Syd Barrett - January 6, 1946 – July 7, 2006

It has just been confirmed that Syd Barrett, one of the founder members of Pink Floyd, has died of diabetes-related illness. Syd wrote and played on Floyd's earlier stuff incorporating unusual guitar work and effects which would become synonymous with Pink Floyd's music. However his experimentation with psychedelic drugs affected his behaviour and mental state so seriously he was replaced by his friend Dave Gilmore for live performances. Dave Gilmore would permanently replace Barrett after his first tour.

Barrett is a cited influence of many artists including Pete Townshend, Jimmy Page of Led Zepplin, David Bowie and Brian Eno. The decline of Barrett deeply affected the lyrics of Pink Floyd, notably in "Brain Damage" on Dark Side of the Moon where Waters sings "the band you're in starts playing different tunes."

So here's a little of Syd's music found the internet; quirky, alluring, childlike and psychedelic. Syd Barrett may you rest in peace. Shine on you crazy diamond.


Syd performing Apples and Oranges


Live performance of Astronomy Domine

And a couple of links...
Observer biography and interview in 2002
Fan Site
Syd's Lyrics

tags ( Syd Barrett | Pink Floyd )

Notes: Image of Syd taken from Wikipedia