Pink Floyd began in London in 1965 as one of Britain's first psychedelic bands, led at first by Syd Barrett, whose songs included Arnold Layne and See Emily Play. After Barrett left in 1968, Roger Waters became the main lyricist and shaped concept albums including The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977) and The Wall (1979). The band used extended compositions, sound experiments and elaborate stage shows, which made their albums feel like complete journeys rather than collections of singles. Waters left in 1985, and David Gilmour and Nick Mason continued the band. Pink Floyd have sold more than 250 million records, and The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall are among the best-selling albums ever.

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, with more than 1,600 surviving remains spread over 4,100 hectares. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565. Travellers from Persia and Portugal described it as a prosperous, wealthy and grand city with temples, markets and farms along the Tungabhadra River. By 1500 it was estimated to be the world's second-largest city after Beijing, and probably India's richest at the time. In 1565 a coalition of Muslim sultanates defeated the Vijayanagara Empire, its capital was conquered and destroyed, and the city was left in ruins. Hampi remains a religious centre, with the active Virupaksha Temple at its heart.