David Gilmour, lead guitarist of Pink Floyd, reached out with an offer to reunite the iconic band, but their long-time bassist initially seemed on the brink of missing out on the opportunity.
In the world of rock music, few partnerships have stood the test of time like the one between Guy Pratt and David Gilmour. The Pink Floyd tour, initially slated to last a year, marked the beginning of a journey that would see Pratt become a key collaborator for both Pink Floyd and Gilmour.
Despite an awkward first encounter, Pratt's strong musicianship and ability to fit seamlessly into the Pink Floyd/Gilmour collaborative environment eventually won Gilmour over. This transformation from an initial stumble to a successful working relationship is a testament to Pratt's talent and compatibility with Gilmour's style.
With a career spanning over four decades, Pratt's path crossed with Gilmour's when he received a fateful phone call about a new Pink Floyd album. After their initial meeting, which unfortunately turned out to be unsuccessful due to awkwardness, Pratt was invited to play with Gilmour and Kate Bush at an Amnesty International concert. However, unspecified circumstances prevented him from accepting the offer.
Undeterred, Gilmour remained interested in recruiting Pratt as his bassist. After Pratt returned from a holiday in Thailand, he received multiple messages from Gilmour, indicating a continued desire for their collaboration.
Pratt's influence by Gilmour is evident in his work, as he often emphasises the importance of every note in Gilmour's music and the significance of the length of notes over the number played. He has worked with a variety of notable artists, including Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry, Gary Moore, Michael Jackson, Debbie Harry, and more.
Recently, Pratt shared insights about working on Madonna's Like a Prayer and Michael Jackson's Earth Song in an interview with Bass Player. Despite missing out on the opportunity to work with Gilmour and Kate Bush, Pratt's career has been significantly shaped by Gilmour, who handpicked him as his go-to bass player.
The relationship between Pratt and Gilmour is not without its humourous moments. Gilmour is known to rib Pratt, and Pratt, in turn, has fallen for it. This playful banter adds a unique dynamic to their partnership, making their musical collaboration all the more special.
As the Pink Floyd tour continues, it's clear that Pratt's skills and professionalism have proven instrumental in maintaining the band's legacy. His enduring partnership with Gilmour serves as a testament to the power of music and the ability of talent to overcome initial obstacles.
- Guy Pratt, using a Fender bass guitar, employs a specific technique in Gilmour's music, placing emphasis on the length of notes over the number played.
- Pratt's career in entertainment has seen him collaborate with a variety of musicians, including Roxy Music, Michael Jackson, and more, but his relationship with David Gilmour stands out as a successful, long-term partnership.
- The Amnesty International concert, which found Gilmour, Pratt, and Kate Bush performing together, was one opportunity that slipped through Pratt's fingers due to unspecified circumstances.
- With pedals like the Big Muff Pi and Graphics EQ, Pratt's guitar skills are not limited to just the bass; he's also known for his work on guitars, contributing to the rich sound of rock music.
