By Stig Editor
Greatest Guitarist Honored: Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour Immortalized with Statue in His Hometown
June 2025 – Arts & Culture News
In a moving tribute to one of the greatest guitarists of all time, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd has been honored with a life-size bronze statue in his hometown of Cambridge, England. The statue, unveiled in a public ceremony attended by fans, musicians, and dignitaries, celebrates Gilmour’s monumental contributions to music and his enduring legacy as the soul behind Pink Floyd’s most iconic sounds.
🎸 A Tribute to a Musical Genius
Erected in Mill Road, a street close to where Gilmour grew up, the statue captures the guitarist in his signature pose — Stratocaster slung low, head tilted slightly as if lost in the haunting solo of Comfortably Numb. The work was crafted by renowned sculptor Emily Young, who said she aimed to “capture not just the man, but the emotion he gave the world through six strings.”
The base of the statue is inscribed with the words:
“Shine On – A Sound That Changed the World.”
🎶 A Hometown Hero
Gilmour, now 79, was born in Cambridge in 1946 and developed his musical roots in the city before joining Pink Floyd in 1967. It was his emotive guitar playing and atmospheric solos that helped define the band’s signature sound across legendary albums like The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall.
At the unveiling ceremony, Gilmour himself made a rare public appearance, humbly addressing the crowd:
“This city shaped me, and I’m deeply moved by this honor. I never imagined a statue — I just wanted to make music. But I’m grateful to everyone who found meaning in what we created.”
🎤 Fans and Rock Legends React
The tribute has drawn praise from across the music world. Former bandmate Nick Mason called it “long overdue,” while artists like Brian May, Slash, and Ed Sheeran posted tributes online, acknowledging Gilmour’s unmatched influence on generations of guitarists.
Social media lit up with fans sharing their memories of seeing Pink Floyd live, learning Gilmour’s solos note-for-note, and how his music helped them through dark times.
“Gilmour didn’t just play the guitar — he spoke through it,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “This statue belongs in the heart of music history.”
🏛️ Plans for a Music Walk of Fame
The city of Cambridge has also announced plans for a “Cambridge Music Walk of Fame”, with David Gilmour’s statue as the first installation. The initiative aims to honor other influential musicians connected to the city and cement its role in shaping British music culture.
With this statue, David Gilmour takes his rightful place not just among the greatest guitarists in history, but also in the hearts of the city that helped launch a timeless sound into the universe.
“Shine on, David — your legacy is cast in bronze, and your music forever in our souls.”