Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour performed at London’s HMV Apollo earlier this week as part of a multi-media tribute to The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy creator Douglas Adams. The evening of music, comedy and entertainment fell on what would have been Adams’ 60th birthday. According to Gilmour’s website, the guitarist performed as part of Adams’ “dream band.” In addition to the Pink Floyd frontman, the band included Robbie McIntosh (vocals, guitars), Gary Brooker (vocals, keyboards), Paul ‘Wix’ Wickens (keyboards), Jody Linscott (percussion), Dave Bronze (bass) and Paul Beavis (drums). Many of these musicians used to perform at informal jam sessions held at Adams’ home.

A post on Gilmour’s website explains:

After a three-hour show of comedy sketches, filmed inserts, interviews and reminiscences, drawing on all aspects of Adams’ career, Robbie McIntosh opened the musical segment with a solo acoustic instrumental and a further original song, Scarecrow, backed by the band, minus David. Margo Buchanan sang her own Rockstar and Etta James’ I Just Wanna Make Love to You, and Procol Harum’s Gary Brooker led the ensemble in an emotive version of Procol’s A Salty Dog, title track of their third album.

Margo then introduced David, who performed the apposite Wish You Were Here to a rapturous reception, which was followed by Gary Brooker’s rendition of Chuck Berry’s Too Much Monkey Business, with rousing solos from both lead guitarists. Last song of the night was also the most emotional, as Gary Brooker played and sang A Whiter Shade Of Pale, in which David’s solo tore the roof off the hall. The whole affair was all the more impressive because, as we were assured by the closing announcement, it was all done with no rehearsal whatsoever.

The event was in aid of Save The Rhino; for more information about the event and the long lineup of performers, click here. For information on Save The Rhino, click here.

As of press time, Gilmour has no confirmed tour dates. For more on PinK Floyd, be sure to order the June issue to read an interview with drummer Nick Mason.