Pink Floyd Bassist Embraces Village Life and Bell-Ringing

One of the world's most respected bass players, he has performed with , Roxy Music and .

But after decades on stage, Guy Pratt now has a 'yen' for 'more genteel pursuits' and has taken up bell-ringing in his local church.

The British guitarist, 64, who performed with Pink Floyd during the 1980s following the departure of , now rings the bells in the 14th-century St Andrew's Church in the village of Alfriston, East Sussex.

It was during a quiet period last year, in which he was writing his memoirs, that Pratt decided to turn his hand to campanology. 

'Many old rockers have taken up - or have always had a yen for - more genteel pursuits, he wrote in the latest edition of The Oldie. 

'I'm usually away a couple of months or so a year on tour, but last year there was nothing on offer and I had a book to write.' 

Pratt then 'embraced' village life for the first time and embarked on bell-ringing lessons with the rector. 

'There is more to bell-ringing than I'd thought. Pretty much none of my musical knowledge seemed to be of any use,' he said.

He was gearing up for his first performance when a shoulder injury put him out of action. 

'I am just about to return.' he added. 'Yes. I'm performina to a smaller and less animated audience than in the past. 

'Still, I hope I'll be ringing the changes with gusto for many years to come.'