On the death of Syd Barrett in July 2006...
Syd Barrett: Shine On You Crazy Diamond
Pink Floyd founding member Syd Barrett has died, aged 60. Not a member of the group since 1968, Barrett’s spirit lives on in a band and music that has changed the face of rock.
Barrett’s life was one of both celebration and tragedy. A man of phenomenal talent, he left an indelible mark on music, providing the platform from which Pink Floyd would rise to their legendary status.
A student of art and accomplished guitarist and lyricist, born Roger Keith Barrett, Syd first met fellow Pink Floyd members Roger Waters and David Gilmour during their high school years in their hometown Cambridge.
Having penned Pink Floyd’s first hits See Emily Play and Arnold Layne, and most of the debut album, Piper at the Gates of Dawn, the rapid rise to stardom would signal the beginning of a very sad end for Barrett.
Barrett’s life was one of both celebration and tragedy. A man of phenomenal talent, he left an indelible mark on music, providing the platform from which Pink Floyd would rise to their legendary status.
A student of art and accomplished guitarist and lyricist, born Roger Keith Barrett, Syd first met fellow Pink Floyd members Roger Waters and David Gilmour during their high school years in their hometown Cambridge.
Having penned Pink Floyd’s first hits See Emily Play and Arnold Layne, and most of the debut album, Piper at the Gates of Dawn, the rapid rise to stardom would signal the beginning of a very sad end for Barrett.
The enormous pressures on a young man in the public eye, with an already fragile mind, resulted in ever-increasing erratic behaviour. Barrett’s well-documented intake of recreational drugs, and specifically LSD, would prove to be the undoing of a talent that had not near fulfilled its true potential.
Though many cite Barrett’s drug taking for his downfall, those closest to him believed that this was only a further setback in an ongoing mental breakdown. It has been speculated that he suffered from Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism.
Due to the Barrett’s unpredictable behaviour, the split from Pink Floyd became both a necessity and inevitable conclusion.
Barrett’s final days in the band would see the shell of a man staring into space on stage oblivious to the fact that he was playing through an unplugged guitar and microphone.
Though many cite Barrett’s drug taking for his downfall, those closest to him believed that this was only a further setback in an ongoing mental breakdown. It has been speculated that he suffered from Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism.
Due to the Barrett’s unpredictable behaviour, the split from Pink Floyd became both a necessity and inevitable conclusion.
Barrett’s final days in the band would see the shell of a man staring into space on stage oblivious to the fact that he was playing through an unplugged guitar and microphone.
Driving to a subsequent gig, Barrett’s three short years in Pink Floyd came to an agonising end as the remaining band members made the simple decision not to pick him up.
Syd Barrett’s post-Floyd days had him steadily withdraw from life and rationality, and disappear into obscurity and legend. Several attempts were made to resurrect the talent that once was, but all failed to live up to the expectation.
Two solo albums, The Madcap Laughs and Barrett were commercial flops, but now enjoy cult status. Syd finally returned to his mother in Cambridge in late 1970 to live life as a virtual recluse until his death on 7 July 2006 as a result of complications due to diabetes.
Over the years journalists and fans made many attempts to coax Barrett back to the memories of his days with Pink Floyd. All failed.
Over the years journalists and fans made many attempts to coax Barrett back to the memories of his days with Pink Floyd. All failed.
Barrett’s detachment from reality and lack of understanding or interest in his once illustrious past were manifest. Always a subject of curiosity, stolen photos and anecdotes captured Barrett running errands about Cambridge, tending his garden and painting in the basement of the childhood home that was most likely the only place he felt safe for the greater part of his life.
Pink Floyd’s inability to let go of Barrett is clear in Roger Water’s personal lament titled Brain Damage, taken from the Dark Side of the Moon, a classic album questioning time, madness and death. The starkest reference and memory is a haunting fourteen-minute biography, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, during the recording of which in 1975, an overweight Barrett with shaved head and eyebrows mysteriously appeared in London’s Abbey Road studios holding a toothbrush while attempting to brush his teeth by jumping up and down.
A statement on behalf of Pink Floyd said: “The band are naturally very upset and sad to learn of Syd Barrett’s death. Syd was the guiding light of the early band line-up and leaves a legacy which continues to inspire.”
Pink Floyd’s inability to let go of Barrett is clear in Roger Water’s personal lament titled Brain Damage, taken from the Dark Side of the Moon, a classic album questioning time, madness and death. The starkest reference and memory is a haunting fourteen-minute biography, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, during the recording of which in 1975, an overweight Barrett with shaved head and eyebrows mysteriously appeared in London’s Abbey Road studios holding a toothbrush while attempting to brush his teeth by jumping up and down.
A statement on behalf of Pink Floyd said: “The band are naturally very upset and sad to learn of Syd Barrett’s death. Syd was the guiding light of the early band line-up and leaves a legacy which continues to inspire.”
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