David Gilmour on Spirituality and Religion: A Non-Believer's Perspective

David Gilmour has been refreshingly straightforward about his lack of religious belief. In a 2006 interview with The Guardian, he flatly stated, “I don’t believe in God.” He’s repeated that sentiment multiple times over the years, including a 2015 chat with Rolling Stone where he said, “I don’t have any religious beliefs. I don’t believe in an afterlife. This is it for me.” He’s not hostile about it—just matter-of-fact, more of a quiet humanist than an angry atheist.

But here’s the interesting part: Gilmour does talk about a sense of wonder. He’s said the universe is mysterious and beautiful enough on its own, and that music can feel almost spiritual without needing a deity. In a 2006 interview with The Independent, he explained, “I don’t need a god to explain the majesty of the universe or the joy of life.” He finds something transcendent in nature and human creativity, but he stops short of calling it religion. So while his lyrics sometimes hint at cosmic or existential themes (think Dark Side of the Moon or The Division Bell), he’s made it clear that’s just poetry, not theology.