David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist and voice of Pink Floyd, is celebrated globally for his musical genius. Beyond the stage and studio, however, lies a role he cherishes deeply: that of a father to eight children. His large family, split between his first marriage to artist Ginger Hasenbein and his long-standing union with author Polly Samson, includes a diverse mix of artists, musicians, writers, and private individuals who have each carved their own path.
The Gilmour Family: A Blend of Privacy and Creativity
Gilmour's journey as a parent spans decades, beginning with the birth of his first child in 1976. He has four children with his first wife, Ginger: Alice, Clare, Sara, and Matthew. With his second wife, Polly Samson, whom he married in 1994, he has four more: Joe, Gabriel, Romany, and his adopted son, Charlie. While the famous musician has always valued his family's privacy, several of his children have stepped into the creative spotlight, some even collaborating directly on his projects.
The 2024 album Luck and Strange served as a remarkable family affair, featuring significant contributions from Charlie, Gabriel, and Romany. This collaboration highlights Gilmour's philosophy of integrating his personal and artistic lives, a sentiment he has often expressed in interviews.
Profiles of David Gilmour's Eight Children
Alice Gilmour, born in 1976, is the eldest. She leads a private life but is a multi-talented creative professional working as a violinist, sound designer, and podcast producer. Clare Gilmour (born 1979) similarly avoids public attention and has pursued a passion for visual arts and design.
Sara Gilmour, the youngest from the first marriage, was born in 1983. She has built a successful career in London as a fashion stylist, art director, and editor for Muse Magazine, working with major brands like Gucci and Bulgari.
Matthew Gilmour, born in 1986, is a musician based in Austin, Texas. A singer-songwriter and frontman for Patient Wolf, he has released solo albums like Business As Usual (2024). David has publicly supported his son's music, sharing it on his social media platforms.
Charlie Gilmour, born in 1991, was adopted by David after his marriage to Polly Samson. An acclaimed journalist and author, he co-wrote lyrics for the song Scattered on Luck and Strange and penned the memoir Featherhood.
Joe Gilmour (born 1995) has forged a career in theatre as a director, working on UK productions like Evita and A Chorus Line. Gabriel Gilmour (born 1997) is a designer and actor who contributed backing vocals to his father's 2024 album and appears on its cover.
Romany Gilmour, the youngest, born in 2002, is a talented musician who has frequently performed with her father. She sang lead vocals and played harp on Between Two Points from Luck and Strange and is now a student at the University of Cambridge.
A Father's Bond: Family at the Heart of Gilmour's Life
Despite his global fame, David Gilmour has consistently emphasized the central importance of his family. In a past interview, he reflected on the joys and challenges of fatherhood, stating that the great moments with his children are profoundly rewarding. This close-knit dynamic is evident in the professional collaborations and mutual support within the family.
While some children, like Alice and Clare, choose lives away from the media glare, others have joined their father in the creative realm, adding new layers to the Gilmour legacy. From the fashion world to the theatre stage and the recording studio, the talents of David Gilmour's eight children continue to flourish, each reflecting a different facet of their famous father's world yet remaining distinctly their own.
