Not A Rumor: Syd Barrett Dead

I hope I'm not being disrespectful when I say I had no idea he'd been alive.

Syd Barrett, the troubled Pink Floyd co-founder who spent his last years in reclusive anonymity, has died, the band said Tuesday. He was 60.

A spokeswoman for the band said Barrett died several days ago, but she did not disclose the cause of death. Barrett had suffered from diabetes for years.

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But 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� — to be replaced by Gilmour.

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He reverted to his real name, Roger Barrett, and spent much of the rest of his life living quietly in his hometown of Cambridge, England. Moving into his mother’s suburban house, he passed the time painting and tending the garden. His former bandmates made sure Barrett continued to receive royalties from his work with Pink Floyd.

No offense, but the royalties from his work with Pink Floyd wouldn't amount to much. He made like two or three records with them, which no one owns except very dedicated completist fans.

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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.

Thanks to DB.

posted by Ace at 02:44 PM

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