From Venice’s Streets to St. Mark’s Stage: A Chance Encounter with David Gilmour
David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd, stepped into the spotlight to fill the void left by Syd Barrett, the band’s original frontman. Barrett’s struggles with mental health and substance abuse led to his departure from Pink Floyd in 1968, a pivotal moment that profoundly influenced the band’s future. In a tribute to Barrett, Pink Floyd later created the haunting “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” featured on their 1975 album Wish You Were Here. This track served as both a homage to Barrett and a testament to his lasting impact on the band. The song, known for its ethereal and reflective quality, includes a unique wine glass sequence recorded in 1971, adding an otherworldly texture that further deepened its emotional resonance.
On August 11, 2006, as Gilmour and his wife, Polly Samson, wandered through the enchanting streets of Venice, they stumbled upon a moment that would become a memorable chapter in Gilmour’s career. The day before his final performance in the historic St. Mark’s Square, the couple encountered Igor Sklyarov, a street musician who was skillfully playing a glass harp. The delicate, haunting sounds that Sklyarov produced on this unusual instrument immediately captured Gilmour’s attention, stopping him in his tracks. The mastery with which Sklyarov played the glass harp resonated deeply with Gilmour, reminding him of the unique soundscapes Pink Floyd had explored over the years.
Impressed by Sklyarov’s talent, Gilmour, encouraged by Samson, approached the musician with an intriguing proposition. Despite the fact that Sklyarov was initially unfamiliar with who Gilmour was, he agreed to join the legendary guitarist on stage for a performance of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” during the upcoming concert. The decision to include Sklyarov added a layer of spontaneity and authenticity to what was already set to be a remarkable show. This collaboration was a rare and poignant moment, blending Gilmour’s iconic guitar work with the ethereal sounds of the glass harp, creating a performance that would linger in the memories of those who witnessed it.
The performance on August 12, 2006, was marked by an air of anticipation and excitement. Despite the persistent rain that drenched the city, a large crowd gathered in St. Mark’s Square, eager to witness Gilmour’s live rendition of Pink Floyd’s classics. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as Gilmour took the stage, joined by Sklyarov for the hauntingly beautiful “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” The rain seemed almost symbolic, a natural element adding to the mystique of the evening, as the audience was treated to a unique fusion of rock history and classical elegance.
The collaboration between Gilmour and Sklyarov was more than just a performance; it was a meeting of musical minds from different worlds, united by a shared love for creating something extraordinary. Sklyarov’s glass harp added a new dimension to the song, evoking a sense of fragility and beauty that perfectly complemented Gilmour’s soulful guitar. This unexpected partnership highlighted Gilmour’s openness to experimentation and his desire to push the boundaries of live music, even after decades in the industry.
Although their collaboration was limited to this single performance, it left a lasting impression on both the audience and the musicians involved. Gilmour later reflected on how meeting Sklyarov had added a special touch to the Venice concert, making it one of the standout moments of his 2006 tour. The performance was a reminder of the serendipitous nature of music, where chance encounters can lead to moments of pure artistic expression.
The Venice concert, with its combination of historic surroundings, challenging weather, and the unexpected brilliance of Sklyarov’s glass harp, became a defining moment in Gilmour’s career. It exemplified his ability to blend the familiar with the new, creating a performance that honored the past while embracing the possibilities of the present. As the final notes of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” echoed through St. Mark’s Square, it was clear that this was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of music’s power to connect, inspire, and transcend.
