Latest news with #DavidGilmour
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Larry DiMarzio decided to start a pickup line that would change the face of guitar music in the 1970s
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The surname 'DiMarzio' is now inextricably linked to the DiMarzio brand, one of the world's leading electric guitar pickup firms. Larry DiMarzio, the man behind it all, started his career as a guitar repairman in New York in the early 1970s, before his keen ears and business acumen noticed that there was a gap in the market: pickups that delivered even greater tone. 'I started working at the Guitar Lab around '71 or '72,' he tells Guitarist. 'I was going to work at a professional guitar shop around the corner of 48th Street [in New York City] and I suddenly had access to tons of guitars that were coming through the shop for repair. Or I'd go down to Manny's, pick up a Stratocaster, and say, 'This is like a dead tuna,' you know?' As DiMarzio asserts, 'Pickups seemed to be the way to compensate for the shortcomings of new guitars. When I first started working on pickups, the first pickup that got built was a Strat pickup just because I had Strats at the time.' Lo and behold, DiMarzio created the now-iconic FS-1 pickup, a replacement for the stock Fender Strat bridge pickup – and some pretty well-known guitarists flocked to it, including early adopter David Gilmour. Later, Earl Slick, Ace Frehley, Al Di Meola, Paul Stanley, and Gene Simmons all became associated with the fledgling DiMarzio brand. 'I had this fabulous old Telecaster. It was very acoustic and it rang beautifully. But it wasn't the sound that I was hearing on Eric Clapton records,' DiMarzio replies when asked how the idea for the FS-1 pickup came about. 'Being in the city with a lot of professional players, you quickly learn that – like the pros did – you could figure out hardware that worked in certain ways. 'The first solution that I came up with was, of course, to increase the output of the Stratocaster pickup. But I also EQ'd it in a different way. If you're playing in clubs, there are common problems, so what rapidly happened was – and as you said, which was spot on, I was a guitar repairman – people came in and wanted them, which eventually led to me opening my own shop.' Another of DiMarzio's inventions was the Super Distortion humbucker pickup, designed to perfectly fit into the standard Gibson humbucker mounting – creating a more-than-worthy opponent for run-of-the-mill 'buckers. For more Larry DiMarzio, plus new interviews with Bob Mould and Scott Gorham, pick up issue 525 of Guitarist at Magazines Direct.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Pink Floyd legend David Gilmour's £10million seafront mansion has price slashed again
The asking price for Pink Floyd David Gilmour 's £10million seafront mansion has been slashed again. The legendary guitarist and singer-songwriter purchased Medina House, a converted women's public baths overlooking the sea, back in 2011. Situated on King's Esplanade in Hove, the custom-built seafront mansion was designed by award-winning architect Keb Gavarito-Bruhn. Gilmour and his wife Polly Samson moved in after construction was completed in 2020. However the house was put on sale just two years later and has remained on the market for the past three years. When it first went on the market in 2022, the house was listed at an asking price of £15 million. Then, after being on sale for more than a year, the price was cut to £10 million in 2023. Even this reduction was not enough to prompt a sale, and the price has now been reduced for a third time as the Pink Floyd frontman struggles to sell up. The house is now listed by estate agents Pereds for a guide price of £8,950,000, a further reduction of more than £1 million from the previous price. Gilmour's efforts to offload Medina House were further complicated after it was revealed in 2024 that, due to a legal oversight, he did not in fact own the property. Gilmour originally purchased the premises through his company Hoveco Ltd, of which he was the only director. However, when Hoveco Ltd was dissolved, an administrative error bizarrely meant that ownership was not transferred to Gilmour, but to the Crown instead. Unless assets of a business are transferred before a company is dissolved, the assets are automatically transferred to the Crown. As a result, Gilmour was forced to take legal action in order to attempt to reclaim legal ownership of the property. It was the latest twist in the property saga which was fraught with problems from the very beginning. The original property was a Turkish baths known as Medina Baths, built in Victorian times, but after the bath, and its men-only neighbour became disused, they were occupied by squatters, and the building was demolished after two fires. Gilmour and Samson, 61, endured howls of protest from neighbours when they applied to convert the bathhouses into a mega mansion family home. Angry neighbours complained that