David made a surprise appearance at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho last night, joining ‘On an Island’ colleagues Phil Manzanera and Leszek Możdżer – as well as drummer, Charles Hayward, and bassist, Yaron Stavi – on stage for ‘Autumn Leaves’, Sidney Bechet’s ‘Petite Fleur’ and Miles Davis’ ‘Filles de Kilimanjaro’.
The chatroom will be open from 16:00 (UK) today, if you care to call in.
Release date: 15 22 September 2008 (Europe), 16 23 September 2008 (North America).
Available formats (for the basics in table form, please click here):
- Two-disc version: Two CDs. Packaged in a gatefold card sleeve with 12-page booklet.
Disc One: ‘Speak To Me’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Time’, ‘Breathe (Reprise)’, ‘Castellorizon’, ‘On an Island’, ‘The Blue’, ‘Red Sky at Night’, ‘This Heaven’, ‘Then I Close My Eyes’, ‘Smile’, ‘Take a Breath’, ‘A Pocketful of Stones’, ‘Where We Start’. Disc Two: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Fat Old Sun’, ‘High Hopes’, ‘Echoes’, ‘Wish You Were Here’, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Comfortably Numb’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.
- Three-disc version: Two CDs, one DVD. Packaged in a gatefold card sleeve with 12-page booklet.
Disc One: ‘Speak To Me’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Time’, ‘Breathe (Reprise)’, ‘Castellorizon’, ‘On an Island’, ‘The Blue’, ‘Red Sky at Night’, ‘This Heaven’, ‘Then I Close My Eyes’, ‘Smile’, ‘Take a Breath’, ‘A Pocketful of Stones’, ‘Where We Start’. Disc Two: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Fat Old Sun’, ‘High Hopes’, ‘Echoes’, ‘Wish You Were Here’, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Comfortably Numb’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.
DVD includes 114 minutes of concert footage, plus a 36-minute documentary. Tracks on the DVD are: the complete ‘On an Island’ album, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Comfortably Numb’, ‘Echoes’ and ‘High Hopes’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.
This DVD also includes a web pass to download 12 bonus live tracks from other concerts from the ‘On an Island’ tour – free: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘Dominoes’ (Paris, 15 March 2006), ‘The Blue’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘Take a Breath’ (Munich, 29 July 2006), ‘Wish You Were Here’ (Glasgow, 27 May 2006), ‘Coming Back To Life’ (Florence, 2 August 2006), ‘Find The Cost of Freedom’ (Manchester, 26 May 2006), ‘This Heaven’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘On The Turning Away’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘Wearing The Inside Out’ (Milan, 25 March 2006), ‘A Pocketful of Stones’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘Where We Start’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006).
- Four-disc version: Two CDs, two DVDs. Packaged in a gatefold card sleeve with 12-page booklet.
Disc One: ‘Speak To Me’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Time’, ‘Breathe (Reprise)’, ‘Castellorizon’, ‘On an Island’, ‘The Blue’, ‘Red Sky at Night’, ‘This Heaven’, ‘Then I Close My Eyes’, ‘Smile’, ‘Take a Breath’, ‘A Pocketful of Stones’, ‘Where We Start’. Disc Two:
‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Fat Old Sun’, ‘High Hopes’, ‘Echoes’, ‘Wish You Were Here’, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Comfortably Numb’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.
DVD includes 114 minutes of concert footage, plus a 36-minute documentary. Tracks on the DVD are: the complete ‘On an Island’ album, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Comfortably Numb’, ‘Echoes’ and ‘High Hopes’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.
This DVD also includes a web pass to download 12 bonus live tracks from other concerts from the ‘On an Island’ tour – free: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘Dominoes’ (Paris, 15 March 2006), ‘The Blue’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘Take a Breath’ (Munich, 29 July 2006), ‘Wish You Were Here’ (Glasgow, 27 May 2006), ‘Coming Back To Life’ (Florence, 2 August 2006), ‘Find The Cost of Freedom’ (Manchester, 26 May 2006), ‘This Heaven’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘On The Turning Away’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘Wearing The Inside Out’ (Milan, 25 March 2006), ‘A Pocketful of Stones’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘Where We Start’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006).
The second DVD includes a 5.1 surround-sound mix of the ‘On an Island’ album, three new Barn jams (recorded January 2007) and the following audio-visual tracks: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Wearing The Inside Out’ and ‘Comfortably Numb’ (from the Mermaid Theatre, 7 March 2006), ‘On an Island’ and ‘High Hopes’ (from the AOL Sessions, April 2006) and ‘The Blue’, ‘Take a Breath’ and ‘Echoes’ (from ‘Live from Abbey Road’, August 2006).
- Five-disc version/Deluxe: Three CDs, two DVDs. Boxed, with 20-page booklet and tour memorabilia.
Disc One: ‘Speak To Me’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Time’, ‘Breathe (Reprise)’, ‘Castellorizon’, ‘On an Island’, ‘The Blue’, ‘Red Sky at Night’, ‘This Heaven’, ‘Then I Close My Eyes’, ‘Smile’, ‘Take a Breath’, ‘A Pocketful of Stones’, ‘Where We Start’. Disc Two:
‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Fat Old Sun’, ‘High Hopes’, ‘Echoes’, ‘Wish You Were Here’, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Comfortably Numb’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.
