sharing.
I don’t understand where your negativity comes from but I wish you well with it.
Maybe Bianca’s post above will enlighten you a little.
Keep smiling, eh.
[Can we grow up a bit, please? This constant sniping is a tad tedious. - Features Editor]
[By the way, has anyone seen that "Dark Side of the Moon" DVD where David explains the guitar and VCS3 parts? It's ***GREAT***!!! - Posted by: Nicola De Bello at September 1, 2006 03:43 PM]
yes. it was great
Melissa
Hello everyone,
The Afternoon at Abbey Road
Last Tuesday I was lucky to be able to participate in unforgettable event for rest of my life.
First of all I would like to congratulate for the idea of such competition. The award can’t be compared with a concert or rehearsal anything like that. I would like to say Thank You to Fed for letting me enter the competition as well to Mr. Andy Murray, who assisted me and for sure other bloggers first with emails and then was first to welcome us at Abbey Road and he lead us to a balcony at Studio 1.
All the band members were already there and in just few minutes, they started to play On An Island as warm up. Then the proper session started, and what was interesting was the passion and willingness to play music by all David’s band members.
I was impressed with the sound of the drum kit and Steve’s approach. I will always remember Come together and every take of Take a Breath, precision of drumming was unbelievable. Steve got great support from Guy. I think that they both form together one of the best rhythm section worldwide nowadays.
Now it’s Mr. Richard Wright turn, he was perfectly in front of us. He was very calm during the breaks, but when they started to play he gave it’s best. Especially liked On An Island, Blue, Astronomy Domine and of course Echoes.
Jon was in very positive mood that day, and he was first who came to us to talk just a little bit as well to sign some records and tour programmes. He did great on the lap steel guitar on On An Island as well as on Smile.
Phil Manzanera was the closest musician to us, so we were able to see his every move very well. And of course I would like to share some personal impressions about David.
I had read or heard in several interviews in Polish as well as international media about relations with Ms Polly Samson. And I had a chance judge for myself when they had come to Abbey Road David first got out car, and moved to opened doors to his wife. Also took her bag and they went into the studios buildings.
Then I had an impression that David did his best to give us best treat. Culmination point was when he came upstairs to join us for a few minutes to sign some records. It was very kind of him that he allowed us to take a picture, which I would like to thank you for.
I need to add that Mr. Dick Parry was also present although he didn’t have a chance to play sax. He assisted on keyboards during the Blue.
Another important person was Phil Taylor, who was able to present his abilities after David broke a string on Astronomy Domine and then just before 6 decision was made to play also Smile, which meant that Hawaiian guitar should be prepared. He was perfect, quick and precise.
What can I say more, unforgettable afternoon,
And once again Thank You very much
Tomasz
[I'm so glad that you had such a good time, Tomasz. - Features Editor]
Hi FEd,
I am submitting the first part of my recollections in connection to the Abbey Road Sessions. I have heeded your advice and decided to post them in parts. So herewith follows part one (p.s. I hope it is not too boring)
29.08.06
I was still pinching myself as I boarded the train at New Street Station, Birmingham. When I arrived at Euston Station I hopped onto the tube and met up with Sue at Baker Street. We had to catch a bus to St John’s Wood as the Jubilee line was temporarily closed.
Upon arrival at Abbey Road, Sue and I took it in turns to take the obligatory photograph of us crossing the famous zebra crossing. About five minutes later I spotted a lovely convertible classic Mercedes pulling up at the studios in which I said to Sue: “It’s Mr Gilmour and Polly in that car”. They promptly turned into the studios.
Sue and I met up with the other lucky bloggers; we all introduced ourselves and took group photographs. We even gave a wave to big brother or rather the webcam outside the studios.
We were then greeted by Andy Murray who took us into the reception area where we duly confirmed our names and were each given a pass with our names on. We were then taken to the balcony of Studio 1 where we were to witness a marvellous sequence of events for the next 3.5 hours.
