Our very best wishes, and many happy returns, to David Gilmour today, who is celebrating his 70th birthday in the (chilly) spring sunshine!

Born and raised in Cambridge, David became involved with various bands in the area, principally Jokers Wild who were a popular draw when they played, before joining Pink Floyd in 1968. More recent years have seen David concentrating on his solo career, and helping out chums on their musical projects on an ad hoc basis - such as appearing on stage with Phil Manzanera at the legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, with Amadou & Mariam at the Crisis "hidden" charity show, and the Douglas Adams 60th Birthday concert at London's Hammersmith Apollo amongst other things.

Of course, last year saw the release of Rattle That Lock, his latest solo album, which was accompanied by a tour of Europe and South America. The tour continues this year, and later this month David and his band head over to North America for a string of concerts before returning to Europe for some more concerts in some quite unusual locations.

Today also marks the tenth anniversary of the release of his previous solo album, On An Island - time certainly flies, doesn't it?

It just remains for us to wish David a very happy day! If you want to add your thoughts and wishes, you can do so at our Facebook page...