Bonus CD has 12 live tracks from other concerts from the ‘On an Island’ tour: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘Dominoes’ (Paris, 15 March 2006), ‘The Blue’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘Take a Breath’ (Munich, 29 July 2006), ‘Wish You Were Here’ (Glasgow, 27 May 2006), ‘Coming Back To Life’ (Florence, 2 August 2006), ‘Find The Cost of Freedom’ (Manchester, 26 May 2006), ‘This Heaven’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘On The Turning Away’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘Wearing The Inside Out’ (Milan, 25 March 2006), ‘A Pocketful of Stones’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘Where We Start’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006).
DVD includes 114 minutes of concert footage, plus a 36-minute documentary. Tracks on the DVD are: the complete ‘On an Island’ album, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Comfortably Numb’, ‘Echoes’ and ‘High Hopes’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.
The second DVD includes a 5.1 surround-sound mix of the ‘On an Island’ album, three new Barn jams and the following audio-visual tracks: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Wearing The Inside Out’ and ‘Comfortably Numb’ (from the Mermaid Theatre, 7 March 2006), ‘On an Island’ and ‘High Hopes’ (from the AOL Sessions, April 2006) and ‘The Blue’, ‘Take a Breath’ and ‘Echoes’ (from ‘Live from Abbey Road’, August 2006).
Memorabilia consists of: a reproduction postcard, ticket, backstage pass and artist’s pass; a large double-sided poster, a guitar pick/plectrum and seven photographs.
- Five-disc vinyl version: Five LPs. Boxed, with a 20-page booklet and web pass to download concert.
LP #1: ‘Speak To Me’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Time’, ‘Breathe (Reprise)’, ‘Castellorizon’, ‘On an Island’, ‘The Blue’, ‘Red Sky at Night’, ‘This Heaven’. LP #2: ‘Then I Close My Eyes’, ‘Smile’, ‘Take a Breath’, ‘A Pocketful of Stones’, ‘Where We Start’. LP #3: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Wot’s… Uh The Deal’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Fat Old Sun’, ‘High Hopes’. LP #4: ‘Echoes’, ‘Wish You Were Here’, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Comfortably Numb’.
Fifth LP includes ‘On The Turning Away’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘The Blue’ and ‘Echoes’ (from ‘Live from Abbey Road’, August 2006), plus two Barn jams (recorded January 2007).
Performing at Gdańsk were: David Gilmour (Guitars, Vocals, Saxophone), Phil Manzanera (Guitar), Richard Wright (Keyboard, Hammond Organ), Guy Pratt (Bass), Jon Carin (Keyboard, Lap Steel), Steve DiStanislao (Drums), Dick Parry (Saxophone), Leszek Możdżer (Piano) and The Symphony Orchestra of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic, conducted by Zbigniew Preisner.
Facts about the concert and what it commemorated:
GdaÅ„sk was the final show of the ‘On an Island’ tour: 26 August 2006. It was also David’s first ever performance in Poland.
It marked the 26th anniversary of the founding of Solidarity, the inspirational trade union.
Solidarity was founded in the GdaÅ„sk shipyard in September 1980, after strikes the previous month by shipyard workers – the first successful strike behind the Iron Curtain.
David was invited to perform in GdaÅ„sk by Poland’s former President and Solidarity leader, Lech WaÅ‚Ä™sa, and the Mayor of GdaÅ„sk, PaweÅ‚ Adamowicz.
GdaÅ„sk is the sixth-largest city in Poland, as well as the country’s maritime capital.
The Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra was conducted by Polish composer, Zbigniew Preisner.
Renowned Polish pianist, Leszek Możdżer, also joined David and the band on-stage.
All of the songs from David’s ‘On an Island’ album featured orchestral accompaniment, as well as ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Comfortably Numb’ and ‘High Hopes’.
The arrangements on the Pink Floyd tracks are by the late Michael Kamen.
‘A Great Day For Freedom’, a song about the optimism which followed the collapse of the Berlin Wall (from Pink Floyd’s 1994 album, ‘The Division Bell’), was only performed once during the 2006 tour – in GdaÅ„sk.
You may be aware of the situation facing Planet Rock.
In short, the station needs to find a buyer by 28 March, otherwise it will be taken off-air.
To make it a more attractive proposition to prospective buyers, Planet Rock would like to demonstrate its considerable popular support.
That’s where you lot come into it.
As well as being able to tune in – through your DAB radio or TV set (channels 0110 and 924 on Sky and Cable respectively) – in the UK, everyone can listen online.
And many of you have done just that: both Guy Pratt and Phil Manzanera have hosted shows within the last few months, which we’ve talked about here.
It’s a great station, playing great music, and it would be a shame to lose it. So, if you want to help the cause, click here to find out what you can do.
Thank you for entering our Christmas raffle by sending in your six numbers over the weekend. Please click the image to your left see if any of them proved lucky for you.
Prize draws will take place on Wednesday and Friday of this week, Monday and Wednesday of the next.
The prizes/draws are as follows (feel free to opt-out of any draw, if you so wish):
Wednesday 12 December: Premiere Draw, four winners
One programme, from the ‘Remember That Night’ premieres, signed by David, plus an Odeon Leicester Square VIP pass. Three runner-up prizes of an unsigned programme and pass.
Friday 14 December: DVD Draw, two winners
- One Best Buy ‘Remember That Night’ DVD (Region 1), with three-track CD.
- One Borders ‘Remember That Night’ DVD (Region 1), with poster.
Monday 17 December: Guitarists’ Draw, three winners
- One copy of Phil Taylor’s book, ‘The Black Strat’.
- One set of GHS strings for the guitar of your choice: Strat or Les Paul.
Wednesday 19 December: CD Collectors’ Draw, two winners
- One three-track US radio promo CD.
- One exclusive four-track Abbey Road/PBS CD.
We kick-off this evening with a special prize draw just for the ladies.
