Some people warn against meeting your heroes, but for David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, the experience couldn’t have been more inspiring. Growing up in Cambridge, Gilmour was captivated by the groundbreaking artistry of Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix’s revolutionary approach to the guitar and his fearless exploration of experimental sounds laid a foundation that would heavily influence bands like Pink Floyd.
Though Gilmour admired Hendrix from afar in the late 1960s, their paths seemed worlds apart. At the time, Hendrix was a global sensation, while Gilmour was still carving out his identity as a musician. Their connection began inauspiciously—Gilmour met Hendrix once, only for the encounter to go unnoticed by Hendrix himself. But fate had other plans, and a second meeting at a British music festival would prove far more memorable.
A Backstage Encounter
Recalling the festival in an interview with Prog Magazine, Gilmour described himself as just another fan camping in a tent. Yet, curiosity pulled him backstage, where he found chaos among the sound engineers tasked with managing Hendrix’s legendary live performance. Spotting their panic, Gilmour, who had some experience with sound mixing, stepped in to help. “They were very nervous,” Gilmour explained. “I did some mixing stuff in those days, and they said, ‘Help! Help!’ So I did.”
This spontaneous gesture not only introduced Gilmour to Hendrix but also demonstrated his growing technical prowess—an element that would later become integral to Pink Floyd’s ethereal soundscapes. What exactly the two musical giants discussed remains a mystery, but the encounter set the stage for a brief yet pivotal collaboration.
Sharing the Spotlight
In 1967, during Hendrix’s second UK tour, Gilmour and Pink Floyd were invited to join as one of the opening acts. The tour featured 31 shows across 16 cities and included other rising stars like The Move and The Nice. Widely regarded as one of the most influential lineups in rock history, the tour provided Pink Floyd with invaluable exposure.
Interestingly, their performances were brief, lasting only 15 to 20 minutes each night. However, these moments were transformative for Gilmour and his band. The opportunity to share a stage with Hendrix, even for a short set, marked a turning point in their careers. And to think—it all began with a chance encounter and Gilmour’s willingness to lend a hand.
Luck Meets Preparation
The story of Gilmour and Hendrix is a testament to the power of seizing the moment. While Gilmour’s sound-mixing skills played a key role, it was his respect for Hendrix’s artistry that made their connection meaningful. Hendrix’s pioneering spirit not only inspired Gilmour but also helped shape the experimental ethos that Pink Floyd became known for.
Sometimes meeting your hero isn’t just about admiration—it’s about stepping into an opportunity that changes everything. For Gilmour, the stars aligned to create a moment of luck, skill, and history in the making.