The band where walking around below and getting into their positions in readiness for the first song. As the band started playing ‘On An Island’ it was interesting to watch the camera crew in action and Polly taking photos from various angles. I felt so privileged at having been given the opportunity to witness the band from a “behind the scenes” perspective.
The second take of ‘On An Island’ was particularly good in that the band sounded a lot tighter and Gilmour’s vocals were silky smooth and strong. His soloing was note for note perfect as per his album. After four takes of the aforementioned song the band took a break.
Steve DiStanislao and Jon Carin came up the stairs to the balcony and were very approachable. They signed autographs for Sue. I asked Steve if he thought that it had been a long year and he concurred that it had indeed been a long year but he was also sad that it was the end of the tour. He obviously enjoyed the tour.
I must admit that it was a joy conversing with Steve as he was very pleasant and easy going. I later made mention to Jon about his busy schedule and asked him when he would be commencing his next tour workload with, uh, umm, Roger. He confirmed that he would be touring shortly. I also asked him if he was going to be doing ‘Dogs’ again and he said no. It is a pity as Jon did a mighty fine rendition of that song. Jon and Steve then promptly went back downstairs for the next song.
The first few notes of ‘The Blue’ were played and that was when I had my first bout of the goose-bumps. By the time that David broke into the most beautiful guitar solo tears welled in my eyes and then the uncontrollably fell down my face and my lip was quivering. My God! What is it about this particular song that touches me in this way? The guitar solo on this first take was note for note perfect; even down to that high not, or rather, series of high notes. All and all ‘The Blue’ was performed three times on this occasion.
Part II shall follow shortly if you are still interested in reading more.
Best regards.
Julie.
[Keep it coming, Julie! - Features Editor]
Thank you to Julie Gunn Davies, Tomasz and all the others who were in Abbey Road for sharing their stories. It was great and your posts make me feel…green of envy!!! ;-)
I’m happy you enjoyed and thanks for tell us, unlucky bloggers not there, all this interesting, funny, kind details which confirm not only how much fantastic the band was to play music, but also what gentle people they all are.
Have a great week end
L!
AH! Congratulation to Roberto for winning the competition! GREAT! I think he is the fist italian who wins…ROBERTO, ITALY IS PROUD OF YOU!!! Go on, boy! The paternity help you to became also more intelligent and lucky!
Piergiorgio, GianLuca and the others. You and I need to apply ourself more and more…I was thinking to start studing the English dictionary!
See you soon!!!!
L!
Great reviews Tomasz and Julie… Looking forward to your next instalment.
What’s happened to Simon coming back with his version of events…
Hi FEd,
I attach herewith part two of my recollections about Abbey Road. Hope you enjoy.
29.08.06 Cont’d…..
During the filming sessions of ‘The Blue’ I did notice Dick Parry playing a keyboard in the background. I did wonder at the time if he was going to grace us with some of his saxophone work at some stage as I was not sure what songs where going to be played that day. It all added to the mystery and the magic.
During the next break Steve D played drums whilst singing ‘Play that Funky Music White Boy’. The band seemed to be having enormous fun. Jon then started playing something familiar on his keyboards. The song he was playing in particular was The Beatles ‘Don’t Pass Me By’ and I could just imagine Ringo Starr coming up to the microphone singing: ‘I listen for your footsteps, coming up the drive…’ As a matter of fact Jon’s keyboards in this instance sounded very much like the keyboards on the aforementioned track from ‘The White Album’.
Then David started playing the Rolling Stones song entitled ‘Play with Fire’ which was a wonderful instrumental rendition. A thought did occur in my mind at the time in that I wondered if David played that particular song because the said lyrics make mention to a block in St John’s Wood that an heiress owns. You know, Abbey Road is in St John’s Wood? Oh, forget it, I digress! Ha, ha.
Guy Pratt came up the stairs to the balcony on this occasion and he was sporting that ‘Didn’t They Do Well’ tee-shirt. He kindly autographed Sue’s book and was jovial whilst signing too.
‘Take A Breath’ was the next song that was played after the break. I think on this occasion Guy came in a bit late and the song had to be started again. I was so caught up in the atmosphere of this event that I cannot remember all the very fine details. However, I am doing my best to convey my recollections as best that I can.