We have two brand new, never-before-seen David Gilmour scarves – of all things – (one in navy, one in crimson), which are due for production next year.
Made in Uruguay from 100% pure lambswool, embroidered with tassels, no less, they both have the wireman logo at one end and the now-familiar ‘David Gilmour’ logo at the other. The navy one has white embroidery, the crimson one has black.
The winners of these are Lynn (42) and Stephanie (57).
Well done, both. Please let me know where your prizes should be sent.
The chatroom will be open tomorrow from 3PM (UK time), should you wish to talk about scarves, or anything else.
Here’s a bit more from Phil Taylor…
Are the red Strats modified, besides the EMG and electronics? Perhaps a pre-CBS or Callaham bridge block? (Ernest Peske)
Not currently. They have had different parts: bridge saddles, string trees and springs at times.
It’s been said that Eric Clapton retired Blackie because the guitar became unplayable. With electric guitars, and particularly Strats, being so interchangeable (swapping necks, changing electronics, etc.), can a guitar like a Strat truly become unplayable, and, if so, how much more life do you estimate is left for David’s black Strat? (Andrew)
Parts can always be replaced on a Strat. See my book ‘The Black Strat’ for all of the changes to David’s.
I was wondering, was David’s black Strat used on ‘Live at Pompeii’, or could it possibly be the Strat that El Magnifico used on last year’s tour? (Amedeo)
No, see my book, ‘The Black Strat’, for more information.
As I mentioned a few weeks back, David has very kindly donated some rather interesting tour paraphernalia to Crisis, the homelessness charity of which he is vice-president, to auction off on eBay.
Bidding starts next Monday at 5PM (UK time). Of course, I’ll remind you before then.
Items include signed proofs of the ‘Remember That Night’ DVD artwork, as well as a signed photograph of David with David Bowie.
If you’d like to see these items (minus the photo, that is), and perhaps contemplate placing a bid for any of them, please click the (slightly fuzzy) scan above. We would all greatly appreciate any effort you can make to help boost the final price.
It goes without saying that these items, unlike much of what you see on eBay, are completely authentic – not to mention original and highly collectible. Whilst we hope that they go to a good home, our main hope is that their sale will help those unfortunates who have no home.
Here’s a little more from Phil Taylor to finish with.
David used many different types of guitar on his last tour – more than previously, I think, and more songs with guitar changes. Is this a headache or a pleasure? (Kieran)
There is always a challenge in both putting together everything that I am responsible for on stage, and making it all work perfectly, every time that David and/or Pink Floyd do anything. It is just normal for me; it is what I like to do. So, in short, a pleasure.
David and Phil Manzanera have been playing some interesting Gibson Jumbo acoustics on this tour. Can you tell us more about the models and vintages? (EchoesBob)
They are both Gibson Country and Western models. One is 1958, the other is 1959.
Can you tell us a bit about David’s “new” blonde Telecaster (the one he started playing during the US leg of the ‘On an Island’ tour)? (Henning)
We were in Oakland and, during sound check, David decided he wanted to play ‘Astronomy Domine’. I was not carrying a Tele on the road. A quick call to Billy Siegel at Fender, who responded magnificently and instantly (he made the FedEx man wait until he had found a suitable guitar, it was late Friday afternoon). It arrived the next day and it required a little work to be at its best. David then used it during the rest of the tour. He later gave it to Charlie, his son, for Christmas.
You asked, Phil answered.
Thank you to everyone for sending in a question (or three) for consideration. Special thanks to the names listed below and, of course, to Phil for taking the time to give such honest, insightful answers.
There’s plenty more to follow over the next week or so.
Phil’s book, ‘The Black Strat: A History of David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster’ is released very soon. More on that as the week progresses, including your chance to win a copy.
The winners of our latest contest were Tom from NE Scotland, Simon J and Rick Strang.
Congratulations to you. You each win a PBS exclusive live CD from Abbey Road. Please let me know where you’d like it sent.
If you’re interested, our chatroom will be open tomorrow between 1PM and 3PM (UK time).
I’ll also have details of the Crisis charity auctions tomorrow, so do come back for those.
You have one of the best jobs in the world. What do you enjoy the most about working with David? (Mat)
Being there when he plays, particularly standing on the stage three foot behind him during a sound check and hearing/feeling the power, sound and control. Very few people can ever experience how good this can be.
How did you meet David and land this prestigious gig? (Buffalo Phil)
I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and they made me an offer that I could not understand.
When not touring, what are you supposed to do? Maintaining all Mr Gilmour’s rigs in working condition? Looking at new gear? (Frédéric)
I am kept busy. I wear a selection of different hats: I run the Astoria recording studio, David’s equipment warehouse, maintain and find new equipment, look after David’s home studio, be a guitar tech when David makes an appearance, sometimes production director for live shows, and a few other duties besides.
And ‘G’ is for ‘Gilmour’, so don’t miss Phil Manzanera’s radio show this weekend, because he will be talking about our David.
You’re looking for Planet Rock, which can be found online, on your DAB Digital Radio (if you’re in the UK), or on your television (again, if you’re in the UK). That’s channel 0110 on Sky, channel 924 on Virgin.
‘A is for Axe: The A-Z of the World’s Greatest Guitarists’ is an hour-long show, on every Sunday at 8PM (UK), with a repeat broadcast on Fridays at 6PM (UK).
You have exactly one hour left to submit a question for David (only if you reside in Europe, or will be attending one of the cinemas in Europe on Thursday 6 September, that is). The deadline is 5PM (UK), so don’t leave it much later or you’ll miss out.
