David Gilmour at tonight's John Peel tribute concert
Written by Matt   
Tuesday, 11 October 2005

Late this afternoon, we heard that David Gilmour has been added to the bill of tonight's concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, to celebrate the life of one of Britain's most influential, and best-loved, radio broadcasters.

"Keeping it Peel - The John Peel Day Launch" has been organised by BBC Radio 1, and is set to feature a wide range of performers. It's the night before the massive John Peel Day happening across the UK, and around the world, tomorrow (Thursday 13th October) - exactly one year since the DJ's last Radio 1 show.

Artists confirmed to play so far include New Order, Super Furry Animals, The Fall, Misty in Roots, Roger Daltrey, Sir Elton John, Robert Plant, and Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks. The Pink Floyd guitarist recently joined with the last four artists listed to perform on the charity single to be released next month.

Sheila Ravenscroft, Peel’s widow, said, "We’ve been to some incredible gigs involving John at the Queen Elizabeth Hall over the years including his Meltdown festival. It will be odd being there without him, but myself and the rest of the family are looking forward to what should be a terrific night. It’s great that so many people have put so much effort into both this night and into all the gigs throughout Britain and other countries on the following night."

Radio 1 are recording the night and will be broadcasting highlights tomorrow evening. For those outside the UK, visit BBC.co.uk where the "Radio Player" allows you to listen live, and listen again for up to seven days after broadcast.

Tonight's concert runs from 6.30pm until 10.45pm, with doors opening at 6pm. Tickets have long sold out.

If any BD readers are attending, we'd love to hear how the show went - please contact us!

UPDATE - 13th OCTOBER: Despite an announcement being made about his appearance, David Gilmour did NOT appear at the Peel Tribute Concert! Nor did Daltrey, Plant, John or Shelley; presumably a performance of Ever Fallen In Love was planned but scrapped...