I must point out that it was fascinating to watch the band members laughing and having a wonderful time whilst playing. They were all spontaneous and us bloggers could have watched them all day long. David did actually look up to the balcony and asked if we were all “comfy and if we were bored yet?” Of course we were not bored as you can imagine.
Oh, yes and you would not believe how hard it was not to clap after every take. That was the hardest thing of all and I’m sure that the other bloggers would agree with me here. I had to make do with ‘the sound of one hand clapping’ instead. I think ‘Take A Breath’ was performed 4 times.
David’s guitar technician, Phil Taylor, then put a lovely honey blond Telecaster onto David’s guitar stand in readiness for the next song, Astronomy Domine. This song was performed 3 times and was a great rendition. It reminded me of the Ummagumma version and Steve’s drumming was absolutely fantastic.
However, during one take of this song David broke a string on his Telecaster. The band were laughing and someone – either Jon or Richard – said “David never breaks a string!” Phil promptly took the guitar away to put a new string on whilst the band were walking around having a chat and a laugh.
Polly was getting artistic in her photography work in that she was taking pictures of David’s and Steve’s shoes. She took a group photograph and ensured that Dick Parry – who was still sat way over the other side of the room – was included.
When the band were playing Astronomy Domine again, I was marvelling at the sight of the camera crew hard at work. One of the camera’s was attached to a giant robotic arm which was swivelling to and fro and back and forth etc etc.
I think the best thing about this filming was how remarkably normal everything was. Quite simply, people were just doing their jobs.
The make up artist was busy too. She went about her business applying powder to David and Jon. I did, however, notice that Richard never had any make up applied. I figured that this was probably due to the fact that he was nice and relaxed and laid-back whilst applying his usual graceful stokes to his keyboard! He certainly looked happy.
The third and final part will follow shortly.
Regards.
Julie
Special thanks to the Abbey Road bloggers! I’ve really enjoyed your posts.
Yes, Julie, absolutely….we’d love to read more! Thank you so much for sharing your story!
cant get enough of your genious thanks a bunch
Julie,
Your reviews have provided a fascinating insight of the session at Abbey Road.
I am eagerly looking forward to your 3rd instalment.
Cheers
Ken.
Ciao,
Julie: thank you very much for your effort in making this detailed log of that day (and many thanks to the others that did before).
I must admit that this Blog and the people who run it (Fed among the others) have a certain class in offering this kind of prize. this is truly an experience, a memory that will stay in the heart of a fan forever. I am very envious, as Lucia is. But after all I attended two DG concerts this year. someone else had nothing of it, so I must be content with what I have.
But If I could have had a photo with DG and RW, and an autographed copy of my “on an Island” CD. and the “behind” the scenes of the band….
Good Job, Fed, well done. beautiful prize. You are great.
[Thanks, mate. It's a real pleasure to be able to award such prizes to you lot. - Features Editor]
There are many great guitar solo’s in this world, personally I never consider one to be the best of those.
A solo can only be good when it’s played with emotion and passion and when it fits into the song iet’s in. For me, the comfortably numb solo is one of the best I’ve ever heared. Though if I had to chose I’d pick the one in Shine on you crazy diamond, because it contributes imensely to this massive song.
To end this comment like it begun, there are many great guitar solo’s and I don’t consider it to be important which one is the best. Nevertheless I think it’s a good decision, comfortably numb is a good song, played by fantastic musicians with a huge guitar solo. Congratz for another great achievement, it’s really deserved.
Allthough I’ve listened to the song for about 5 times the last 10 days, I’m in the mood to listen to it again because of this blog, thank you
Greets from Belgium,
Mattia
I’d agree with Julie on how relaxed the filming was, there was not one ego in that studio. It was all done with good humor and everyone looked as if they were enjoying themselves.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the programme in December.
HI FEd,
Here is the final part of my recollections. I hope you enjoy.