Please leave your question (singular) here, after you’ve carefully read the terms and conditions at the top of the page.
Thank you to everyone for submitting a question. There are plenty of good ones to choose from – many more than I require – so apologies in advance to the majority of you.
If you don’t see your question listed with all the others, then it wasn’t considered. This was either because you sent in a list of questions, tried sending in multiple questions under different aliases, or asked a question from our ‘Forbidden and Incredibly Dull’ list.
This was all plainly, and repeatedly, set out in the terms – which you should have read before sending a question – so please don’t bother sending a complaint. That, too, will be treated as junk.
I’ll let you know which questions were chosen, as I will for the North American Q&A, next week.
Please remember that, even if your question is chosen, there is no guarantee that it will be used at the Odeon. I will select ten questions and ask ten people to send in their video, audio and photo. However, for reasons of time and technology, there can be no guarantee that all ten will be used on the night.
There’s a new poll today, so you can tell us if you will be going to see ‘Remember That Night’ at the cinema with just a click or two of your mouse.
(According to the results of our last poll, 61% of you said that you’d be sending a question for David’s Q&A. Thank you very much.)
Polls can always be found at the bottom-left corner of the Stuff & Nonsense page.
While you’re there, do have a listen to some interesting snippets from ‘This Heaven’, leave a message for David at his GuestMap and be sure to check out his MySpace page.
That’s all for another week. Back on Wednesday.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: EXTRA VENUE & TICKETS ON SALE
Another venue has just been added to the list for Sweden: Trollhättan.
Please click here for details of all Swedish venues, and also to order tickets.
You can now order tickets for Denmark’s Palads København here. If you encounter any difficulties with this link, please visit www.biobooking.dk and you’ll see ‘David Gilmour’ listed on the right (under Forsalg). Click David’s name, then the red arrow, then the start time (in green). The rest will become obvious.
We’ve unfortunately reached the end of Phil Manzanera’s fan Q&A, which I hope you’ve enjoyed.
There were some great questions and, judging by the comments that followed each instalment, the answers didn’t disappoint.
I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank Phil for being so very gracious with his time and for answering a wide variety of questions with such honesty and wit: Phil, many thanks.
Thanks again to everyone who sent in a question for consideration.
If you’re in Europe, or will be attending one of the European cinemas where ‘Remember That Night’ is being shown on Thursday 6 September, and haven’t sent in a question for David yet, please don’t leave it much later. The deadline is tomorrow at 5PM (UK).
Please click here to leave your question – but please take note of the rules before you do so.
I really do need to know your real name and whereabouts. If you do not include this information, I do not consider your question.
Neither will I consider questions about Pink Floyd reforming, tribute bands or David listening to your demos. And please, please, please spare us all from the “When are you coming to…?” nonsense. You’re wasting your chance with any of these.
The song being performed in yesterday’s Name That Tune screenshot was ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’. If you guessed correctly, well done. If you didn’t, we still love you.
Last, but not least, the chatroom has just opened and will be open until 12PM (UK). Feel free to call in.
How have your Latin roots influenced your music? (Renee B)
Very much so from a rhythmic point of view, the groove. And my love of the cumbia makes me very partial to a 6/8 rhythm, which I invariably play against a 4/4 rhythm.
Is there a guitarist from your homeland that you especially like the work of? (Jan)
The guitarist I most admire is Jimi Hendrix.
What’s your favourite song to play live? (Chris Hampton)
‘Ladytron’.
If you listened to ‘Ladytron’ vocals by Thom Yorke, can you tell me if you liked his way to sing your song? (Lucia)
Yes, anything by Thom Yorke is fine by me.
Given the success of the bands from the 60s & 70s, like Roxy Music, Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin; how do think they would fare if they were just starting out today? (Tom B)
A unique band is always a unique band, e.g. Radiohead, Arcade Fire, White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys… There’s a connection between today’s bands and the great bands of the ’60s and ’70s. It’s about the chemistry between the individual and the quality of the ideas.
Which one album or song could you not live without? (Luis G)
‘Rubber Soul’ and ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’.
Do you feel that knowing how to read music is the best way to get started? (Jan)
No, I feel the notes get in the way for Rock and Roll. You need to train your ear.
What is the most valuable piece of information you have learned working in the music industry? (Cemet Nosce)
Remember to keep the music at the centre of everything.
Any idea which song is being performed in the picture above? If nobody gets it, we’ll have another from the same song next time.
Click on the image for a closer look.
It’s a screenshot from David’s forthcoming DVD, ‘Remember That Night’, which is released next month.
Speaking of which, I’m glad that you like the new EPK. If you haven’t seen it yet, click here.
Please keep your questions for David coming – here, not here – but only if you’re in North America, any other Sony region, or if you will be attending one of the 166 cinemas across Canada and the US on Saturday 15 September.
There are some very good ones so far. Thank you for making it difficult to select the best.
However, if you’ve already sent one in, that’s your lot. It’s strictly one-question-per-person. Submitting a second will mean that both of your questions will be ignored (yes, I’m spiteful like that), so please don’t bother.
You have until 5PM (UK) tomorrow to submit your question, so don’t leave it too late. No further questions for the North American premiere will be accepted after this time.
There will, however, be a separate entry for anyone in Europe/those who shall be seeing the cinematic premiere of ‘Remember That Night’ on Thursday 6 September in Europe. That will be here on Monday.
Below are some more of Phil Manzanera’s answers to your questions.
I heard on an interview that if David was not a musician, he might be flying planes?! How about you, if you were not a musician, what would you be doing? (Veronica from Miami)
A Cuban revolutionary, like my mate Che!
