DAVID GILMOUR - ABOUT FACE - 12" Vinyl LP Album

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Album cover of David Gilmour’s About Face featuring a close-up of Gilmour wearing a brown leather jacket, looking to the left with a thoughtful expression, and his hand raised pointing with his thumb; the text David Gilmour and About Face appear in the upper right corner.

Pink Floyd guitarist and vocalist David Gilmour's second solo album entitled About Face was released in March of 1984 in both the US and UK. The album reached #32 in the US and was certified Gold by the RIAA. The album was co-produced by Bob Ezrin and David Gilmour. All songs, except as noted were penned by Gilmour himself. Two songs were co-written by The Who's Pete Townshend.

"About Face" Album Description:

David Gilmour, renowned as the guitarist and vocalist of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd, embarked on a solo endeavor with his second album, About Face. Released in March 1984, this 12" vinyl LP album showcases Gilmour's exceptional songwriting abilities and musical prowess, solidifying his position as a distinguished artist in his own right. Co-produced by Bob Ezrin and Gilmour himself, About Face takes listeners on a captivating journey through a diverse range of musical landscapes.

The album opens with "Until We Sleep," a haunting and atmospheric track that sets the tone for the introspective nature of the album. Gilmour's soulful vocals and masterful guitar work weave together to create a captivating musical experience. Following this, "Murder" takes a darker turn, delving into themes of love and betrayal with its haunting lyrics and brooding instrumentation.

Continuing on Side One, "Love on the Air" introduces a more upbeat and melodic sound, incorporating elements of pop-rock while retaining Gilmour's signature guitar sound. The introspective "Blue Light" showcases Gilmour's lyrical prowess, exploring the complexities of relationships and the emotional turmoil they can bring. Concluding Side One is the enigmatic "Out of the Blue," a track that showcases Gilmour's ability to craft captivating melodies and evocative guitar solos.

Flipping the record over to Side Two, the album takes a dynamic shift with "All Lovers Are Deranged." Co-written by The Who's Pete Townshend, this song channels a rebellious energy and features powerful guitar riffs that complement Gilmour's emotive vocals. The album continues to captivate with "You Know I'm Right," a track that combines Gilmour's poetic lyrics with a driving rock sound, showcasing his ability to create anthemic songs.

"Cruise" offers a sonic respite with its dreamy ambiance and ethereal instrumentation, allowing listeners to momentarily drift away. The album then takes a thought-provoking turn with "Let's Get Metaphysical," a track that delves into existential questions and invites listeners to ponder life's deeper meanings. The album reaches its conclusion with "Near The End," a beautifully melancholic song that reflects on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of existence.

David Gilmour's About Face is a testament to his musical prowess and artistry, showcasing his ability to craft intricate compositions that transcend genres and resonate with listeners on an emotional level. With a blend of introspective ballads, powerful rock anthems, and thought-provoking lyrics, the album offers a diverse sonic landscape that reveals Gilmour's willingness to explore new musical territories.

Throughout About Face, Gilmour's signature guitar work shines, captivating listeners with his melodic solos and emotive playing. His lyrics delve into profound themes of love, loss, and self-reflection, inviting listeners to join him on a personal and introspective journey. The album's cohesiveness is a testament to the collaboration between Gilmour and co-producer Bob Ezrin, who expertly balanced Gilmour's vision with the album's overall sound.

Although About Face didn't reach the commercial heights of Gilmour's Pink Floyd work, it solidified his status as a respected solo artist. The album's critical acclaim and its Gold certification by the RIAA speak to its enduring appeal and the recognition of Gilmour's artistic contribution.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Rock, Pop

Label & Catalognr:

Harvest – 1C 064 2400791

Album Packaging

Original custom inner sleeve with album details, lyrics and photos.

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record

Year & Country:

1984 – Made in Germany for distribution in Germany and the Netherlands

Producers:
  • Bob Ezrin – Producer
    Bob Ezrin is a renowned Canadian music producer known for shaping landmark albums by Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Kiss, and Lou Reed. His theatrical style, orchestral flair, and conceptual vision transformed rock production in the 1970s and beyond. Read full biography.
  • David Gilmour – Producer
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Andrew Jackson – Recording Engineer
    Andrew Jackson is a renowned British sound engineer known for his work with Pink Floyd and David Gilmour. His detailed, atmospheric mixes helped define the post-Waters Floyd era and Gilmour's solo sound. He has engineered iconic albums and live productions.
  • Kit Woolven – Recording Engineer
  • Robert Hrycyna – Assistant Engineer
  • Simon Sullivan – Assistant Engineer
  • Mark Frank – Assistant Engineer
  • Kevin Whyte – Assistant Engineer
Recording Location:

Pathe Marconi Studios – Paris, France

Mixing Studio & Location:

Mixed by James Guthrie at Mayfair Studios, London (assisted by Bob Parr, Ollie Fitzjones, Robert Hryczna)

