I just learned today that Syd Barrett, co-founder of The Pink Floyd Sound, died July 7 from complications arising from diabetes. He was 60. Syd was responsible for such early Pink Floyd hits as See Emily Play, Arnold Layne, Astronomy Domine, and Interstellar Overdrive. His psychedelic melodies made The Pink Floyd Sound (later named Pink Floyd) one of the most influential bands in the London underground in the mid to late 60’s.
Pink Floyd made a very big impression on this nerd during my formative high school years. But it wasn’t until I got a little older that I really got into the early Pink Floyd / Syd Barrett stuff. Even though the music was somewhat dated by my college years, it still made a huge impact on me. He co-founded one of rock music’s greatest bands but it was his own personal struggles with LSD and other drugs that ultimately led to his departure from the group. A young David Gilmore was brought in shortly before Syd’s departure but the five-man group never played together. Roger Waters later immortalized Barrett on the Pink Floyd album “Wish You Were Here” in the song “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.”
He influenced a lot of musicians during his short but brilliant career and he will me missed. It’s time to Set Your Controls for the Heart of the Sun. Shine on you crazy diamond…and rest in peace.
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