David Gilmour Celebrates Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here as UK’s Record-Breaking Christmas Number One Album

Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here tops UK charts at Christmas, setting a record-breaking milestone over 50 years after its release.

David Gilmour celebrates the iconic ‘Wish You Were Here’ album’s stunning Christmas Number One success.

If there’s any Christmas gift that truly rocked the UK this season, it’s Pink Floyd’s timeless album Wish You Were Here soaring to Number One on the Official Albums Chart. The legendary guitarist David Gilmour couldn’t hold back his joy, raising a glass to the band’s monumental achievement as the classic record enjoyed a triumphant resurgence for its 50th anniversary.

A Half-Century Later, Pink Floyd Claims Christmas Number One

It’s wild to think that Wish You Were Here—originally released in 1975—never actually topped the charts when it first came out. Yet now, thanks to fresh digital and physical editions rolled out for its golden anniversary, it snagged the coveted Christmas Number One spot in the UK. This feat isn’t just about nostalgia; it sets a new record for Pink Floyd as the artist with the longest span between their first and latest Number One albums—an epic 2,620 weeks, or just over 50 years.

David Gilmour captured the moment perfectly on Instagram:

“Raising a glass to the wonderful news that Wish You Were Here is the UK’s Christmas Number 1 album.”

The Enduring Power of Wish You Were Here

This release isn’t just a rehash; it’s a celebration of Pink Floyd’s genius and timeless appeal. The band’s music continues to resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners, proving that great art truly transcends time.

Interestingly, this marks Pink Floyd’s second Number One album this year. Earlier, they topped the charts with Pink Floyd At Pompeii – MCMLXXII, a live album capturing a 1971 concert film re-released with newly mixed audio. It’s a testament to the band’s enduring influence that their work, whether live or studio, still captivates audiences decades later.

Although this is Pink Floyd’s first Christmas Number One album, the band has a history of Christmas chart success—remember the massive hit “Another Brick In The Wall, Pt. 2”? That single claimed the UK Number One spot back in 1979.

Chart-Topping Competition This Christmas

Wish You Were Here didn’t just coast to the top—it beat out some tough contenders this holiday season. Olivia Dean’s The Art Of Loving, Taylor Swift’s The Life Of A Showgirl, Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend, Sam Fender’s People Watching, and even Michael Bublé’s perennial favorite Christmas album had to settle for places behind Pink Floyd.

Here’s the rundown of the Top 10 Official Albums Chart for Christmas 2025:

1. Pink Floyd – ‘Wish You Were Here’
2. Olivia Dean – ‘The Art Of Loving’
3. Taylor Swift – ‘The Life Of A Showgirl’
4. Michael Bublé – ‘Christmas’
5. Sabrina Carpenter – ‘Man’s Best Friend’
6. Sam Fender – ‘People Watching’
7. Fleetwood Mac – ‘Rumours’
8. The Weeknd – ‘The Highlights’
9. Fleetwood Mac – ‘50 Years – Don’t Stop’
10. Oasis – ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’

Celebrating with Pop-Ups and Exclusives

To honor the album’s re-release and phenomenal chart success, Pink Floyd has rolled out a series of pop-up stores across the UK, Europe, and the US. These pop-ups offer fans exclusive merch, including a special edition of the Brain Damage fanzine—perfect for anyone wanting a deeper dive into the band’s legacy.

Kylie Minogue Makes History on the Singles Chart

While Pink Floyd dominated the albums chart, the singles chart saw history in the making: Kylie Minogue snagged her very first Christmas Number One with the festive track “XMAS.” This milestone makes her the first female solo artist to hit Number One singles in four separate decades—a dazzling achievement that outshone seasonal heavyweights like Wham! and Mariah Carey.

Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here firmly proves that great music only gets better with age, and David Gilmour’s toast to the band’s UK Christmas Number One album captures the magic of this special moment.

FAQ

• How long after its original release did Wish You Were Here hit Number One?
  Over 50 years later, marking the longest span between first and latest Number One albums for any artist.
• Was this Pink Floyd’s first Christmas Number One album?
  Yes, although they previously had a Number One single with “Another Brick In The Wall, Pt. 2” in 1979.
• What was Pink Floyd’s other Number One album this year?
  The live album Pink Floyd At Pompeii – MCMLXXII, featuring a 1971 concert film with newly mixed audio.
• Which artists did Wish You Were Here beat for the Christmas Number One spot?
  Olivia Dean, Taylor Swift, Michael Bublé, Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Fender, among others.
• What celebrations accompanied the re-release of Wish You Were Here?
  Pink Floyd launched pop-up stores across the UK, Europe, and the US, offering exclusive merchandise including a special edition Brain Damage fanzine.

Feeling inspired by Pink Floyd’s legendary album? Celebrate their timeless artistry by shopping your favorite album cover poster at our store here. It’s the perfect way to bring a piece of musical history into your home!