29.08.06 Cont’d …
It was Phil Manzanera who came up the stairs this time during the break and Sue managed to obtain his autograph in her ever growing collection. He was so kind and approachable too. Whilst he was signing Sue’s copy of On An Island, I asked him if Primitive Guitars had been released on CD as I used to have the album on vinyl and haven’t managed to replace it yet. He confirmed that it could be obtained via his website. So surfing I shall go in a bid to find his website and purchase the aforementioned CD. Phil then went back downstairs to prepare for the next song by putting on his acoustic guitar.
The next song that was performed was Smile. Guy was playing an upright fretless electric bass. The first take was spot on. The director did however opt for another take. There appeared to be a lighting problem. The lights that were shining on the acoustic slide guitar that David was playing during the solo seemed to be too bright. The lighting engineers were using pieces of blue film in order to dim the lights down a bit. It seem to take a few minutes to get the lighting just right on this occasion.
When the band played again, it was David’s turn to be a bit late coming in. Everyone laughed and they took if from the top again. They all played halfway through and then David’s voice faltered ever so slightly and the song was started again. Again the song was played halfway through up to the first solo and then stopped. So everyone just carried on from the top again, played halfway through then all of a sudden …
…David started playing that signature arpeggio – I think it is called an arpeggio anyway – on his acoustic. At first I thought he was playing the end of Shine On, then I heard the bass rumbling slightly on Guy’s fretless and then I thought the beginning of Sheep was being played. By the time I realised what was being played David and Richard started singing in harmony ‘Cloudless everyday you fall upon my waking eyes, inviting and inciting me to rise…’
I was floored. My whole body was taken over by goose-bumps on top of my goose-bumps and I could feel every single hair on my body standing on end. The goose-bumps were so bad that my skin on my cheeks stuck to my cheek bones and I wanted to cry like a baby. Again the tears fell uncontrollably out of my eyes. It was so beautiful. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. By the time Richard was playing the beautiful keyboard which was mimicking his grand piano, I thought I was standing in the old amphitheatre at Pompeii watching the band. It was that precise.
Now I did not attend any of David’s concerts and I must admit I was rather envious of people who were fortunate enough to witness Echoes being played live. So even though it was the last part of the greatest song on the planet being played, I got to hear some of it and believe me it was brilliant. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. When the song was finished we bloggers could not contain ourselves any longer and we clapped. David duly took a bow.
Then it was over, well so I thought. Andy came to meet us and was just about to show us out of the studio when I spotted David coming up the stairs. He smiled and greeted everyone and shook our hands. When he shook my hand I thought, I am at last meeting one of my ‘teachers’ properly. His hand shake was warm and firm. It was not one of those usual empty handshakes like one receives from business men, nor was it one of those over the top bone-crushing handshakes.
I did say to David that I did meet him before and I kicked myself saying to myself what did I go and say that for. But what does one say when they meet someone they have admired for years and years and years. Okay, after all David is only a person right? Anyway I digress again, sorry. David was signing people’s tour programmes and Sue’s CD.
Now I was really green as I did not have anything for David to sign as I acted in accordance to Andy’s rules in that we were not supposed to ask for autographs. Still not all is lost, David agreed to have his picture taken with Sue and I and the other bloggers also had their pictures taken with him. Steve also came back up the stairs and handed out his drumsticks which was a very nice gesture indeed. I shall certainly treasure my drumstick. As a matter of fact I shall treasure this whole experience.
Whoever thought of this brilliant competition which enabled a few lucky fans to watch the filming of the Abbey Road Sessions, we salute you.
Best regards.
Julie
Just want to say I LOVE this photo. Set it as my background ;-)
Julie
That review was absolutely brilliant!! Thanks.
Hi FEd!
I know it is out of topic…but I know you love Bob Dylan very much and that, in these days, is out the new Dylan’s album…so; I’d like to wish you a good and relaxing listen! I hope (and I’m sure) it will be able to cheer you up more then “your bloggers” could do!
Have a great day
L!