What was your inspiration to pick up the guitar? (AxPxM88)
Spanish guitar was inspired by my mother’s playing, and electric to get girls!
When did you first start playing guitar? (Chris Hampton)
Age seven in Havana, Cuba on my mum’s Spanish guitar, learning Cuban folk songs.
Did you know how to read music when you took up guitar? (Jan)
I didn’t want to learn how to read music. I sent off from Venezuela to London for a book that I thought would show me pictures of where to put my fingers on the fretboard, but instead they sent me a course on blue carbon paper about music theory, so any port in a storm, I inadvertently learnt something about it. Of course, reading the dots is a complete hindrance to Rock and Roll.
With so many of you attending the UK & Europe premiere of ‘Remember That Night: David Gilmour Live at The Royal Albert Hall’ on Thursday 6 September at London’s Leicester Square, I thought you might welcome a dedicated space to arrange a pre-show get-together.
Everyone is very welcome, so don’t be shy. If you know of a good place to meet for a drink before the event, send us your suggestions. Or, when a venue is agreed upon, just drop in on the evening and join in. A warm welcome is guaranteed to all.
Two suggestions so far, courtesy of Howard, are:
- The Imperial, 5 Leicester Street, WC2H 7BL and
- The Moon Under Water, 28 Leicester Square, WC2H 7LE.
5PM seems like a good time to start, perhaps to get a few pints in before making your way across to the Odeon? Thoughts, please.
More thorough plans can be drawn up (directions for those that need them, a fixed meeting point for all, etc.).
Please note that e-mail addresses will not be published. I will only publish a recognised venue and an approximate time.
Please keep your questions for David rolling in. There have been some very good ones. Just please be sure to leave yours at the right place… Say, here? If it ends up anywhere else, it won’t count.
I only want questions for the North American premiere this week. I’ll take questions for the European event all next week, so bear with me. You’ll have a full week to submit your question and as much consideration as the current batch of questions are receiving, so your patience could pay off.
Thank you all very much for nominating, and voting, us the Best Music Blog in BT’s annual Digital Music Awards. It’s very kind of you to do so. Should you get the crazy urge, you can vote each day, which means that you won’t be able to avoid the snazzy pink button until voting closes on 30 September.
You can also help make it a DavidGilmour.com double, by voting us Best Official Music Site.
With that out of the way (God, I feel so dirty), here’s the latest from Phil Manzanera.
I’d read in an interview last year that you met David through your older brother. David agreed to meet to lend advice on getting started in the music business. What are your memories of that meeting and your initial impressions of him? (Buffalo Phil)
It was 1968 and I’d just turned 17. I distinctly remember the Italian restaurant and this person that looked identical to the David sitting on the stool on the cover of ‘Ummagumma’. Neither of us can remember what we spoke about, but David says it must have been good because I ended up in Roxy Music four years later.
Were you a fan of the Floyd 25 years ago? (Sylvie)
Damn right… and well before.
When did you work with David for the first time? (Ina)
1987. We worked together writing on a couple of tracks for Pink Floyd’s ‘Momentary Lapse of Reason’ album. One track, called ‘One Slip’, ended up on the album.
I was wondering if there was any particular reason why you didn’t dig out ‘One Slip’ for the tour, as you co-wrote it with David? (Jonathan)
No room on the list.
Could you compare the making of ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason’ with the making of ‘On an Island’? I mean, how is it different to work with Floyd’s Gilmour and solo Gilmour? (Adriano Capeto)
No different, it’s the same person.
There were some good suggestions as to Wireman’s next animated escapade, and some of them may be considered in the future, but the winning suggestion – which matched my own – was Ben’s.
Therefore, Wireman will be playing the glass harmonica next; as did the band at Munich, and as did Igor Sklyarov (shown above, photographed by Polly during rehearsals) at Venice.
Igor regularly performs with his own trio and was spotted busking by David on the streets of Venice. David asked him if he would perform and the rest, as they say, is history.
I’d like to have Wireman honour Igor’s contribution to the ‘On an Island’ tour.
I leave you with a few more of Phil Manzanera’s answers to the questions you sent in.
Don’t forget, if you missed the first instalment of Phil’s 12-part series, ‘A is for Axe: The A-Z of the World’s Greatest Guitarists’, it is repeated tonight at 6PM (UK).
You want Planet Rock, which can be found online, on your DAB Digital Radio (if you’re in the UK), or on your television (again, if you’re in the UK). That’s channel 0110 on Sky, channel 924 on Virgin.
The hour-long show is on every Sunday at 8PM (UK), with a repeat on Fridays at 6PM (UK).
What is your proudest professional moment? (Tim C)
Rehearsing and playing with Bob Dylan at the Guitar Legends Festival in Seville, of which I was the musical director.
Have you achieved everything you wanted to achieve with music? Any regrets? (Hysteron Proteron)
The wonderful thing about music is that it’s an enjoyable journey of discovery that lasts a lifetime, with no particular destination.
I particularly appreciated your solo works reissued on CD. Will you be touring again soon? (GianLuca)
Am working on an instrumental album called ‘Firebird VII’. See www.manzanera.com for more details.
How did your hands make it into an episode of Red Dwarf? (So cool!) Are you a fan? (Nickster)
Always a fan of Red Dwarf, and a friend of mine’s company used to make the programme. They needed a pair of guitarist’s hands, so I went down to the set and literally stood off camera behind Craig, stuck my arms through and played the guitar, much to the amusement of the studio audience. Another career high!
