David Gilmour About Face Tour, 1984

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David Gilmour’s 1984 About Face Tour was a significant event in his solo career, following the release of his album “About Face.” This tour was marked by his distinct musical style, which diverged from the Pink Floyd sound he was known for, showcasing his prowess as a solo artist.

About the Tour

The About Face Tour took place mainly in Europe, featuring a major concert performance at the Hammersmith Odeon in London in April 1984. This tour was documented in a film that includes concert performances, promotional clips, and a documentary titled “After The Floyd,” which followed Gilmour on the tour. However, the VHS of the film was not released in Europe due to a perceived lack of commercial interest and is now out of production.

Tour Setlist

The concert at the Hammersmith Odeon on April 30, 1984, featured a setlist that included a mix of songs from the “About Face” album and some Pink Floyd classics. Notable tracks performed included “Until We Sleep,” “All Lovers Are Deranged,” “There’s No Way Out of Here,” “Short and Sweet,” “Run Like Hell,” “Out of the Blue,” “Blue Light,” “Murder,” and “Comfortably Numb”.

Band Line-up

Gilmour was joined by a talented group of musicians for this tour. The line-up included Mick Ralphs on guitars and vocals, Mickey Feat on bass and vocals, Raphael “Raff” Ravenscroft on saxophone, keyboards, and percussion, Gregg Dechert on keyboards and vocals, Chris Slade on drums and percussion, Jody Linscott on percussion, and special appearances by Roy Harper and Nick Mason on certain tracks.

About Face Album Context

“About Face,” the album that inspired the tour, was co-produced by Bob Ezrin and marked Gilmour’s second solo record following his 1978 self-titled debut. The album was crafted during a period of internal tension within Pink Floyd, particularly between Gilmour and Roger Waters. It reflected Gilmour’s desire to establish his musical identity outside of Pink Floyd, featuring a diverse range of songs and musical exploration beyond the confines of the band’s style. The lyrics subtly referenced Gilmour’s feud with Waters, and many of the songs reflected this conflict.

The album, featuring contributions from renowned artists like Pete Townsend and Steve Winwood, was a blend of Gilmour’s guitar expertise and his exploration of new musical territories. Tracks like “Love On the Air,” co-written with Townsend, and “Blue Light,” with its jazzy intro and horn section, showcased Gilmour’s versatility as a musician and his ability to step beyond the Pink Floyd sound.

Reception and Legacy

Reviews of the “About Face” album and the tour generally praised Gilmour’s musical exploration and songwriting skills. The album was considered one of the better albums of the 1980s and was seen as Gilmour’s attempt to prove his ability to create music independently of Pink Floyd. Despite some criticisms of being uneven in terms of the sequencing of songs, the album and the tour were seen as a successful showcase of Gilmour’s talents as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter.

The About Face Tour was a pivotal moment in David Gilmour’s solo career, allowing him to establish a distinct musical identity separate from Pink Floyd. The combination of his songwriting, the collaborative efforts with other notable musicians, and the emotional depth of his performances made this tour a memorable chapter in his musical journey.

David Gilmour About Face Tour Dates

David Gilmour About Face Tour, 1984

David Gilmour About Face Tour Dates

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