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David Gilmour Opens Up on the “Dark Side of the Moon” and Wizard of Oz Synchronisation Myth: A Glimpse into Accidental Magic and Family Inspiration

Writer's picture: Zac WildeZac Wilde

David Gilmour’s take on the persistent Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon" and Wizard of Oz synchronisation theory has finally come to light in an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.



During the conversation, Gilmour addressed the myth with a mix of humour and mild amusement, acknowledging the "strange synchronicities" that fans have noted for years between the album and the 1939 film.


The origins of this theory, known as "Dark Side of the Rainbow," date back to the 1990s when fans discovered uncanny alignments between scenes in The Wizard of Oz and the progression of Dark Side of the Moon. Among the most talked-about coincidences is Dorothy stepping onto the yellow brick road as the song "Money" kicks in. While many have pointed out such moments, others have labelled it a mere coincidence, attributing the supposed synchronisation to selective perception and confirmation bias.


On Fallon’s show, Gilmour humorously confirmed the synchronisation, replying, "Well, of course it was." He continued to share a story of how he and his wife Polly Samson experimented with the theory by playing the album against the movie to see if the famed coincidences held up. "We listened to it, Polly and I, years ago. Somebody said you put the needle on and on the third roar of the MGM lion, you put the needle on for the beginning of 'Dark Side,' and there’s these strange synchronicities that happen," he admitted. Gilmour acknowledged that they were indeed surprised at how well certain sequences in the movie seemed to align with the album’s progression, concluding with a laugh, "There are these strange coincidences."


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Fans have speculated on other examples of “syncing” albums with movies. For instance, in 2016, another fan-made video showcased Dark Side of the Moon alongside Star Wars: The Force Awakens, claiming a similar synchronisation. However, Gilmour’s account confirms that there was no deliberate intention to synchronise the album with The Wizard of Oz, making the alignment a result of chance rather than any premeditated design.


David Gilmour

During the show, Gilmour also took time to discuss his latest album, Luck and Strange, marking his first full release in nearly a decade. Fallon highlighted the project, calling it a “family affair,” with Gilmour’s wife, Polly Samson, contributing lyrics and his children providing background vocals. Reflecting on the experience, Gilmour described it as a creatively fulfilling journey, enriched by the family’s involvement. “Polly's been writing lyrics with me way back to The Division Bell,” he noted, referring to the 1994 Pink Floyd album. In fact, during the lockdowns, the family banded together to perform weekly Leonard Cohen covers online, jokingly naming themselves the "Von Trapped Family." The sessions, born out of Samson’s book promotion efforts, became a cherished ritual for the family, showcasing not only Gilmour’s love for Cohen’s work but also his daughter Romany’s musical talents.

The album Luck and Strange also contains a personal touch, featuring a poem written by Samson as an anniversary gift, which Gilmour later adapted into lyrics. "On a piece of paper next to me was this poem that she had written to me, and... it sounds like it might be about right," Gilmour recalled on the show. "So I just sang her poem to this track, and that is pretty much how it came out." This mix of spontaneity and heartfelt creativity forms the backbone of Luck and Strange, echoing the familial warmth that has become a hallmark of Gilmour's recent work.

Pink Floyd - "Dark Side of the Moon" (1973)
Pink Floyd - "Dark Side of the Moon" (1973)

Gilmour’s past contributions to other artists, including his role in launching Kate Bush’s career, also came up in the discussion. Gilmour was pivotal in securing Bush’s initial recording contract with EMI after he came across a demo tape from her teenage years. Despite Gilmour’s efforts, he admitted that only Bush herself could convince her to return to the stage. “Kate Bush is the only person who can get Kate Bush back on stage,” he said, adding that his attempts to persuade her to perform have been gentle but ultimately unsuccessful.


Bush, known for her reluctance to perform live, last took to the stage in 2014 for a limited series of concerts in London. Her 22-night residency, titled Before the Dawn, marked her return to live performance after a 35-year hiatus, underscoring her selective approach to live shows and the special nature of her connection to Gilmour. Their friendship spans decades, with Bush appearing on stage with Gilmour twice, in 1987 and 2002.


Fallon took the opportunity to quiz Gilmour on his views about advancements in recording technology since Pink Floyd's early days. Gilmour, who has often expressed enthusiasm for digital tools, credited technology like Pro Tools with expanding his creative possibilities. “I love the technology... it's a lifesaver,” he explained, highlighting how today’s digital recording environment allows him to explore ideas without the physical constraints that characterised the analog era.



His fifth solo release, Luck and Strange, represents a blend of nostalgia and modernity, capturing the unique character of Gilmour’s past work while embracing a more intimate, family-oriented perspective. As fans continue to theorise and speculate about Pink Floyd’s storied history, Gilmour's openness on The Tonight Show offered a refreshingly down-to-earth look at the myths that surround his work and the accidental magic that has kept listeners captivated for generations.


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