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.
 

'Luck and Strange' was produced over five months in Brighton and London, marking Gilmour's first release of new material in nine years. The album was co-produced by David and Charlie Andrew, renowned for his collaborations with alt-J and Marika Hackman. David comments on their partnership, "We invited Charlie over, and he listened to some demos. He questioned things like, 'Why must there be a guitar solo here?' and 'Why do they all have to fade out? Can't some just end abruptly?' His refreshing disregard for my past and his candidness are invigorating. I appreciate that he's not intimidated; it's beneficial for me as the last thing I desire is for people to be overly deferential."
 

Polly Samson, Gilmour's long-time co-writer and collaborator of thirty years, has penned the majority of the album's lyrics. Samson describes the thematic essence of 'Luck and Strange' as a reflection on aging and mortality. Gilmour adds, "The lockdown period was spent in deep conversation and contemplation about such themes." Polly also expresses how working with Charlie Andrew has been refreshing: "He's keen to understand the stories behind the songs, ensuring that the musicians' performances are influenced by the lyrical content. This approach has been particularly gratifying for me."

 

The album presents eight fresh tracks and a stunning rendition of The Montgolfier Brothers' 'Between Two Points,' complemented by artwork and photography from the esteemed Anton Corbijn.

 

The lineup of musicians on the album includes Guy Pratt and Tom Herbert on bass, drummers Adam Betts, Steve Gadd, and Steve DiStanislao, keyboardists Rob Gentry and Roger Eno, with Will Gardner providing string and choral arrangements. The title song features a special appearance by the late Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright, from a 2007 recording session at David's home barn.

Contributions to the live streams performed by Gilmour and his family, which reached a global audience during the 2020 and 2021 lockdowns, include Romany Gilmour's singing, harp playing, and lead vocals on 'Between Two Points'. Gabriel Gilmour contributes as well, singing backing vocals.

 

The album cover, photographed and designed by Anton Corbijn, draws inspiration from lyrics written by Charlie Gilmour for the album's concluding song, 'Scattered'. Reflecting on the collaboration with his family on 'Luck and Strange', David remarks, "Polly and I have collaborated on writing for over thirty years. The Von Trapped live streams highlighted the harmonious fusion of Romany's voice and harp skills, prompting a release from past constraints I felt tied to. It allowed me to discard those old rules and embrace whatever direction I desired, which has been incredibly liberating."

1. Black Cat
2. Luck and Strange
3. The Piper’s Call 
4. A Single Spark
5. Vita Brevis
6. Between Two Points - with Romany Gilmour
7. Dark and Velvet Nights
8. Sings
9. Scattered