We caught up with Guy Pratt at Madison Square Garden in New York City during David Gilmour’s historic November run in support of his latest record, Luck and Strange [Sony, 2024]. Pratt, the venerable, jovial British session and touring bassist known for his ear-jostling lines on tracks like Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” and Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song,” gave us a detailed look at his onstage gear, and later joined us via video call for a talk through Gilmour’s album (for which he paired with drum deity Steve Gadd) and live show, as well as some interesting stopping points in his career.

David Gilmour Live at Madison Square Garden – November 11th, 2024 – By Ben Hyman

On November 6th, I got the chance to see David Gilmour, one of my favorite guitarists, play on the legendary Madison Square Garden stage. Going in, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve seen plenty of music legends lately, and let’s just say some deliver, while others… not so much. But Gilmour was all in, and from the opening notes of “5 A.M.” to the last, lingering lines of “Comfortably Numb,” he was as good as ever, pouring his signature bends and soulful phrasing into each song.

The show kicked off with a refreshing note: a quick request from Bassist Guy Pratt that the crowd stay present and, if possible, hold off on the phones. To my surprise, it actually worked! Most people respected it, and it was great to be part of an audience genuinely in the moment, fully tuned into the music. With an incredible light show and a ridiculously tight band backing him up, Gilmour led us through one amazing solo after another, his guitar singing with that unmistakable sound only he can produce.

I could go song-by-song, but that wouldn’t do justice to the experience. What really struck me was the feeling of being in the presence of a true master. Gilmour practically invented the idea of the long, emotional solo over those haunting synth chords, and all these years later, he’s still drawing out every drop of emotion with ease. Standing among thousands in a packed Garden, I felt that collective energy—the connection that only comes when real music is played by musicians who mean every note.

The band? Flawless. Every player fit perfectly, and the sound mix was one of the best I’ve heard in that venue. Drums, guitars, vocals—everything balanced, with Gilmour’s solos floating perfectly above it all. His voice still has that warm, familiar tone, sharing every emotion with the crowd. Some of the most touching moments were his duets with his daughter, Romany. Her voice added a fresh beauty to the night, and seeing Gilmour smile, giving her the spotlight, was a special moment for everyone.

I didn’t get to hear all my favorite songs, but I did get “Wish You Were Here.” Much like hearing Paul McCartney play “Blackbird,” there’s something deeply personal about hearing an artist perform a song you’ve loved for years. It’s that live magic that just can’t be replaced.

I went into this show already a fan of David Gilmour’s music, but I left with a whole new respect for him as a performer and as a person. The way he gave space to each band member, introducing them by name, and even thanking the crew, showed how much he values the people who make it all happen. Gilmour’s a true artist, and if you ever get the chance to see him live, take a tip from last night: put your phone away and just live it. You won’t regret it.