Do you have any unusual requirements/rituals? (Dr Phang)
Bollinger and egg sandwiches… All shared with the band, of course.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: EXTRA US CINEMA ADDED
One extra cinema has been added to the list of venues participating in the North American premiere of ‘Remember That Night’ on Saturday 15 September – making that 112 cinemas across the US. Click here for the other 111.
Regal, Pointe Orlando
9101 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
Telephone: 407-248-9228
Tickets are now on sale and are available for collection in person, online, or by telephoning the Box Office.
Please click on the image for a closer look.
If you don’t already have the date jotted down somewhere, David’s new DVD, ‘Remember That Night’, is released on Monday 17 September in Europe, Tuesday 18 September everywhere else.
The chatroom will be opening very soon. It will be open until 2PM (UK time). We hope to see lots of you there.
Below are more of Phil Manzanera’s answers to your questions. Thank you to everyone who sent one in for consideration.
Speaking of questions, I hope you’ve all got one ready for David. I’ll be ready for them soon, so please keep twiddling your thumbs and making your question shorter, snappier and more interesting.
Everyone has an equal chance of their question being selected. I’ll be choosing the ones I like best and will keep the entry open for a week, so you’ll have plenty of time.
Just remember that it’s strictly one question per person. Send in a list of questions and all of them will be ignored.
I’ll be starting with the North American premiere’s Q&A on Monday.
I know you’re very keen to get your questions in, but please don’t send them until I ask for them.
Thank you for your patience.
As a musician, which would be more interesting for you: Gilmour plays Roxy Music, or Ferry sings Pink Floyd? (Dan)
Neither!
Describe David Gilmour in five words. (Victor)
No, this man deserves more than five words!
Do you subscribe to the current trend of reforming famous ‘older’ groups when they offer no new material? (Martin D)
From a punter’s point of view, I don’t mind, as most people just want to hear the old stuff. But, artistically, it’s always better to have a few new songs.
Have you ever replied to the fans through a blog/site before? (Elisabetta Corsi)
No.
Who named you El Magnifico? (Emilio)
Los Gilmoures.
You all know Wireman, who has been reading beneath a palm tree for quite a while now on the homepage.
Based on an original wire model by David Macilwaine, Wireman has become symbolic of David’s solo career – and we’re very happy to have him on the site.
So happy, in fact, that we’ve got him doing a few other things for our amusement.
Just for fun, I’d like to know what you’d like to see him doing.
Just one suggestion each, please.
I’ll let you know the winning suggestion on Friday.
I shouldn’t have to say, but will: please keep your suggestion clean and decent. There are some things that Wireman cannot do, and other things that he really would not want to, even if he could.
The chatroom will be open tomorrow between 2PM and 4PM (UK). Everyone is welcome to drop in.
Before you start to ponder on future escapades for Wireman, here’s the latest from Phil, who can be heard on Planet Rock tonight, as he begins his 12-part series, ‘A is for Axe: The A-Z of the World’s Greatest Guitarists’.
Everyone can listen through a computer. If you’re in the UK, you can listen through a DAB Digital Radio, or even through your television set: channel 0110 on Sky and channel 924 on Virgin.
The hour-long show is on Sundays at 8PM (UK) and is repeated on Fridays at 6PM (UK).
Which did you prefer producing: ’50 Minutes Later’ or ‘On an Island’? (Simon J)
Two very different, but enjoyable, challenges – one of which was my own album. Go figure.
Your last two studio albums were great, but your performance of ’6pm’ at the Strat Pack concert in Wembley made the track shine in a way the studio couldn’t. Any chance we’ll get a live CD from you anytime soon? (Ed)
Hopefully next year. On ‘A Million Reasons Why’ is my live playing from Guitar Legends, Seville – album from www.manzanera.com.
As your neighbour, does David offer thoughts about your solo work, as you have done for him? (Gus)
Sometimes.
Looking back at Roxy Music and the great music they made, which album of theirs would be a Desert Island Disc for you? (Peter)
‘For Your Pleasure’.
The original Name That Tune was a television quiz show where contestants had to name the song title after hearing just a few bars of music.
That would be too easy for you lot. That’s why we’re doing it with pictures instead.
Any idea which song Richard is playing above? If nobody guesses correctly, we’ll have another screenshot from the same song tomorrow.
Please click on the image for a closer look.
Congratulations to all those who guessed ‘The Blue’ yesterday.
I’ll be announcing the 54 Canadian cinemas involved in the fantastic forthcoming (interactive and High Definition, don’t forget) event, ‘Remember That Night: David Gilmour Live at The Royal Albert Hall’, tomorrow night.
Thank you all for your patience. I hope that the list will please you.
The chatroom will also be open tomorrow, between the hours of 11AM and 1PM (UK time). I hope to see lots of you there.
Here are some of Phil Manzanera’s answers to your questions.
Why do you think there are so few ‘emerging’ guitarists – unlike your good self and David, to name two personal favourites – who capture the public’s attention? (You may disagree, of course!) (Martin D)
There are lots of very good guitarists around, but because the way the media industry is now, it’s difficult for them to get noticed. Also, the guitar solo became unfashionable, so restricting the guitarist’s creative development. However, if you listen to my new radio series on Planet Rock, ‘A is for Axe: The A-Z of Great Guitarists’, starting on 5 August for 12 weeks, you will hear some great young ones, as well as the vintage players… two of which are your ‘personal favourites’.
How much of an album is experimentation and how much is instinct? (Lucia)
Instinct combines with experimentation in the creative process, but inspiration is the key factor.
The chatroom will be open today between the hours of 3PM and 5PM (UK time).
Please note that it will be closed at 5PM sharp, so you will not be able to get in should you arrive at five past.
