The Hollywood Bowl, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, has long been a symbol of musical history and performance excellence. From classical symphonies to iconic rock concerts, it has hosted some of the most memorable acts in modern music. Among the many legendary artists who have graced its stage, one name stands out for his deep connection to the very fabric of rock and progressive music: David Gilmour, the extraordinary guitarist and vocalist of Pink Floyd.
In 2016, Gilmour’s performance at the Hollywood Bowl was nothing short of a monumental occasion, as it marked a rare solo tour that thrilled long-time fans while offering a spectacular showcase of his musical genius. On that magical night, Gilmour transported the audience to new dimensions with his distinct guitar solos, powerful vocal delivery, and an unparalleled setlist that blended Pink Floyd classics with his solo material. This concert remains a powerful memory for many, not only for the music but also for the emotional depth that resonated throughout the evening.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the experience of David Gilmour’s Hollywood Bowl concert, exploring the atmosphere, the setlist, and Gilmour’s legacy both as a solo artist and a key figure in one of rock’s most influential bands.
The Legacy of David Gilmour and Pink Floyd
Before delving into the specifics of his Hollywood Bowl performance, it’s essential to understand the weight of Gilmour’s legacy. Joining Pink Floyd in 1967, Gilmour became a pivotal figure in shaping the band’s sound during its most successful years. His ethereal guitar tones, emotionally charged solos, and introspective songwriting helped elevate Pink Floyd to one of the most influential and best-selling bands of all time.
Classic albums like The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), and The Wall (1979) bear his distinctive touch. Gilmour’s searing solos in songs like “Comfortably Numb” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” have been heralded as some of the finest guitar work in rock history, blending technical precision with raw emotion. While Pink Floyd’s history is marked by internal strife, particularly between Gilmour and founding member Roger Waters, Gilmour’s contributions have endured as an essential part of the band’s DNA.
After Pink Floyd’s final studio album The Division Bell (1994), Gilmour focused increasingly on his solo career. His albums, including On an Island (2006) and Rattle That Lock (2015), showed that he was far from done, still crafting complex, deeply emotional music that resonated with both long-time fans and new listeners. Gilmour’s solo work allowed him to explore a more personal, introspective side that was sometimes overshadowed by Pink Floyd’s larger-than-life themes.
A Unique Setting: The Hollywood Bowl
There are few venues in the world that rival the Hollywood Bowl in terms of atmosphere and historical significance. Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, the open-air amphitheater offers concert-goers an intimate connection with the performers, despite its capacity to hold more than 17,000 people. The Bowl’s distinctive architecture, with its iconic band shell and sweeping vista of the Los Angeles skyline, makes it a magical location for live music under the stars.
David Gilmour’s decision to perform at the Hollywood Bowl was fitting, as the venue’s legacy matches his own in many ways. Both are steeped in history and have witnessed incredible artistic expression over decades. For Gilmour, playing here meant contributing to that legacy while also giving his fans an experience they would never forget.
The Atmosphere: A Night of Anticipation
The energy on the night of David Gilmour’s concert at the Hollywood Bowl was electric. Fans from all walks of life gathered, many of them veterans of Pink Floyd concerts who had witnessed the band in their prime, while others were younger generations discovering Gilmour’s work for the first time. The audience knew they were in for something extraordinary.
As the sun began to set and the stars gradually emerged, the open-air setting of the Bowl added to the mystical atmosphere. There was an undeniable sense of anticipation as the audience awaited the arrival of one of rock’s most celebrated figures. Concert-goers exchanged stories of past concerts, shared their excitement for the setlist, and speculated on whether Gilmour would play certain Pink Floyd classics. The chatter, the cool night air, and the beauty of the Bowl created a palpable sense of unity among the crowd—everyone was here for a shared musical journey.
The Performance: A Journey Through Time and Emotion
When David Gilmour finally stepped on stage, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers. Dressed in his signature understated style, Gilmour let his music do the talking. Accompanied by a stellar band, including longtime collaborators such as Phil Manzanera on guitar and Jon Carin on keyboards, Gilmour was poised to deliver a night that would cover multiple eras of his illustrious career.
The concert opened with the ethereal notes of “5 A.M.,” the haunting instrumental track from Rattle That Lock. The soft, atmospheric guitar set the tone for the night, a perfect intro that built into a powerful crescendo. Gilmour followed with “Rattle That Lock,” the title track from his latest album, and immediately had the audience hooked with its upbeat rhythm and strong vocal performance.
