Syd Barrett, Founder of Pink Floyd, dies http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060711/ap_on_en_mu/obit_barrett By JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press Writer 3 minutes ago Syd Barrett, the troubled genius who co-founded Pink Floyd but spent his last years in reclusive anonymity, has died, a spokeswoman for the band said Tuesday. He was 60. The spokeswoman — who declined to give her name until the band made an official announcement — confirmed media reports that he had died. She said Barrett died several days ago, but she did not disclose the cause of death. Barrett co-founded Pink Floyd with fellow Cambridge student Roger Waters in 1965 and wrote many of the band's early songs. He got the name of the band from two old blues musicians, Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Pink Floyd's jazz-infused rock made them darlings of the London psychedelic scene. It was the first British group to do light shows in concert and its music and style was weird even for that era. The 1967 album "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" — largely written by Barrett — was a commercial and critical hit. The group, with additional band members Nick Mason and Richard Wright, came to be known as England's premier acid rockers. But the band did a turn for the worse when Barrett became mentally unstable from the pressures of drugs and fame and had to leave the band in 1968 — five years before Pink Floyd's most popular album, "Dark Side of the Moon." Barrett spent much of the rest of his life living quietly in his hometown of Cambridge. Guitarist David Gilmour, another Cambridge student, took Barrett's place. A small, private funeral would be held, the spokeswoman said.
so much for any hope of a REAL pink floyd reunion david gilmore better send a nice, big wreath. piper at the gates of dawn 4EVER!
In all fairness, the band didn't reach it's full popularity in the US until David Gilmore stepped in. I have been a huge fan since childhood and never for once thought that Syd would ever re-join. I read a book called 'Saucerful of Secrets' years ago that spoke of the wild things Syd would do prior to the concerts. I might read it again. RIP Syd. There wouldn't have been a Pink Floyd without you.
Please tell us some things about Syd, I have been interested in his story for a long time but never really searched out anything on the subject. RIP Syd
One that comes to mind was when he mixed quaaludes with some hair cream. He was clearly affected by it. The combination of the concoction along with the heat of the stage lights made it look like his head was melting. Or something like that. It was many years ago, when I read it. Here's the book.
well for one thing the character in "The Wall" was based on Syd's life.. another legend is that Roger Waters would visit Syd at his home to pay him royalties...
Let's just say Syd's weird behavior was the inspiration to Roger Waters which lead to Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and The Wall. In the movie version of The Wall, Geldof shaves off all his body hair. Syd really did do that. Gilmour always was around and was a friend of the band from the beginning. He was the emergency stand in for Syd for quite a while as Syd slipped into the twilight zone. So long Syd, the catalyst of Pink Floyd.
The Madcaps laughs no more. Hope the Floyd does something nice as a tribute. Maybe Roger and Dave can put aside their differences to do a concert for Syd.
Very sad news!!! I'm about to head up to Circuit City and purchase the Pulse DVD and CD, and I get the Wall DVD for free. Maybe it'll help ease the pain. What sucky news.
Hell froze over and the Eagles got back together, anything can happen; but they aren't getting any younger.
i read the book that was linked earlier in the thread. its a very sad story people were always putting drugs into his drinks and thats on top of the drugs he took himself. the guy went crazy and they said the band would fall apart. take care Syd
Waters performed with Pink Floyd at Live8, recently. Waters sounded pretty bad. It's too bad, because I was hoping they would tour one more time. After hearing Waters, I'd be happy if it was just Gilmore, Mason, and Wright.
