It astonishes me that a tune I wrote almost 50 years ago is back with this great new approach. They've made it relevant again." - David Gilmour of Comfortably Numb Cover.

David Gilmour & Ice-T

A Surprising Duo on "Comfortably Numb"

In a remarkable mashup of genres and generations, Ice-T, the legendary rapper and frontman of the heavy metal band Body Count, has joined forces with David Gilmour, the iconic guitarist of Pink Floyd, to create a new version of the classic rock song "Comfortably Numb". Body Count's latest album, titled "Merciless", was released on November 22, 2024 and marks their eighth studio release, This collaboration is not only a testament to the timeless appeal of Pink Floyd's music but also a significant achievement given the longstanding feud between Gilmour and former Pink Floyd bandmate Roger Waters.

The idea for the collaboration began when Ice-T and Body Count decided to cover "Comfortably Numb" for their latest album. However, they faced an immediate challenge: Pink Floyd's strict policy against allowing covers or samples of their music. Despite this, Ice-T's manager managed to get the track to David Gilmour, who was impressed by the new lyrics and the fresh take on the song. Gilmour's approval was a significant milestone, but the next hurdle was getting Roger Waters on board. Given the acrimonious relationship between Gilmour and Waters, this seemed like an insurmountable task. However, Waters also approved the cover after hearing it, marking a rare moment of agreement between the two former bandmates.

The New Version of "Comfortably Numb"

Body Count's version of "Comfortably Numb" is a radical departure from the original. The new lyrics, written by Ice-T, reflect the current state of the world, addressing issues such as war, famine, and societal complacency. The song's powerful message is complemented by Gilmour's haunting guitar work, which adds a layer of depth and emotion to the track. In an interview, Gilmour expressed his admiration for the new version, stating, "It astonishes me that a tune I wrote almost 50 years ago is back with this great new approach. They've made it relevant again." Ice-T, on the other hand, described the song as an introspective piece, acknowledging the numbness that many people feel in today's world.

The Music Video

The teamwork also resulted in a music video that features both Ice-T and Gilmour. The video is a powerful visual representation of the song and serves as a stark reminder of the issues that continue to plague the world and the need for collective action. The rendition is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it bridges the gap between two vastly different musical genres, bringing together fans of both hip-hop and classic rock. Secondly, it highlights the enduring relevance of Pink Floyd's music and its ability to resonate with new generations and demonstrates the power of music to bring people together, even those with a history of conflict. This new version of "Comfortably Numb" is not just a cover; it is a powerful statement on the state of the world today and a call to action for future generations.

David Gilmour - A Unique Guitar Maestro

Gilmour is also in the limelight with his recent solo album, "Luck and Strange", released in September 2024. From a musician who has had three number-one solo albums on the UK Albums Chart, and six with Pink Floyd, it is no surprise that his latest has been met with critical acclaim and showcases his evolving talent. For the first time in almost a decade, he appeared on U.S. television as a guest on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon and later in England with Jools Holland. 

The album features contributions from his family, adding a unique and personal touch to his work and was produced by Gilmour and Charlie Andrew, known for his work with Alt-J and Marika Hackman. It was recorded over five months at Gilmour's Medina Studio in Hove and Mark Knopfler's British Grove Studios in London. Gilmour once again brings about his signature timeless melodies, especially on the track "Yes, I Have Ghosts" which I feel is reminiscent of his Pink Floyd days, but the track also brings in a Celtic style as well.

The title track, featuring Richard Wright's keyboards, combines powerful guitar work with introspective lyrics about the randomness and unpredictability of life while Scattered is a track that delves into themes of life and its fleeting nature. At the start of the track it seems that keyboard sounds are similar as the ones produced on Echoes. The album feels like a journey from new to old and back again and even though David mentioned otherwise, a lot of this album sounds like a slow goodbye. 

A Look at the Past

His distinctive style sets him apart from his contemporaries and solidifies his place as a guitar legend. Gilmour's influence on the music industry remains strong, and his recent accolades, including being named the 28th-greatest guitarist by Rolling Stone in 2023, are a testament to his lasting impact. As he continues to tour and create new music, David Gilmour's legacy as one of rock's greatest guitarists is firmly cemented.

Several elements contribute to Gilmour's unique guitar playing. Firstly, Gilmour's emotive playing is a hallmark of his style. Unlike many guitarists who focus on speed and technical prowess, Gilmour seems to prioritize melody and feeling and his solos are often described as lyrical and soulful. This emotive quality is evident in iconic solos such as "Comfortably Numb," where each note seems to carry a profound narrative weight. The use of vibrato and string bending are other critical aspects of Gilmour's technique that adds a haunting quality to his playing. String bending, another signature move, allows him to add expressiveness and nuance to his solos and is noted as a player who can make 1 string sound like 4. These techniques enable Gilmour to convey a wide range of emotions, from melancholy to triumph.

Minimalism in Gilmour's playing is another defining trait. He often adopts a less-is-more approach, letting each note and chord resonate fully rather than crowding his solos with rapid-fire notes. This restraint creates powerful contrast, making the moments when he does unleash his technical skills even more impactful. His playing never feels overindulgent but always serves the song's emotional core.

Gilmour's intuitive and feel-based playing also contributes to his uniqueness. He often emphasizes playing by feel rather than relying solely on technical expertise. To practice songs, he will often hum to himself which allows him to connect more deeply with the music and convey genuine emotion through his guitar. Gilmour's ability to translate his inner emotional landscape into his playing creates a unique and immersive listening experience.

Additionally, Gilmour's influence from The Shadows, particularly Hank Marvin, is evident in his clean, melodic playing style. This influence helped shape Gilmour's preference for crafting notes that sing through the music, rather than focusing on sheer technicality.

Songs like "Comfortably Numb," "Time," and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" showcase his ability to create memorable and emotionally resonant guitar parts in which the solos are considered some of the greatest in rock history. In addition to his musical achievements, Gilmour has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, supporting causes such as animal rights, environmentalism, and homelessness. His dedication to these issues has earned him respect and admiration from fans and peers alike unique artistry continues to inspire and captivate audiences, cementing his legacy as a true guitar maestro.

GEAR

Guitars:

1. • 1969 Fender Stratocaster Signature (The Black Cat Strat): This is perhaps his most famous guitar, known for its distinctive black finish and numerous modifications over the years.

   • Gibson J-45: This dates back to 1970 and became his main acoustic guitar during the recording of Atom Heart Mother.

   • Gretsch G6128T Duo Jet: Gilmour occasionally uses a Les Paul, adding a different tonal flavor to his music.

Pedals:

Amplifiers:

1. • Hiwatt Custom 100: Gilmour's main amplifier, known for its powerful and clear sound.

   • Yamaha RA-200 Revolving Speaker: Used in combination with the Hiwatt to create a unique stereo effect.

Other Gear:

1. • Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings: Gilmour uses these for his acoustic performances. 

   • GHS Boomers: Used on his electric guitars. These strings are known for their bright tone and powerful attack, which have been a staple in Gilmour's sound since the late 1970s.

   • Dunlop Herco Flex 75 Nylon Picks: His preferred pick for both electric and acoustic guitars.