During an interview with Guitar World, Metallica lead guitarist Kirk Hammett recently commented on the song ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ by Pink Floyd, saying it was essentially blues.
Pink Floyd has profoundly impacted the rock scene, being considered a building stone in the progressive rock genre since its establishment in 1965. The group took initial attention with the debut album ‘The Piper at the Gates of Dawn’ after the early success of the singles ‘Arnold Layne’ and ‘See Emily Play.’
The records such as ‘Wish You Were Here‘ and ‘The Wall‘ became among the best-selling albums while the band was also one of the best-selling artists. Throughout their career, their several albums reached the top of the Billboard 200 in the US and the UK. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and praised by many other impactful musicians.
Moreover, Pink Floyd was the leading figure in significant psychedelic space-rock and blues-based progressive rock movements. They reflected these styles in their works by pointing out the political and social issues. Their distinctive singing and playing style have always taken the attention of the audience and the other artists.
In a recent interview, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett expressed how much he loved Pink Floyd’s ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond.’ According to Hammett, the song was essentially a blues one, even if it did not sound like that. The guitarist stated that it was a very successful track reflecting blues progression. Hammett also praised David Gilmour’s unique playing style while delivering the song’s solo part.
Kirk Hammett said in his words:
“I love ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ because there is a riff in that song, but it’s so sideways and around the back. When you listen, it’s actually blues. It’s a freaking blues progression, but it doesn’t sound like it, and that in itself is a real accomplishment. So I think that song is just amazing. With the opening to it, that weird ringing opening chord, ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ is just epic, and there’s so much that I love about that.
Everyone goes on about ‘Comfortably Numb’ and that guitar solo, and yes, the guitar solo is absolutely amazing with the delay and the chorus. But my favorite part is when he flubs a note and then turns it into an open G during the solo. I know everyone knows what I’m talking about! But I love that David left it in. I love that.”
You can listen to the song below.
