RIP Syd Barrett

Not sure how many people on this forum will be able to appreciate this post…lot of hard rock, rap, and techno fans in here…but i feel i need to post this anyway

Syd Barrett was a co-founder of Pink Floyd, and was found dead in his home in England…apparently from complications related to diabetes :frowning:

article from Newsday:

Syd Barrett, troubled genius of Pink Floyd, dead at 60

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

July 11, 2006, 10:36 AM EDT

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

http://www.mercurynews.com/images/realcities/realcities/15013/225400016528.jpg

Syd is the top right…

holy shit. that’s really sad, but I thought he died years ago. the old floyd stuff was just as out there as the later shit, just more britrock influenced.

RIP :frowning:

:bsflag: a rocker that didnt die from drugs?

that sucks, the guy was crazy though.

guess i’ll go make a sandwich