Remembering Syd Barrett

On this day 9 years ago, we lost one of Pink Floyd‘s founding members, Syd Barrett.

The lead singer in the group’s early years, his time didn’t last long after his experimentation with drugs caused erratic behaviour – reported as either strumming one chord for a whole gig, or not even at all. The crowd loved it, not realising what exactly was going on or the remainder of the band’s concerns. Eventually, his place was taken up by David Gilmour, who was replacing Barrett previously during tours whenever Syd didn’t turn up, or was in no state to play.

After these days, Syd would go on to have a short solo career, including albums The Madcap Laughs and Barrett, both released in 1970. A few years later, Barrett didn’t want reminding of his musical career and went in to self-imposed seclusion, preferring to keep himself away from the public eye.

Throughout these times, Gilmour and Pink Floyd wanted to ensure Syd got what he deserved – and royalties from the work he did with Pink Floyd, he still received. David said he made sure the money got to Syd.

In his later life, back out of the public eye, Syd – who’d reverted back to his birth name, Roger – had returned to another love of his, painting. His physical health declined, including suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Eventually he passed on July 7th, 2006, as a result of pancreatic cancer. He was 60. His music career was short, but his impact on the scene was everlasting, as many still reminisce on his contributions with fondness even to this day.

Ashley Redman