Mastering Engineer & Location:
  • Doug Sax – Mastering at The Mastering Lab, Los Angeles
  • Mike Reese – Mastering at The Mastering Lab, Los Angeles
Orchestra Recording:

Recorded by Eric Tomlinson at Abbey Road Studios

Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • STd – Design and Production
Photography:
  • Davies Starr – Photography
  • Jill Furmanovsky – Photography

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • David Gilmour – Guitar, Vocals
    David Gilmour discover the man behind the music! Explore David0s ^ captivating journey from Pink Floyd's legendary guitarist to a celebrated solo artist. Uncover the stories behind his iconic solos and timeless songs.
  • Jeff Porcaro – Drums
  • Pino Palladino – Bass
  • Ian Kewley – Keyboards
  • Steve Winwood – Organ, Piano
  • Anne Dudley – Synthesizer
  • Bob Ezrin – Keyboards
  • Louis Jardine – Percussion
  • Ray Cooper – Percussion

    Ray Cooper (Full-name: Raymond Cooper) an English percussionist and drummer who has worked with a wide range of artists in various genres of music. He is known for his work with Elton John, having played percussion on many of his albums and tours, as well as for his collaborations with other musicians such as George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones. Cooper has also released several solo albums and is known for his unique style of percussion, which often incorporates unconventional instruments and sounds.

  • Jon Lord – Synthesizer
    Jon Lord, born John Douglas Lord (1941-2012), was a pioneering British keyboardist, composer, and co-founder of Deep Purple. Renowned for his Hammond organ mastery, he fused rock and classical music, shaping hits like Smoke on the Water. Beyond Deep Purple, he worked with Whitesnake and pursued a successful solo career. Explore more in his vinyl album discography.
Anne Dudley — Keyboardist / Composer

Anne Dudley is the quiet magician behind the keys, a classically trained musician who slipped into pop and rock sessions with an ease that belied her rigorous background. In the 1980s, while the airwaves buzzed with big guitars and neon swagger, she was the synthesizer alchemist who could lace sophistication into the rawest track. As a founding member of the Art of Noise she turned sound into sculpture, and with artists like David Gilmour she colored the edges of songs that might otherwise have stayed black and white.

  • Primary Role – Keyboardist / Composer
  • Country – United Kingdom
  • Years Active – 1970s–present
  • Bands – Art of Noise
  • Associated Acts – David Gilmour, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, ABC, Pulp
Selected Discography
  • David Gilmour – “About Face” (1984)
  • Art of Noise – “(Who’s Afraid of?) The Art of Noise!” (1984)
  • ABC – “The Lexicon of Love” (1982)
  • Anne Dudley – “Ancient & Modern” (1995)

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Until We Sleep
  2. Murder
  3. Love on the Air
  4. Blue Light
  5. Out of the Blue
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. All Lovers Are Deranged
  2. You Know I'm Right
  3. Cruise
  4. Let's Get Metaphysical
  5. Near the End
Album Front Cover Photo
Close-up of the front cover of David Gilmour’s 1984 solo album About Face. The image shows Gilmour in three-quarter profile, looking intently to his left. He wears a brown leather jacket partially unzipped over a white shirt. His hand is raised in the foreground, thumb extended in a pointing gesture toward himself. The warm golden-brown background enhances the earthy tones of the jacket and his skin. The album title About Face and artist name David Gilmour are printed in clean white capital letters in the upper right corner, giving the cover a contemplative, intimate atmosphere.

The album cover presents a striking close-up portrait of David Gilmour, captured in three-quarter view as he gazes with focus and intensity to the left, beyond the frame. His slightly open mouth and expressive eyes lend the image a candid, almost contemplative energy.

He is dressed in a rugged brown leather jacket with visible creases and sheen, partially unzipped to reveal a simple white shirt beneath. In the foreground, his right hand dominates the lower part of the image, angled upward with the thumb extended, a subtle gesture that appears both casual and symbolic.

Behind him stretches a warm golden-brown backdrop, softly blended to emphasize the earthy tones of his clothing and skin. In the upper right corner, the text DAVID GILMOUR and ABOUT FACE appears in crisp white capital letters, starkly contrasting against the background. The design highlights Gilmour’s presence while reinforcing the reflective and introspective themes suggested by the album title.

Album Back Cover Photos
Back cover of David Gilmour’s 1984 solo album About Face. The image shows Gilmour seated with a contemplative expression, wearing a brown leather jacket over a black shirt with small white dots. He holds an electric guitar horizontally across his lap, his left hand resting on the fretboard. The background is a warm golden-green gradient. On the left side, the complete track listing for Side One and Side Two is printed in white uppercase text along with musician credits, producers, engineers, recording locations, mastering details, and management. Logos of EMI Records and related copyright information are placed near the bottom.

The back cover of About Face presents a striking portrait of David Gilmour seated with his guitar. He gazes downward with a pensive, almost brooding expression, his dark hair framing his face under warm studio lighting. The atmosphere feels introspective, echoing the reflective tone of the album.

