Syd Barrett Dead at 60

[thrasher]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13814051/

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.

Barrett co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 with David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Rick Wright, and wrote many of the band’s early songs. The group’s jazz-infused rock made them darlings of the London psychedelic scene, and the 1967 album “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn” — largely written by Barrett, who also played guitar — was a commercial and critical hit.

However, Barrett suffered from mental instability, exacerbated by his use of LSD. His behavior grew increasingly erratic, and he left the group in 1968 — five years before the release of Pink Floyd’s most popular album, “Dark Side of the Moon.” He was replaced by David Gilmour.

Barrett released two solo albums — “The Madcap Laughs” and “Barrett” — but soon withdrew from the music business altogether.

He spent much of the rest of his life living quietly in his hometown of Cambridge, England, where he was a familiar figure, often seen cycling or walking to the corner store.

Despite his brief career, Barrett’s fragile, wistful songs influenced many musicians, from David Bowie — who covered the Barrett track “See Emily Play” — to the other members of Pink Floyd, who recorded the album “Wish You Were Here” as a tribute to their troubled bandmate.

The band spokeswoman said a small, private funeral would be held.

This is a sad day for Pink Floyd fans and music fans in general. Even though he wasn't directly involved in the making of the later, great Pink Floyd albums, what happened to Syd Barret inspired at least two of their best, Wish you Were Here and The Wall. I can only hope that his tortured soul rests in peace.

[McLaren F1 Guy]

Pretty sad news, man. Me and my friend made "SYD BARRETT 1946-2006" signs and put them on our shirts and walked around town, two separate cars pulled up beside us and asked if he really died. People all over the world are going to be playing the "Wish You Were Here" album for a while now.

Shine on Syd!

[FTheMan]

If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have had Floyd.
Wish You Were Here, RIP.

[vinnym86]

R.I.P.

Thought I had something more to say... but little amount of words befit a man of his stature.

[Nicole8188]

RIP. I wish I could've met him.

I'm not even really a huge Pink Floyd fan, but I just recently started reading up on him and listening to his music and I really really liked him. He fascinated me.

RIP

[Whumbachumba]

Shine on you crazy diamond, shine on. Another one joins the Rock n' Roll Heavens. John Bonham, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Carr, Kurt Cobain, Cassie and Steven Gaines, Brian Jones, Phil King, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Kieth Moon, Randy Rhoades, Bon Scoot, Ronnie Van Zant etc etc.

[-Davo]

Info is wrong says he founded Floyd with Gilmour in 65, that's not true, then it says he was replaced later by Gilmour which is true.

R.I.P Barret

Wish You Were Here

[1986Z28]

being a very big pink floyd fan, when i first heard this, i didnt know what to say, his music influenced so many people, with out him, there would be no pink floyd, in the last few days ive listened to many syd barrett/pink floyd songs, and i still cant believe it, the first member of pink floyd has now died, i just hope the rest stick around and reunite and hopefully(crosses fingers) does a farewell tour, if they do, il travel anywhere i need to to see them live. RIP Roger Barrett January 6 1946 - July 7 2006, you will be missed