David Gilmour doesn’t see Pink Floyd as a prog band

David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd, shares his perspective on the band’s association with prog rock in a recent interview. Despite Pink Floyd being celebrated as one of prog rock’s iconic bands, Gilmour believes they never defined their music within that genre. He dismisses the idea of labeling their music as progressive rock and points out that it was not a topic of discussion among the band members.

In Gilmour’s view, prog rock is characterized by serious players who excel in their craft. He mentions virtuoso Steve Howe from Yes as a prime example of a guitarist who embodies the essence of prog rock with his remarkable skills and musical contributions. While acknowledging Howe’s talent and expertise, Gilmour emphasizes his detachment from associating Pink Floyd with the prog rock label. He expresses his admiration for Howe’s work while recognizing the distinction between their musical styles.

Throughout the interview, Gilmour reflects on Pink Floyd’s journey as a band and challenges the perception of their identity. He downplays the significance of labels and genres in defining their music, emphasizing that Pink Floyd was essentially a group of individuals coming together to create music. Gilmour notes that the band’s dynamics were based on collective agreement rather than conforming to a specific genre or style.

Furthermore, Gilmour reveals his nuanced perspective on the band’s existence, suggesting that Pink Floyd was more of a collaborative effort among musicians rather than a distinct entity. He highlights the informal nature of their music-making process, where members would convene to play guitars and keyboards without the constraints of strict categorization. Gilmour’s reflections shed light on the organic evolution of Pink Floyd’s sound and the harmonious collaboration that defined their musical journey.

In essence, Gilmour’s insights challenge conventional notions of Pink Floyd’s association with prog rock and underscore the band’s unconventional approach to music-making. Despite being hailed as a pioneering force in the realm of progressive rock, Pink Floyd’s legacy transcends genre labels and captures the essence of artistic freedom and creative expression. Gilmour’s perspective offers a refreshing take on the band’s musical legacy, emphasizing their unique identity and collaborative spirit that continues to inspire generations of music enthusiasts.