A NEW Pink Floyd tribute band aims to raise hundreds of pounds for Great Western Hospital’s special care baby unit at their first gig.

Bootleg Floyd will be playing at Riffs Bar, in Greatfield, near Hook, at 8pm on Saturday, December 6. The cause is close to the heart of the band’s bassist Gaz Keenan, 35, as his two children – two-year-old Hendrix and five-month-old Zade – both spent time in the unit after they were born.

Gaz, who lives with wife Nicky, said: “They were cared for there after having traumatic births. The support we received was absolutely first class and this is a nice way of giving something back.

“All the proceeds will be going to them. Tickets are priced at a very reasonable £5 and Riffs can hold about 120 people so we’d like to raise at least £600.

“There will also be collections on the night so it would be absolutely great to get to nearer £800.”

Gaz, who has worked for Honda for 13 years, has also been promised a donation from his employer after the show. Other members of the band include singer Andy Middle-ton, drummer Steve Carter, keyboard player Chris Fitzpatrick and guitarist Ian Stone.

The group will be playing Pink Floyd’s album Animals and their popular hits during the gig.

Gaz said: “Animals is a difficult record featuring only five songs. Some are extremely short and others, typical of Floyd, are rather lengthy.

“So, it is a real challenge but it is one that we are determined to pull off.

“There are a lot of Pink Floyd tribute acts out there but many stick to The Wall and The Dark Side of The Moon whereas we are trying to be a little different. I’d never heard of Animals before we formed.”

Bootleg Floyd’s members have spent many years performing with bands locally and nationally. Gaz usually performs as a guitarist but he has learned bass to be part of the group.

Gaz said: “We are looking forward to putting on a very professional performance in a great intimate venue. Going forward we’d like to play at big theatres to thousands of people.”

l For more information about the band visit www.bootlegfloyd.co.uk and to buy concert tickets visit www.riffsbar.com