David Gilmour Dress Rehearsal in Brighton: A Fan’s Emotional Journey - September 21, 2024

Before we dive in, dear reader, I have a confession: I’ve been a devoted Pink Floyd fan since discovering their music at 12. While I strive to provide an honest and balanced assessment, you may find I’m slightly biased or overly enthusiastic—traits that go against the neutrality of a good reporter. For that, dear reader, I apologize. But trust me, this story is worth it!

The Journey to David Gilmour’s Dress-Rehearsal Show

The story begins in May 2024 when I first heard the news: David Gilmour would be performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London to promote his new album, Luck and Strange, announced just days earlier. Long story short, I couldn’t get tickets. They sold out almost instantly, and by the time I navigated Ticketmaster’s infamous queuing system, the remaining seats were priced well beyond what I could afford—especially since I wanted to share the moment with my son.

Three weeks before the tour began, I was scouring ticket resale sites, dismayed by the astronomical prices, when an email landed in my inbox. David Gilmour was to perform two dress-rehearsal shows in Brighton before officially starting his tour. Since I had pre-ordered the album from his official site, I was eligible to buy tickets. After my disheartening experience in May (and falling victim to the Oasis Ticketmaster scam), I was skeptical. But this time, luck was on my side. My next mission: find accommodation in Brighton for the weekend.

What is a Dress-Rehearsal Show?

You might wonder, What is a dress-rehearsal show? In the entertainment industry, these performances are held before a show officially goes on the road. They allow the production team to iron out any issues—be it costumes, makeup, stage placement, lighting, sound, or even the setlist. Sometimes, these shows are open to small audiences for feedback and to simulate real performance conditions.

David Gilmour’s dress-rehearsal shows, held on September 20th and 21st, welcomed 1,500 lucky spectators—including yours truly. So, in the span of three weeks, I went from a disappointed fan trawling ticket resale websites to a cheerful tourist, pacing up and down Brighton’s seafront with my son, heading to the Brighton Centre to see Pink Floyd’s legendary guitarist for the first time. Luck and Strange, indeed.

The atmosphere of a dress-rehearsal show is markedly different from a regular performance. The stage, for instance, is closer to the floor, allowing musicians and technicians to move on and off easily to adjust settings. Equipment cases and packing crates line the sides of the stage. The light and sound mixing desks sit directly in front of the audience. The vibe feels more intimate, authentic, and relaxed.

Guy Pratt, a longtime collaborator of Gilmour’s, took the stage first, explaining how the evening would proceed. He noted the performance might be interrupted to address sound or lighting issues and reminded the audience about the photography policy. Then, the lights dimmed, and the show began.

A Dream Come True

A spotlight illuminated Gilmour’s silhouette as he began with 5:08 AM, playing solo before transitioning into Black Cat as the rest of the band joined him. I noticed the black cat sticker on his Stratocaster and wondered if the song was named after the guitar.

It was my first time seeing Gilmour live. Watching his facial expressions as he played his solos was surreal. When he performed Luck and Strange, I finally heard it—that unmistakable sound that felt like a revelation. Hearing it live made it real: I was in the presence of a living legend whose music had accompanied me through the brightest and darkest parts of my life. His guitar resonated through my body and soul in a way I had never experienced before.

The sensation deepened as the band moved into Dark Side of the Moon classics: Speak to Me, Breathe, and Time. The iconic circular screen displayed familiar visuals, further immersing the audience. Smiles and even tears surrounded me—mine included. Fat Old Sun, one of my all-time favorites for its simplicity and fragility, had me quietly sobbing.

After Wish You Were Here, Gilmour introduced his band. That’s when I noticed a silhouette near the keyboards, back turned to the audience. When Gilmour called the final name, the figure stepped into the spotlight, holding a harp—it was Romany Gilmour. Together, father and daughter performed Between Two Points by the Montgolfier Brothers, her harmonic voice blending beautifully with his melancholic guitar. The audience erupted in applause as I wiped my eyes yet again.

The first set ended with High Hopes. While The Division Bell isn’t my favorite album, this song holds a special place in my heart—it was my teenage gateway to Pink Floyd. Watching the accompanying video on the circular screen felt like stepping back in time.

During intermission, I could see the excitement in my son’s eyes before we even spoke. The evening was already unforgettable, and the second set promised even more.

I’d read in a Rolling Stone interview that Gilmour had revamped his touring band to inject more creativity, steering away from the feel of a Pink Floyd tribute act. He wanted the music to feel alive, allowing him to focus more on his parts. It worked.

Live renditions of songs like Marooned and Sorrow made me reconsider those albums (spoiler: I gave them another chance but remain unconvinced). Meanwhile, The Great Gig in the Sky was transcendent. Chorist Louise Marshall, seated at a grand piano and flanked by the Webb Sisters and Romany, delivered improvisational vocals alongside Gilmour’s guitar. The audience was spellbound.

The second set leaned heavily on Gilmour’s solo work, particularly tracks from Luck and Strange. Songs like The Piper’s Call and Dark and Velvet Nights stood out even more live. The set concluded with Scattered, its epic solo and tender ending leaving the room brimming with emotion.

But the night wasn’t over—not before Comfortably Numb. Gilmour’s fingers flew over the fretboard for eight flawless minutes, bringing the evening to an electrifying climax.

Final Thoughts: A Fan’s Perspective

Was it really a dress-rehearsal show? It felt like the real deal. The performance was near perfect — despite maybe a few lighting fine-tuning happening, the band clearly enjoying themselves, and the audience ecstatic. I can only imagine how this will feel in iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall or Rome’s Circo Massimo. But I can tell you what it felt like being amongst the 1500 lucky ones to witness this unique moment in Brighton. I got to experience a rehearsal show that felt better than most shows I have been fortunate enough to attend to.

Yes, I’m a fan. Yes, I’m biased. But I’ve seen Roger Waters (twice: playing Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall) and Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, and as enjoyable as those were, nothing compares to what I experienced in Brighton. At 78, Gilmour is likely nearing the end of his touring days, but I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming emotions of that night.

It felt special. It was special.