Douglas Adams was the English author of "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy." It started as a radio show and then spawned a series of five books, plays, a TV show, a computer game and more. In his lifetime, the books sold over 15 million copies.
Adams was also intertwined with the band Pink Floyd. He was friends with Pink Floyd's guitarist David Gilmour. Adams mentions the band throughout his work. In the radio version of "The Hitchhikers Guide..", One of the characters hums Pink Floyd's song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond." In his nonfiction book "Last Chance to See," Adams describes the sounds that the kakapo make as "Pink Floyd studio out-takes."
On Adams 42nd birthday - October 28, 1994 - he was invited to perform with the band at their concert in London. This age was significant because 42 is the "Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything." He played guitar on the songs "Brain Damage" and "Eclipse."