David Gilmour has made a triumphant return to live performance with his 2024 solo tour, kicking off in spectacular fashion at Circo Massimo in Rome, Italy. The British rock icon, best known for his role as Pink Floyd’s lead guitarist and vocalist, is back on the road for the first time in eight years, delivering a powerful mix of material from his latest album Luck and Strange alongside Pink Floyd classics.
Surrounded by the breathtaking ancient ruins of Circus Maximus, Gilmour opened the show with “5 A.M.,” an instrumental piece from his 2015 album Rattle That Lock. He then transitioned into fresh tracks from Luck and Strange, including “Black Cat” and the album’s title track, showcasing his timeless guitar work and emotive vocals. This tour marks the official debut of many of these songs, giving fans a first glimpse at Gilmour’s new musical direction.
Gilmour’s last full tour took place in 2016, following the release of Rattle That Lock, though he has played a few one-off gigs since. The Rome performance, however, signals the start of a much-anticipated new chapter in his career. Fans have eagerly awaited the opportunity to see him live again, and this tour has already proven to be a major event in the rock world.
In preparation for the tour, Gilmour performed two warm-up shows on September 20 and 21 at the Brighton Centre in England, where he debuted several songs from Luck and Strange and revisited some of Pink Floyd’s rarities. These concerts allowed him to fine-tune his setlist, which, as Gilmour admitted, was still being finalized. “I’ve got a very loose list of songs and things that I’m expecting to do, which do include one or two from the ‘70s,” he said before the tour began.
Gilmour’s decision to focus on his solo work reflects the artist’s continued evolution. In a recent interview with Guitar World, he opened up about how his solo career provides a different kind of creative freedom compared to his days in Pink Floyd. He reflected on the differences between performing in a band as a young musician and his current solo efforts. He noted that while being in a band often involves dealing with internal conflicts, his solo work offers a harmonious environment where he feels free to explore new ideas.
Luck and Strange is Gilmour’s fifth solo album and has been praised for its bold new direction, blending his signature sound with modern influences. Gilmour has said that creating the album allowed him to break free from the expectations tied to his legacy with Pink Floyd. Now, on this tour, he brings this newfound freedom to life, offering fans a fresh yet familiar experience.
The setlist, while focused on his solo career, still pays homage to his Pink Floyd roots. Songs like “Comfortably Numb” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” remain staples, performed with the same precision and passion that have made Gilmour a rock legend. Yet, the new material, particularly from Luck and Strange, shows a musician who is not resting on past glories but is instead continuing to push his music forward.
This tour is more than just a celebration of Gilmour’s past; it’s a glimpse into the next phase of his remarkable career. For fans old and new, these performances serve as a reminder of why David Gilmour remains one of the most influential figures in rock music.