If you do wish to visit, you’re very welcome. You need to register first, but doing so is a doddle. Everything you need to know about the chatroom – from how to register, to our common-sense rules – can be found here.
The chatroom is not open all the time, but opening and closing times for each chat session can be found on the calendar.
If you have any additional questions about the chatroom, please don’t hesitate to ask. But please do see the Chat pages first.
David does not participate in chat sessions.
For the benefit of everybody who asks about chatroom lock-ins:
Put simply, lock-ins are for anyone who shows up before closing time. It gives these people a chance to chat for a bit longer, or to return to the chatroom later should they get disconnected for any reason (a password is set in place).
It’s not a members-only club. Everyone is welcome. If you visit the scheduled chats and don’t piss about, you’re very welcome to the lock-ins. It’s as simple as that.
Do let me know what you think about the chatroom. Your comments are always very welcome and might encourage new fans to join in.
To those who thought our first Name That Tune teasers too easy:
Could you guess the song from the image above? Go on, you know you fancy a wild stab at it…
I’ll leave you with the latest from Phil Manzanera.
Out of all the guitars you have played, what is your favourite? (Julie Davies)
1957 Black Les Paul custom.
If you were only able to bring one guitar on tour, which would it be? (Tomi Sue)
The red Gibson Firebird VII.
Please tell us about the translucent guitar you sometimes play: is it an aesthetic, or a sound, preference? (Peter McConnell)
It’s a lovely Yamaha guitar, which sounded very good on stage, which happened to be see through. Some fans thought it was polka dot to match my shirts!
We’re almost at the half-way stage of Phil Manzanera’s Q&A. Thank you again to Phil for taking the time to answer so many questions, and thank you to everyone who sent in a question for consideration.
Special thanks to those of you who sent in the following five.
Just in case you don’t recognise it, this isn’t a screenshot taken from the DVD, but one of Polly’s photographs. It was taken at New York’s Radio City Music Hall last April.
Don’t forget that it’s your last chance to see David’s excellent ‘Live From Abbey Road’ performance on the Sundance Channel tonight. Fans in the US can tune in from 6PM (E/P).
There’s no chat today, but the chatroom will be open tomorrow from 4PM (UK). Everyone is welcome.
If you haven’t visited the chatroom before, don’t be shy. It’s only takes a moment to register and is very easy to use. You’ll find plenty of friendly people to make you feel welcome and to help you out if you get stuck, so come and introduce yourself.
If you could have any one of David’s guitars, which one would you choose and why? (Kris)
Obviously 001, as it’s iconic. However, the black Strat is pretty damn good.
I am a big Stratocaster fan: so, what pickups are you using in your black Strat and do they come close to the Fender ’54 custom shop pickups? (I use those.) (Ernest Peske)
The Strat I use on stage is one of David’s, as I wanted to get a similar sound when duplicating parts he played on the records. Only Phil Taylor, David’s guitar tech, knows exactly what pick-ups are used.
It’s well documented on the modifications David made to his black Strat. What kind of mods, if any, have you made to your main Strat? (Andrew)
None, because it’s David’s. (Sorry, there’ll have to be a separate Phil Taylor Q&A for guitar geeks.)
Using so many powerful amps on stage, is the sound comfortable to play with, or do you battle against each other? (5 Times)
The stage is so big and the amps quite directional, so monitoring is not a problem – due in large part to the excellence of the stage crew.
The involvement of digital technology in (nearly) every form of sound processing is one of the factors that has changed making music compared with, say, 20 years ago. As a musician, what do you see as major advantages and drawbacks of this development? (Ronny)
The advantages are it speeds up the whole ‘capturing’ process and what you can do with it. The disadvantage is that technology can become an end in itself, and not the music.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: ‘THE THING ABOUT SYD’
Don’t forget ‘The Thing About Syd’ on Saturday, BBC Radio 2 at 8PM (UK time). David is one of many interviewed for this new documentary about the Madcap genius.
You can listen online, with live streaming, or you can ‘Listen Again’ – a feature that allows you to repeat the programme as many times as you like for a period of seven days following the original broadcast.
To ‘Listen Again’, please see the purple/lilac box on the right of the Radio 2 homepage (where it says “Listen to your favourite shows anytime”) and click LISTEN. This will open the BBC Radio Player.
Fans in the United States can see David’s excellent ‘Live From Abbey Road’ performance on the Sundance Channel tonight.
If you miss tonight’s broadcast at 10PM E/P, there are plenty of repeats coming up. The Sundance Channel will be showing it again on Saturday (at 2AM), Sunday (at 9PM) and Tuesday (at 6PM).
I hope you enjoy it as much as Dick Parry (above) seemed to when he was at the recording.
The Sundance Channel is available via satellite and cable television.
If you spot the series in your local TV listings, do let us know when and where others can see it.
Here’s the latest from Phil. Our thanks to everybody who submitted a question for him.
Phil answered a good batch of questions, so please appreciate that he will not be answering any additional ones, no matter how good they are. I’m sorry if you missed out.
And please hold on to your questions for David. I’m not ready for them just yet, but look forward to seeing what you’ve come up with.
I’ll open the floodgates towards the end of next week, possibly the week after.
What were the stand-out moments from the ‘On an Island’ tour for you? (Victor)
So many. Playing the Royal Albert Hall with all those guests…
I noticed huge grins on your face both nights at Massey Hall as David did extended solo flights during a few numbers. If you recall at all, what was going through your mind at the time? (Buffalo Phil)
That he was giving it a bit of welly and enjoying himself.