the light to their own properties would be reduced because the new building was higher than its predecessor - something the architects wanted for flood protection and privacy. Gilmour, who has an estimated fortune of £140million, and Samson were condemned, with their plans called 'appalling and disrespectful' and opponents scathingly nicknamed the project 'Polly's Folly'. But Brighton & Hove Planning officer Liz Arnold said while some residents would receive less light, this was outweighed by the benefits to the conservation area in bringing a derelict site back into use, and the plans were approved in 2017 - by a single vote. The bathhouse was demolished the following year, and architect Keb Garavito Bruhn was brought in to design the new residence. His creation took inspiration from the older building, mimicking its gable, as well as the half-moon shaped window at the top. Ceramic tiles that were originally part of one of the pools were retained. Many residents began to change their mind about the house once it was constructed and admitted that an eyesore had been transformed. Gilmour's haven is not far from Hove's so-called 'Millionaire's Row' at the end of Western Esplanade, which has welcomed a range of A-listers over the years, including Adele, David Walliams and Fatboy Slim. Nicknamed 'Polly's Folly', the couple only bought the property in 2015 and launched a lavish rebuild of the former Victorian Turkish bathhouse Pereds describe Medina House as a 'unique contemporary seafront home'. The six-bedroom home contains a library, gym, music room, and sauna, with a private enclosed garden and amazing views over the sea. Gilmour and wife Samson previously said: 'The main bedroom, with sea views in all directions, is a beautiful place from which to watch the sunrise and sunset across the sea. 'At night, it's intoxicating to watch from bed the moon reflected in the water. 'When you wake up in the morning, the view is always a surprise: the sea and sky are never the same. 'It's a huge advantage not to have a busy road and traffic between us and the sea.
Metro
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
The UK's most 'walkable' city is a vibrant coastal spot just an hour from London
Whether you don't like flying or Europe's sweeping anti-tourism measures have put you off, there are plenty of reasons to holiday closer to home. For one, Britain is bursting with quality staycations, from off-the-beaten-path gems, to destination dupes to vibrant cities. You don't need a car to explore the country either; simply don your trainers and head to the UK's most walkable city. This prestigious title goes to Brighton, the beloved seaside spot on the East Sussex coast, renowned for its creative heart and diverse culture. Earlier this month, it placed third in the world and first in the UK in Time Out's survey of 18,500 people, searching for the world's most walkable cities. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. As a former Brighton resident myself, I can confirm this to be true. Despite being incredibly hilly in places (damn you, Elm Grove), the city's 82.88 km² size means that everything is within walking distance. From shops to pubs to restaurants, and of course, the beach, nothing is too far away. Brighton's music and arts scene is legendary. Over the years, the city has been home to plenty of famous faces from Pink Floyd's David Gilmour to Fat Boy Slim. As for its musical history, Brighton has seen many memorable moments, perhaps most famously Abba's 1974 Eurovision win. Today, the focus on grassroots music is more obvious than ever. Venues like Green Door Store and The Rossi Bar champion emerging artists and nurture homegrown talent, putting on affordable events every night of the week. Bands like Lambrini Girls and Lime Garden are recent successful products of the city; both constantly praise their hometown for its commitment to the local music community. 234 Fest and Homegrown Festival are non-negotiable grassroots events in Brighton's musical calendar, while the annual Great Escape showcases local artists and those from further afield. A four-day saver ticket for the latter is £108. If you're looking for a cheap way to spend your day, Brighton Beach is a classic landmark. During the long summer days, residents and holidaymakers grab their crochet blankets, speakers, and set up camp on the pebbly stretch of coastline. The Brighton Palace Pier is close in proximity if you fancy a sugary doughnut or a few games in the arcade. Brighton Beach can get incredibly overcrowded in the summer months. For a more relaxing beach day, walk further down the coast towards Hove. Here, you're guaranteed more space to spread your belongings, and it's often a little quieter. There's still a vibe, though, as Rockwater Hove, the loungey beachfront destination, is the perfect spot to grab a cocktail. Brighton Pride is arguably the main event of the year. Taking place on the first weekend in August, it's been firmly established as the UK's most popular Pride