David Bowie's band practised for around 100 hours so they could get their Brit Awards tribute just right.

The group performed 'Life On Mars' with New Zealand singer Lorde at the event earlier this month in honour of the late singer.

In a collection of thoughts penned by the band and published on Facebook, pianist Mike Garson said the musicians rehearsed for hours to ensure the slot was up to Bowie's standards.

He said: "The experience of playing again at the Brits after eleven years with my old bandmates Sterling, Cat, Gerry, Gail and Earl was surreal. Everyone there but David.

"We wouldn’t have been able to perform if we hadn’t had all of our full focus on that performance. We held back so many tears. To honour David with Lorde’s performance and the band’s arrangement was so gratifying. I hope it was cathartic for the whole planet.

"As a band, we practised for at least 100 hours for that six minute performance. We only wanted to do justice to David. I hope we did."

Lorde herself said: "Such an honour getting to perform BRITs 2016 paying tribute to my hero.

"I was so nervous in the wings, and then I whispered to myself "just sing it to David", and nothing else mattered.

"Also, performing with Bowie's brilliant touring band - including the inimitable Mike Garson who played DB's keys since the 70s! - was unreal."

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