I loved watching you perform because you have such a groovy “wiggle” when you play. Are you able to let go and enjoy the music or are you focused on the piece at hand – or are the two not mutually exclusive? (Nickster)
Steady on there, Nickster. The resident PR is reading the answers! It’s good to lose yourself in the music, provided that you don’t lose your place in the music.
If you’re interested in meeting some fans in Florida next weekend, speak up. There’s a get-together arranged for Saturday 28 July – and everyone’s welcome.
The chatroom will be open today between 10AM and 12PM (UK).
If you’re new to the chatroom, don’t be shy. It’s easy to register and even easier to use.
The answer to yesterday’s Name That Tune teaser was… ‘Time’. Well done if you guessed correctly. Today’s screenshot is surely too easy, but there’ll be more Name That Tune next week. I know you love it almost as much as you loved Blotto.
If you’re in the UK, don’t forget that you can see ‘Three Men In A Boat’ tonight at 9PM (UK) on Discovery Real Time. That’s channel 250 on Sky and 271 on Virgin TV.
If you missed it the first time, it’s about three comedians (Dara O’Briain, Griff Rhys-Jones and Rory McGrath) journeying up the Thames in a rowing boat, as they seek to recreate the journey immortalised by Jerome K. Jerome in his 1889 comedy classic of the same name.
They drop in on David’s houseboat-studio, Astoria, for a chat.
Thanks to Roger for letting us know about the repeat broadcast, and do keep an eye on the calendar for more of the same.
What were your two favourite tracks to play on this tour (one from ‘On an Island’ and one from the Floyd back catalogue)? (Geoff Duffy)
‘Take a Breath’ and ‘Echoes’.
What is the most challenging ‘On an Island’ or Gilmour composition for you to play? (Andrew)
‘Where We Start’, because the chords require continually extending your fingers. Although, ironically, trying to play a simple tune like ‘Wish You Were Here’ EXACTLY as David plays it proved to be a challenge! After a few lessons in his kitchen, I’m almost there!
Any idea which song is being performed in this picture? You know all 23 songs from disc one now, including the five bonus tracks on disc two, so what do you think?
Simply click the above image to see a high-resolution version of it.
There are now just 10 (count ‘em) weeks to wait until ‘Remember That Night’ is released on DVD: on Monday 17 September in Europe and Tuesday 18 September everywhere else. Those weeks will fly by, you’ll see.
More news on the cinemas to come, so please continue to be patient.
Here’s the next instalment in our Phil Manzanera Q&A.
Please take note of the kind of questions that make it through, if you’re thinking of submitting one for David to answer at the ‘Remember That Night’ premiere on Tuesday 6 September.
If you already have your question prepared, please don’t send it to us yet. I don’t want them until next week, possibly the week after.
Chris Thomas joined David and you for the “final push for the last 3 months”, and at that stage the album was very acoustic and very orchestral. David didn’t add any electric guitar until the final month!!! Did you and Chris have to do much coercing to persuade David to add the electric stuff? (Ken F)
No, David wanted to leave his electric playing until the songs and melodies were fully developed, although the electric on ‘Where We Start’ was there from the original demo.
In your opinion, is any of the material not used for the ‘On an Island’ sessions strong enough to be released? (Peter McConnell)
Definitely.
What was your process for learning the songs for the tour? Did you sit down with David and run through things, or listen to recordings and learn on your own? (George Gipe)
Tried to learn from the CDs, then asked David how (as I was meant to double some of his parts, exactly how he played them). Then an intensive rehearsal period.
How much fun was it doing this tour? (Paulo)
It was a very special, unique tour and there are so many great memories… some of which you will be able to see on the forthcoming DVD. Before the tour, we put in a lot of hours rehearsing and working on the shape of the concert, so from the beginning of the tour, we were a tight unit. We had many great times on and off stage. Lots of laughter in dressing rooms across the world.
I believe the tour was a family affair with most of the band bringing their children etc., but who in the band did you get on with best while on tour? (Tom B)
Claire, the tour publicist (my wife).
El Magnifico, Phil Manzanera himself, was kind enough to answer some of your questions recently.
From today, I’ll be publishing them, along with his answers.
Thanks to everyone who submitted the following for consideration, and special thanks to Phil for being so obliging with his time.
There’s no update on the cinemas involved in the world premiere of ‘Remember That Night: David Gilmour Live at The Royal Albert Hall’, so please don’t ask. As soon as I have anything new, the information will be here.
I don’t expect to have the complete list for the United States until the middle of the week at least.
How did the ‘On an Island’ creative process work? Did you and David jam together a lot, or did you work individually, layering on each other’s material? (GianLuca)
No jamming. A period of layering on material, then trying out tracks with different configurations of musicians.
You were able to develop your “conceptual thinking and with the making of little soundscapes” once the title for the album was decided. How did David (and Polly) arrive at the title for the album? (Ken F)
Not sure, but it worked brilliantly and the title track is one of my favourites, especially the amazing harmonies of Crosby and Nash with David.
I would be interested to know how you managed to whittle down the “150 pieces, enough for three albums” that David supplied you with, to a produce a manageable amount of tracks to conceive ‘On an Island’? (Ronny)
How long have you got? It’s the subject of a dissertation at Oxford… mine! Just joking. A lot of listening, patience, development and green pea soup.
Could you give us one or two examples of which direction an ‘On an Island’ track(s) could have gone in were it not for your influence during the album research/demo-ing/recording? (Angelo Ortiz)
Good question, but impossible to answer. We’re all delighted with how it came out.
If you could change anything on the album, what would it be? (Paul Sexton)
I’m one of the producers. NOTHING, of course. You can’t get better than a Number One album and a platinum disc!
