David Gilmour's family legacy spans decades of rock history, featuring eight children born across two marriages. As the legendary guitarist and singer for Pink Floyd, his personal life often plays out against a backdrop of global tours, iconic album releases, and enduring creative partnerships. He shares four children with his first wife, American artist Ginger Hasenbein, and four children with his second wife, novelist and lyricist Polly Samson (which includes one legally adopted son).
Navigating a large, blended family while maintaining a towering career in music requires a distinct balance. While some of his children choose to stay entirely out of the public eye, others have stepped directly into the spotlight, collaborating with him on stage and in the studio.
The First Marriage: Ginger Hasenbein and the Early Years
In 1975, David Gilmour married Virginia "Ginger" Hasenbein, an American-born artist, model, and dancer. During this turbulent yet creatively rich era for Pink Floyd—spanning the creation of landmark records like Animals and The Wall—the couple welcomed four children: Alice, Clare, Sara, and Matthew.
Alice Gilmour
Born in 1976, Alice is David's eldest child. Her arrival coincided with the intense recording sessions for Pink Floyd's Animals. Unlike several of her siblings, Alice has deliberately maintained a private life away from media attention, growing up largely at the family's rural home in Essex.
Clare Gilmour
Born in 1979, Clare arrived just as the band was finishing The Wall. She shares her older sister's preference for privacy, though she pursued her own path in visual design and the arts.
Sara Gilmour
Born in 1983, Sara carved out a visible career in the fashion industry. Based in London, she works as a freelance art director, stylist, and fashion editor for high-profile European publications. She maintains an active public presence, occasionally sharing glimpses of her editorial styling work and creative collaborations on social media.
Matthew Gilmour
Born in 1986, Matthew is the youngest child from the first marriage. He pursued music like his father, playing in various bands and building an independent career as a musician and songwriter based in Austin, Texas.
The Second Marriage: Polly Samson and a Creative Dynasty
Following his separation from Ginger in the early 1990s, David married British novelist, journalist, and lyricist Polly Samson in July 1994. Samson has written lyrics for multiple Pink Floyd and solo tracks, forming a profound personal and professional bond. Together, they raised four children: three biological children and one adopted son from Samson's previous relationship.
Charles "Charlie" Gilmour
Born in 1989 to Polly Samson and poet Heathcote Williams, Charlie was adopted by David Gilmour after David and Polly married. Charlie is an acclaimed journalist and author whose writing has appeared in major publications like The Guardian and Vogue. He has also collaborated with his family by co-writing lyrics for David's solo music.
Joe Gilmour
Born in 1995, Joe is the eldest biological son of David and Polly. Rather than following a direct path into rock music performance, Joe gravitated toward the dramatic arts, building a professional career as a theatre director.
Gabriel Gilmour
Gabriel is the middle child of David and Polly's union. While he keeps a lower profile than some of his siblings, he has occasionally appeared alongside his parents at public events and shares a deep interest in the creative arts.
Romany Gilmour
Born as the youngest of the siblings, Romany has recently captured the attention of Pink Floyd fans worldwide. Blessed with a striking vocal and instrumental talent, she performs live and on record with her father. Her haunting harp work and vocals on recent projects have showcased a direct artistic lineage, bringing a fresh generation of talent onto the touring stage.
Blending Family Dynamics and Shared Passages
Managing a blended family across two distinct eras of a legendary career comes with unique complexities. Despite the pressures of fame, divorces, and hectic international touring schedules, David has consistently emphasized his commitment to fatherhood. The children raised across both households grew up surrounded by artistic influences, whether through literature, visual arts, fashion, or music.
Over the years, family gatherings at their homes in London and Sussex have united siblings from both marriages. While Alice, Clare, and Gabriel lean toward privacy, members like Charlie, Sara, Matthew, Joe, and Romany maintain visible careers where their creative output intersects with the public eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children does David Gilmour have in total?
David Gilmour is a father to eight children. Seven are biological, and one (Charlie) was legally adopted during his marriage to Polly Samson.
Who are David Gilmour's wives?
He has been married twice. His first wife was American artist Ginger Hasenbein (married in 1975, separated in the early 1990s), and his second wife is British novelist and lyricist Polly Samson (married in 1994).
Do any of David Gilmour's children play music with him?
Yes. Romany Gilmour has toured and recorded with her father, contributing vocals and harp to his recent music. Additionally, his son Matthew pursues a career as a musician, and his son Charlie has co-written lyrics for his tracks.
Where do the Gilmour children live?
Most of the children are based in the United Kingdom, living primarily in London or the English countryside, though some have spent periods living abroad, such as in Austin, Texas.
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