He wears a weathered brown leather jacket over a black shirt patterned with tiny white dots, paired with jeans. Resting across his lap is a worn electric guitar, its body showing scratches and metallic sheen, his left hand gently holding the neck while the other cradles the lower body.

To the left, printed in neat white type, is the full track listing for Side One and Side Two, including titles such as Until We Sleep, Murder, and Near the End. Beneath the songs, detailed production credits appear: producers Bob Ezrin and Gilmour, contributions by Jeff Porcaro, Pino Palladino, Steve Winwood, and others. Recording, mixing, and mastering credits, as well as studio names from Paris, London, and Los Angeles, complete the panel. At the bottom, EMI Records logos and copyright notations confirm its 1984 release.

Album Custom Inner Sleeve (OIS)
Custom inner sleeve of David Gilmour’s 1984 solo album About Face. The design features a collage-like layout printed on a light gray background. On the left, a black-and-white photograph shows Gilmour standing outdoors by a rustic wooden fence, holding his guitar. At the top center, a rectangular black-and-white portrait shows him seated casually with a guitar across his lap. At the bottom right, a dramatic silhouette captures him performing on stage with a spotlight and smoke rising behind. Lyrics for the songs All Lovers Are Deranged, You Know I’m Right, Cruise, and Near the End are printed in columns across the inner sleeve in black text. Decorative gray shapes accent the layout, framing the photos and text with a minimalist, modern feel.

The custom inner sleeve of About Face presents a striking collage on a soft gray background. It combines three photographs of David Gilmour in different settings and moods, alongside complete printed lyrics for several songs.

On the left, Gilmour appears in a black-and-white outdoor shot, leaning casually near a weathered wooden fence, guitar in hand, dressed in a dark patterned shirt. At the top center, another monochrome image shows him seated comfortably, cradling an electric guitar across his lap in a more intimate portrait. On the bottom right, the imagery shifts to performance: a shadowed silhouette of Gilmour mid-song, bathed in light and smoke, emphasizes his commanding stage presence.

Filling the central and right panels are printed lyrics for songs including All Lovers Are Deranged, You Know I’m Right, Cruise, and Near the End. These verses appear in clean black type, giving fans a tangible connection to the words behind the music. Stylized gray graphic shapes — circles, curved arcs, and bold accents — intersect with the text and images, adding a modern visual rhythm to the inner sleeve’s design.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of Side One record label of David Gilmour’s 1984 solo album About Face, issued on Harvest Records. The label features the iconic yellow background with a large green Harvest logo on the right side. Black printed text provides catalog number 1C 064 2400791, GEMA STEMRA designation, stereo and 33 rpm information, and licensing notices around the edge. Tracklisting for Side One is displayed, including Until We Sleep, Murder, Love On The Air, Blue Light, and Out Of The Blue. The label credits David Gilmour as songwriter, with Pete Townshend noted on one track, and production by David Gilmour and Bob Ezrin under Pink Floyd Music Ltd.

This detailed close-up shows the Side One record label of David Gilmour’s 1984 solo album About Face, pressed on the Harvest Records imprint. The design follows Harvest’s classic scheme, with a bright yellow background and bold green Harvest logo occupying the right side of the label.

Around the outer rim in small black text are copyright and reproduction restrictions. Centered text includes the catalog number 1C 064 2400791, rights society GEMA STEMRA, and technical designations such as Stereo and ST 33. The label also displays the LC 1305 code inside a small circle.

Below the album title About Face, the full Side One tracklist is printed: Until We Sleep (5:14), Murder (4:58), Love On The Air (4:18), Blue Light (4:34), and Out Of The Blue (3:32). Credits state that all songs were written by David Gilmour, except those with words by Pete Townshend. The bottom line confirms production by David Gilmour and Bob Ezrin, with original sound recordings made by Pink Floyd Music Ltd.

Index of DAVID GILMOUR Solo Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

 About Face 12" LP
David Gilmour - About Face

David Gilmour’s About Face (1984) showcases the Pink Floyd legend’s soulful vocals and guitar mastery. Featuring introspective ballads, rock anthems, and collaborations with Pete Townshend, this Gold-certified album captures emotional depth and creative brilliance. With hits like ‘Until We Sleep’ and ‘Blue Light,’ it’s a must-have for fans of timeless rock and iconic musicianship.

About Face 12" Vinyl LP
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Arnold Layne 7" Vinyl Single record
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David Gilmour's 1978 self-titled solo debut revealed his soulful guitar work and introspective songwriting outside of Pink Floyd. The Dutch vinyl LP offers rich sound and iconic cover art.

David Gilmour - Self-Titled (Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP David Gilmour - Self-Titled (Germany) 12" Vinyl LP David Gilmour - Self-Titled (Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP David Gilmour - Self-Titled (USA) 12" Vinyl LP

PINK FLOYD Discography Main Index