Pay My Rent

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Raise My Rent" from David Gilmour's 1978 debut solo album, David Gilmour, for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This instrumental track, a bluesy, guitar-driven gem, has a fascinating connection to Pink Floyd's later work. Fans on forums like Neptune Pink Floyd and Reddit’s Pink Floyd community have long noted that the opening riff and solo in "Raise My Rent" bear a striking resemblance to "What Do You Want From Me?" from Pink Floyd’s 1994 album The Division Bell. Some speculate Gilmour intentionally reworked the earlier track, with one fan on Reddit in 2013 calling it an "evolution" rather than a coincidence, suggesting everything Gilmour does is deliberate. Others, like a commenter on Neptune Pink Floyd, point out that the song’s intro also echoes elements of "Have a Cigar" from Wish You Were Here, showcasing Gilmour’s knack for revisiting and refining his musical ideas.

Another tidbit about "Raise My Rent" comes from its reception among fans and critics. On Prog Archives, reviewers praise its edgy, heavier sound, appealing to those who love Gilmour’s grittier guitar work in tracks like "Time" or "Dogs." One reviewer noted it feels like a precursor to the 1990s Pink Floyd sound, almost prophetic in its style. The track’s prominence is further highlighted by a Reddit post where a fan shared how a local TV show used its iconic opening riff, sparking a years-long quest to identify it as Gilmour’s work. This speaks to the song’s understated but enduring impact, even if it never became a radio hit like "There’s No Way Out of Here" from the same album.

David Gilmour, born March 6, 1946, in Cambridge, England, began his musical journey in the early 1960s. While studying at the Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology, he met Syd Barrett and Roger Waters, bonding over their shared love of music. Gilmour taught himself guitar and started busking with Barrett in France during the summer of 1965, though the trip was more about adventure than profit. Back in England, he joined Jokers Wild, an R&B cover band, and later played with groups like Flowers and Bullitt. Meanwhile, Barrett and Waters formed Pink Floyd (initially called the Tea Set). By 1967, Pink Floyd were rising in London’s psychedelic scene, but Barrett’s struggles led to Gilmour joining in 1968 to support guitar and vocals. After Barrett’s departure, Gilmour became the band’s lead guitarist, shaping their sound on albums like A Saucerful of Secrets (1968) and the groundbreaking The Dark Side of the Moon (1973).

Gilmour’s career with Pink Floyd and as a solo artist has been marked by his lyrical guitar style and emotive vocals. His 1978 solo debut, recorded at Super Bear Studios in France, was a way to step out from Pink Floyd’s shadow, as he told Circus Magazine in 1978, emphasizing the album’s importance for his self-respect. Beyond music, Gilmour has produced for artists like Kate Bush and The Dream Academy and is known for his philanthropy, donating proceeds from his 2003 home sale to the homeless charity Crisis. Fans can connect with him on his official website, Facebook (2.6 million likes), Instagram, and X. For deeper fan engagement, check out the David Gilmour subreddit, the David Gilmour Fan Club on Facebook, or fan sites like Neptune Pink Floyd and David Gilmour Tour, where Zoo Freaks can nerd out over every riff and solo.