David Gilmour Disavows Prog Label: “We Were Never Prog Rock”

In a candid recent interview with popular YouTuber Rick Beato, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour firmly rejected the idea that the band should be classified as progressive rock. Gilmour explained that the band never consciously identified with the genre and often resisted such labels.

“We didn’t talk about style, and I’ve never talked about progressive rock, or thought that we were—whatever—progressive rock,” Gilmour said. “To me, progressive rock is very, very serious players who can really do their stuff.”

A Reluctant Association

Gilmour reflected on the timing and the band’s own attitude during their early years, noting:

“I think we were doing it long before the term progressive rock, and I think I was probably a grumpy old man in my 20s. You know, sort of, ‘Nah, that’s not us.’”

He also voiced skepticism about music categorization in general.

“The whole idea of labeling—it’s become more essential in this day and age. But I’m not keen on it.”

Despite Gilmour’s reservations, Pink Floyd is routinely named among the “Big Four” or “Big Six” of progressive rock, alongside iconic bands such as Yes, Genesis, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, and Rush. The band’s drummer, Nick Mason, even accepted the “Prog God” award on behalf of Pink Floyd at the Progressive Music Awards in 2017.

The award has also been given to legendary musicians like Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel, keyboardist Tony Banks, Yes vocalist Jon Anderson, guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, Emerson, Lake & Palmer drummer Carl Palmer, and Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson.

Looking Ahead: New Music in the Works

Separately, earlier this month, Gilmour revealed to Rolling Stone that fans should expect new music following his 2024 album Luck And Strange. “I’m slowly building up towards a new album, and I have quite a bit of material that is in some sort of formative stage,” he said. “That’s what’s keeping me busy at the moment.”