The Setlist: Balancing Solo Work and Pink Floyd Classics
One of the highlights of Gilmour’s Hollywood Bowl concert was his carefully curated setlist, which struck a balance between his solo material and iconic Pink Floyd songs. While his solo career gave Gilmour a chance to explore new sounds and ideas, his work with Pink Floyd remained central to his identity as an artist. Fans eagerly awaited the moments when those unforgettable Pink Floyd classics would come to life.
One of the early crowd-pleasers was “Wish You Were Here,” which sent waves of emotion through the crowd as Gilmour played the iconic acoustic intro. The song, written in tribute to Pink Floyd’s former frontman Syd Barrett, has long been one of the band’s most enduring and poignant tracks. Gilmour’s delivery was flawless, with his vocals and guitar playing weaving a powerful emotional narrative that resonated deeply with the audience.
As the night progressed, Gilmour moved seamlessly between his solo work and Pink Floyd staples. Songs like “The Blue” and “A Boat Lies Waiting” from Rattle That Lock were received warmly, with the audience appreciating the more introspective and personal side of Gilmour’s solo material. However, it was the Pink Floyd tracks that elicited the most enthusiastic responses. “Money,” with its distinctive bassline, and “Time,” with its reflective lyrics and iconic guitar solo, transported the audience back to the band’s peak in the 1970s.
But perhaps the most unforgettable moment of the night came when Gilmour performed “Comfortably Numb,” one of Pink Floyd’s most beloved tracks. As soon as the opening chords rang out, the crowd erupted into applause, knowing they were about to witness one of the most famous guitar solos in rock history. Gilmour did not disappoint, delivering the solo with the same intensity and emotion that had captivated audiences for decades. It was a transcendent moment, with Gilmour’s guitar soaring into the night sky, leaving the audience in awe.
Visuals and Production: A Feast for the Senses
Beyond the music, Gilmour’s Hollywood Bowl performance was a feast for the senses, thanks to the stunning visual production that accompanied each song. Known for their use of elaborate light shows, Pink Floyd concerts were as much about the visual experience as they were about the music. Gilmour brought this same attention to detail to his solo show, using a mix of lights, lasers, and video projections to enhance the atmosphere.
The visuals were particularly striking during songs like “Sorrow” and “Run Like Hell,” where the combination of pulsating lights and intense guitar riffs created a truly immersive experience. The Hollywood Bowl’s outdoor setting allowed for a broader canvas, with the lighting playing off the natural surroundings to create a surreal atmosphere.
During “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” a song written in tribute to Syd Barrett, the visuals took on a more reflective tone, with images of stars, space, and cosmic landscapes projected behind the band. This added an emotional depth to the performance, reminding the audience of Barrett’s lasting influence on the band and Gilmour’s personal connection to the song.
Gilmour’s Connection with the Audience
Throughout the concert, Gilmour maintained a strong connection with the audience. Though known for his somewhat reserved stage presence, he was visibly moved by the enthusiastic response from the crowd. His occasional smiles, nods, and spoken thanks between songs showed that he was deeply appreciative of the audience’s energy.
One of the more intimate moments of the night came when Gilmour shared stories behind some of the songs, offering insight into their creation and meaning. For longtime fans, these moments provided a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist who, for much of his career, had let the music do the talking.
The Encore: A Perfect Ending
As the concert drew to a close, the audience knew they were in for an unforgettable encore. Gilmour returned to the stage to thunderous applause and launched into “High Hopes,” the closing track from The Division Bell. The song’s melancholy tone and introspective lyrics provided a fitting end to the evening, with Gilmour’s steel guitar solo ringing out across the Hollywood Hills.
The final song of the night was, fittingly, “Comfortably Numb.” The extended outro solo was a masterclass in guitar playing, with Gilmour’s fingers effortlessly gliding across the fretboard as the crowd stood in awe It was the perfect way to end a night that had taken the audience on a journey through the highs and lows of Gilmour’s career.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
David Gilmour’s performance at the Hollywood Bowl was more than just a concert—it was an experience. The combination of Gilmour’s timeless music, the stunning visual production, and the magical atmosphere of the Hollywood Bowl made for an unforgettable night. For fans of Pink Floyd and Gilmour alike, it was a reminder of why his music continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
As Gilmour’s guitar echoed through the Hollywood Hills, the audience knew they had witnessed something truly special. The Hollywood Bowl concert will forever remain a highlight in Gilmour’s illustrious career, a night where music, emotion, and history came together under the stars.