Festival. The city is widely considered to be the unofficial LGBTQ+ capital of Britain, thanks to its vibrant queer culture. The parade through the city centre is an electric celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, while the event as a whole is a time for remembrance and advocacy. This year, major artists like Mariah Carey, Sugababes and Confidence Man will take to the stage in Preston Park. Weekend tickets start from £103. Inn on the Square – A city centre pub with heaps of outdoor seating. The bar staff are fun and friendly, and put on regular gigs. Their Greek-inspired kitchen does some of the best side dishes ever. The famous meatballs, at £9.50, are a standout. The Exchange – A 'hidden gem' pub nestled in the heart of Hove, head here to check out incredible artwork created by the general manager, and try delicious local beers. Hope & Ruin – Described as a 'music-led watering hole,' the reclaimed, neon interior is just as impressive as the events they put on. Fancy a bit of history? The Royal Pavilion Garden allows you to 'bask in regency splendour', inside and out. The palace is literally fit for a king – the Pavilion was constructed as the seaside pleasure palace of King George IV. Complete with Gothic and Indo-Saracenic architecture, plus a preserved interior dating back 150 years, entry is £17.00. And finally, when in Brighton, be sure to check out the North Laines. An iconic landmark within the city, the area is home to a slew of independent boutiques, vintage shops and antique stores. Whether you grab a bite to eat from one of the vegetarian cafes (Iydea is a personal favourite), or sip on a cold pint in one of the many pubs (the White Rabbit opposite can provide your after-dinner beverage), it's the ideal spot to soak up the bohemian vibe synonymous with Brighton. The Lanes (also referred to as the South Lanes) offer narrow, labyrinth-like walkways and are nestled between the North Laines and the seafront. Head here to find homeware shops and high-end brands, plus other popular pubs like The Black Lion and East Street Tap, which sits on the edges of The Lanes. From London, Brighton is super easy to reach. A train from London Victoria or Blackfriars takes just over an hour, and one-way tickets start at £23. Like we said earlier, as sustainable travel continues to rise in popularity, many people are searching for destinations where they'll make a positive environmental impact. Walkable cities receive fewer cars; when needed, people take public transport. This helps to improve air quality. More Trending Additionally, studies have shown that people who live in walkable cities are healthier and happier. It's just as easy to get your 10,000 steps in a day as it is to make friends and forge a community with your neighbours. This article was first published on April 23, 2025. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: TUI launches new flights to 'laid-back' beach city just in time for summer MORE: The buzzy European city crowned the world's most walkable — with £4 beers MORE: 'Don't tell everyone': Your favourite lesser-known European cities that aren't Paris or Berlin
Forbes
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
1972 Pink Floyd Concert Film Rerelease Debuts In Box Office Top 10
UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Photo of Roger WATERS and Rick WRIGHT and PINK FLOYD and Nick MASON and ... More David GILMOUR; Posed group portrait of Pink Floyd - L-R Nick Mason, David Gilmour, Roger Waters and Rick Wright (Photo by RB/Redferns) The concert film Pink Floyd: Live in Pompeii – MCMLXXII, featuring Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason, has found new life at the box office 53 years after its initial release. Pink Floyd: Live in Pompeii – MCMLXXII, which is being distributed by Trafalgar Releasing, opened on IMAX screens and in regular theaters on Friday. The official summary for the film reads, 'Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, the groundbreaking 1972 film directed by Adrian Maben, returns to theaters, now digitally re-mastered in 4K from the original 35mm footage with enhanced audio. 'Set in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheater in Pompeii, Italy, the film captures Pink Floyd performing an intimate concert without an audience. Filmed in October 1971, the performance features unforgettable tracks such as 'Echoes,' 'A Saucerful of Secrets' and 'One of These Days.' "The breathtaking visuals of the amphitheater, captured both day and night, amplify the magic of the performance, creating a unique and immersive experience. Additionally, the film includes rare behind-the-scenes glimpses of the band working on The Dark Side of the Moon at Abbey Road Studios.' Pink Floyd: Live in Pompeii – MCMLXXII earned nearly $2.6 million from 654 North American theaters in its opening weekend for a No. 10 finish at the domestic box office, per The Numbers. Coupled with the $3.8 million the film earned in international ticket sales over the weekend, Pink Floyd: