Syd Barrett, RIP

[CoasterMatt]

LONDON -
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 had suffered from diabetes for many years.

Yahoo/AP story (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060711/ap_en_ot/obit_barrett;_ylt=AmSk51QaR50jsXPWzw_GMYUnHL8C;_yl u=X3oDMTA3YXYwNDRrBHNlYwM3NjI)

[Not Afraid]

He made it to 60, that's pretty darned good. Still, this is very sad news.

[innerSpaceman]

His was a sad and interesting story, was old Syd's.


I'll certainly give a listen this weekend to the only piece of his I have ... the Pink Floyd debut album Piper at the Gates of Dawn. It's a quirky bit of sly sixties psychedelia .... not perhaps uncoincidentally recorded just down the hall from where Sgt. Pepper's was being recorded at the same exact time.

I don't know enough to know whether Syd's severe mental problems really prevented a magnificent talent from flourishing ... but he certainly was an inspiration for many whose talent did, and he started the band that will perphaps provide for Syd's greatest immortality in the songs they created without him .... but about him ...

Wish You Were Here

Shine On You Crazy Diamond


Hmmm, quite the sentiments to ponder at Syd's death, eh?

'think I'll give a listen to those two, too.