The mute piano virtuoso found wandering on an English beach last month is a Czech classical musician who once played in a rock band, according to a drummer in the group.

Klaudius Kryspin said he immediately recognised the man as Thomas Strnad, though it had been many years since they played together in a tribute band called Ropotamo.

Officials caring for the so-called "piano man" at Little Brook Hospital in Dartford, Kent, said they had informed the Metropolitan Police missing persons bureau about the claim.

The piano man was found soaking wet but fully dressed in a black suit on a beach in April.