Live in Pompeii – MCMLXXII earned $6.4 million at the worldwide box office in its opening Friday to Sunday frame. While an official rating hasn't been designated, all eight of the critics who have reviewed Pink Floyd: Live in Pompeii – MCMLXXII on Rotten Tomatoes have given the concert film a 'fresh' rating. Neil McCormick is one of the three top critics on RT who given the film a 'fresh' rating, writing for the U.K.'s Daily Telegraph, 'Fifty-three years on [Pink Floyd at Pompeii] looks utterly magnificent, a glorious record of a group at the height of their powers that will delight every old rocker and should be required viewing for every aspiring young musician.' RT top critic Glenn Kenny of Roger Ebert online also gave Pink Floyd: Live in Pompeii – MCMLXXII a 'fresh' review on RT, writing, 'Director [Adrian] Maben's frequent close-up views of guitarist David Gilmour's cosmic-blues fretwork will make axe wonks happy, especially given the dimensions of the screen.' In addition, Ludovic Hunter-Tilney of The Financial Times writes on RT, 'This fascinating mish-mash of a film captures [Pink Floyd] at a crucial juncture, moving from psych-rock trailblazers in the European underground to prog superstars in US arenas. The head-trip still works.' Audiences are sharing the same enthusiasm as critics for Pink Floyd: Live in Pompeii – MCMLXXII and to date have given the concert film a 96% 'fresh' score on RT's Popcornmeter based on 5,000-plus verified user ratings. Pink Floyd: Live in Pompeii – MCMLXXII marks the third film in three months featuring classic rockers on IMAX screens. Becoming Led Zeppelin — featuring new interviews with band members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, as well the late John Bonham in archival footage — played on IMAX and regular screens in February and recently arrived on digital streaming. In addition, the John Lennon and Yoko Ono documentary One to One: John & Yoko, was released on IMAX and regular screens earlier this month and will debut on digital streaming on May 9. There is no word yet about a digital streaming release of Pink Floyd: Live in Pompeii – MCMLXXII.
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Pink Floyd Star David Gilmour Earns His First Solo Top 10 Smash
David Gilmour's Between Two Points hits No. 10 on the Official Singles Sales chart, giving him his ... More first solo U.K. top 10 hit on this tally. LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: David Gilmour joins Richard Thompson on stage at his 70th Birthday Celebration Show the Royal Albert Hall on September 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Gus Stewart/Redferns) David Gilmour earned his place in rock history many years ago. As an integral member of Pink Floyd, he accomplished more than most musicians will ever come close to, and even though he's no longer with the group, he's still hard at work. This week, it's Gilmour himself — not the band that made him a star — who claims the spotlight. Thanks to a special Record Store Day release, the veteran rocker nabs a brand new solo win that pushes him into territory he's never seen before on his own. Gilmour participated in Record Store Day 2025 by issuing a 12-inch vinyl edition of his song "Between Two Points," and that limited drop becomes a quick success. The tune reemerges on the Official Singles Sales chart, landing at No. 10. It's the first time the cut has ever reached the top 10 on the U.K.'s list of bestselling individual tracks.. "Between Two Points" has actually appeared on the Official Singles Sales chart before, though not at nearly the same level. The track first landed back in September 2024, debuting at a modest No. 78. After disappearing for several weeks, it made a surprise return in November, jumping to a new high of No. 48 before fading again. With "Between Two Points," Gilmour earns his first solo top 10 placement on the Official Singles Sales chart. It's a career milestone that comes more than five decades into his tenure as a musical powerhouse. The cut is now his third song as a solo artist to appear on the U.K.'s purchase-only singles tally. His first solo entry came in mid-2020, when "Yes, I Have Ghosts" peaked at No. 47. A few years later, "The Piper's Call" barely made an appearance, reaching just No. 98 in May 2024. The track also gives Romany Gilmour — David's daughter — her first top 10 credit on the tally in the U.K., as she's officially featured on the song. While this is Gilmour's first solo top 10 hit on the Official Singles Sales chart, he's already reached the summit as part of Pink Floyd. In 2022, the band released "Hey, Hey, Rise Up," a standalone single designed to support Ukraine during its war with Russia. The powerful track, which featured Ukrainian musician Andriy Khlyvnyuk, soared to No. 1 on the same list. "Hey, Hey, Rise Up" spent nine weeks on the chart, two of which were at the top. That release marked the first time Pink Floyd had ever ruled the ranking, and easily it's biggest success on that one tally.
