David Gilmour recently shared the story behind the creation of Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” during an interview with Rick Beato. The iconic four-note motif that opens the song came together during a 1974 rehearsal in the band’s North London practice space. “You play something, and something in your brain goes, there’s something to that,” Gilmour explained, describing the moment the band recognized its potential.
The track, a tribute to former bandmate Syd Barrett, was performed live for the first time on June 18, 1974, in Toulouse and later became a centerpiece of the Wish You Were Here album. Gilmour noted that the melody felt like “a lonely call in the dark” and praised Roger Waters’ lyrics for capturing their collective feelings about Barrett.
Gilmour also reflected on the other tracks written during the same sessions, including “Dogs” and “Sheep,” which appeared on Animals. For a deeper dive, watch Gilmour’s full interview with Rick Beato on YouTube.
Source: Classic Rock
