October 2024 saw the long-awaited return of Dave Gilmour to London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, marking his first shows in the city in 9 years. This tour was to showcase his latest album, Luck and Strange. Gilmour’s website stated that “Luck and Strange was recorded over five months in Brighton and London and is Gilmour’s first album of new material in nine years. The album features eight new tracks along with a beautiful reworking of The Montgolfier Brothers’ ‘Between Two Points’ .”
As a lifelong Pink Floyd fan, I was thrilled to see the return of a music legend, especially in such a historic venue. It turns out it was almost 9 years to the day since I last saw him back in 2015, once again in the Albert Hall. Back in 2015, it had also been 9 years since I’d last seen him, again in the Albert Hall in 2006 (I see a pattern emerging!)
On that occasion, Gilmour had been joined onstage by special guests Crosby and Nash, Robert Wyatt and was joined by Nick Mason on drums during the encore. In fact, the previous night, he’d been joined by Bowie who came out during the encore to sing “Arnold Layne” for what was to be his last ever UK performance (If only I’d gone that night!) So, as I approached the Albert Hall, I was half wondering whether there would be any surprises in store for us.
Gilmour’s ability to blend the ethereal tones of his guitar with emotive songwriting has always been a hallmark of his music and this evening was no exception. The set was divided into two acts, with the usual blend of new material and classic favourites. The show opened with the instrumental “5 A.M.” followed by the new album’s title track “Luck and Strange” and then move into a collection of favourite songs that included classics from Dark Side of the Moon including “Breathe” and “Time”.
The audience was captivated as Gilmour transitioned between his new work and the nostalgic sounds of Pink Floyd’s greatest works. For me, the highlight of the first set was a very moving performance of the tribute to Syd “Wish you were Here”, a personal favourite of mine. The first set ended with “High Hopes”, a fitting choice that blends Gilmour’s reflective side with a hopeful message.
The interval allowed us time to wander around the hall, pick up another drink and savour the atmosphere and ambience of the occasion. After the interval, the second act delved deeper into Gilmour’s repertoire. Tracks like “Sorrow” show-cased his guitar mastery whilst “The Great Gig in the Sky” which featured a powerful vocal performance, brought the house down. As the set progressed, we were treated to the evocative “Dark and Velvet nights” and the ethereal “Scattered”. As usual, a great set. One notable omission for me was “Shine On, You Crazy Diamond”. Still you can’t have everything.
Of course no Gilmour concert would be complete without the usual encore, “Comfortably Numb”. The song’s iconic guitar solo echoed through the historic Albert Hall, leaving everyone spellbound. It was still whirling through my head when I exited the concert hall and set about trying to find a taxi to return us to our hotel. There may have been no surprise guests this time round however I felt privileged to have spent another memorable night with David Gilmour. Hopefully 9 years won’t pass until the next time!
Thanks to Atlanta and Jan for accompanying me on the journey to London and return, for the photograph and to Laura and Chris for helping manipulate the blog entry.
Setlist: Set 1: 5 A.M.; Black Cat; Luck and Strange; Speak to Me; Breathe (In the Air); Time; Breathe (Reprise); Fat Old Sun; Marooned; Wish You Were Here; Vita Brevis; Between Two Points; High Hopes.
Set 2: Sorrow; The Piper’s Call; A Great Day for Freedom; In Any Tongue; The Great Gig in the Sky; A Boat Lies Waiting; Coming Back to Life; Dark and Velvet Nights; Sings; Scattered.
Encore: Comfortably Numb.
Postscript from David Gilmour website: “David Gilmour’s tour, promoting his highly praised album ‘Luck and Strange’ released on September 6th, encompassed 21 dates. The tour featured two special rehearsal shows already completed at The Brighton Centre, six shows at The Circo Massimo in Italy, six at The Royal Albert Hall in London, one at The Intuit Dome in L.A., and three at The Hollywood Bowl in California. The final five performances were at Madison Square Garden in New York. Gavin Elder documented the tour for a future video release, with footage from the Rome concerts and each subsequent venue.”
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by TerriersFan on December 9, 2024 at 4:50 pm
Great review of an absolute legend of rock, Peter.
Thanks!
Roger 🤘👍
Posted by vintagerock on December 10, 2024 at 12:35 pm
Thanks Roger. A good time was had by all 🙂 Peter
Posted by John Johnstone on December 9, 2024 at 5:25 pm
Hi Peter,
It seems that we tread the same path. I’m also a huge Floyd fan and attended David Gilmour’s gigs at the RAH in 2006, 2016 and now 2024.
I was lucky to attend the 30/09/16 show and was blown away to watch David Bowie guest on both Arnold Layne and Comfortably Numb. What a night!
My wife and I attended the last night at the RAH on 15/10 and really enjoyed the show. Highlights for us were Fat Old Sun, Between Two Points, High Hopes (a real favourite), The Pipers Call, In Any Tongue, Dark and Velvet Nights and, of course, Comfortably Numb. The band were excellent, as was the sound and the light show. The very different arrangement for Great Gig in the Sky was a real delight and Romany Gilmour made a telling contribution to the entire second half.
As you say, I hope we don’t have to wait another nine years for the next tour, I’ll be a bit long in the tooth for that one!
Posted by vintagerock on December 10, 2024 at 12:35 pm
Hi John I am so jealous that you were present the night David Bowie came on stage with David Gilmour. I was a little disappointed that there were no old Floyd songs this time. I would love to see him play “See Emily Play” for instance. Happy days Peter
Posted by John Johnstone on December 10, 2024 at 12:36 pm
Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets are brilliant at doing the old ones …
Posted by vintagerock on December 10, 2024 at 12:45 pm
Yes I have seen them a couple of times and they are excellent! Happy days Peter
Posted by ciarant1step on December 9, 2024 at 11:23 pm
Hi Peter,
Sounds like a night to remember. David Gilmour is a superb guitar player. He doesn’t play fast, but every note carries feeling. I read somewhere that he names Jeff Beck as his own favourite guitarist, and it seems fitting.
He’s also a great songwriter and band leader.
Well worth the journey to London!
Ciaran
Posted by vintagerock on December 10, 2024 at 12:18 pm
Yes it was a very memorable concert Ciaran. Happy days Peter