[Thank you. You have to worry when listening to Bob Dylan cheers you up... - Features Editor]
[You have to worry when listening to Bob Dylan cheers you up... - Features Editor]
Is Dylan depressing? I thought you hate depressing music! Or does it work just when this is useful to you? ;-)
So…I don’t know what I should wish you now…enjoy your listening is not appropriate, I image….TAKE CARE is enough?
BYE!!!
L!
[You worry too much, my friend. It must be all that Radiohead... - Features Editor]
Julie,
The reviews you gave of Abbey Road are fantastic! I really did feel as if I was there (almost). Thank you very much.
Angelo, I believe you were going to write us some words also? Please, Please, Please!!
I just reading the Blog and realized that we haven’t heard from you since the 1st of Sept.. I hope your OKAY.
It’s really hard to look at the calender and seeing it blank for this month. I hope David and his Family are well and maybe we will here from you soon.
Take Care, Thomas
[It's going to be a quiet month or two, I'm afraid. However, there's something nice planned for tomorrow, which I hope you'll like. - Features Editor]
La rentrée et le sentiment de vide et de manque engendré par la fin de la tournée de M. Gilmour sont difficiles à supporter. Etrange sentiment d’absence, a sort of ‘comfortably numb’state but without any solo to enlighten it.
‘Love, pain and sorrow’, je pense que c’est un titre sur lequel M. Gilmour a joué une superbe partie de guitare, mais je ne suis pas sûre…
Triste pour nous, mais sûrement un bonheur pour M. Gilmour qui peut retrouver sa vie de famille, et c’est en fait la ‘vraie’ vie…
Michèle
Now that the tour has come to rest are there any plans to release a DVD for all those poor souls that couldn’t get to see David live?
[Yes. - Features Editor]
Wow Julie, That’s a really great story.
It’s only on reading it that I realise just what a great gesture that was from the team to give a few people such an opportunity to see and hear the band at such close and intimate quarters.
You description of the whole process was really interesting and eye-opening for someone who has no real knowledge of how these things work.
Boy what memories you will have.
Congratulations to all involved. I feel all warm and glowing for you.
Julie,
Many thanks for your 3rd instalment. You’ve articulated the “session” really well.
Thanks also to Sue & Angelo for their accounts of their day as guests of Lorraine & Tomasz.
I’m now truly miffed that I couldn’t take up Simon’s invitation to have been his guest.
What’s happened to Simon’s review??
Photo Caption: David, merely with his smile, is able to focus happiness in any direction
Hey FEd,
As the calendar is looking a bit thin, apart from the forthcoming Abbey Road session on 03/12/06 and DG’s birtday in March, how’s about these for a couple of entries :-
07/12/06 – 1st anniversary of Official Web Site for David Gilmour Launched.
22/12/06 – 1st anniversary of 1st Blog.
Any plans in mind to beef it up a bit?
How about all the bloggers submitting their birthdays. Then you would know when to send each of us a DG birthday card…
[It's certainly looking very bleak... I could beef it up with all kinds of outrageous lies just to see who picks up a story and runs with it... - Features Editor]
Hi FEd,
I would like to thank everyone for their kind words as regards my report. I hope the band read it.
Where do I stand on the intellectual property front? Would I be allowed to post that report on another site, or would I infringe copyright laws?
Enjoy your day.
Regards.
Julie
[I'm more concerned about the photos, myself. - Features Editor]
[It's going to be a quiet month or two, I'm afraid. However, there's something nice planned for tomorrow, which I hope you'll like. - Features Editor]
‘a quiet month…’ I hope for you it will be true holiday for you, Fed ! six months without having any vacation ! this David Gilmour is very lucky to have you !
Michèle
[I think I'm luckier, mate. - Features Editor]
Relax FeEd, somewhere between Abbey Road and home we managed to wipe the memory on the camera – never mind, it’ll be on the telly, only eleven weeks and three days to go!
[That's such a shame, Lorraine. I'm sorry to hear that. - Features Editor]
[I'm more concerned about the photos, myself. - Features Editor]
No worries there. I do not fancy pasting a picture of my face on the internet anyway! My photo with David is my personal memory of the event.
Regards.
Julie
[Thank you, Julie. - Features Editor]