Tuesday, July 11, 2006

R.I.P. Syd Barrett

Syd Barrett, co-founder of Pink Floyd, died a few days ago at the age of 60.

I won't claim to know a whole helluva lot about him. I have two of his solo albums on vinyl, Barrett and The Madcap Laughs. I dig them. I like the Pink Floyd stuff before he left.(I like it after he left, too)

He left the band in 1968, pretty much as a result of drug use, so the story goes.

"Wish You were Here" from 1975, is the band's tribute to him, but I've always thought that the Wall had some pretty heavy inferences to his breakdown as well.

I remember when I was in high school, and first really getting into Floyd, there was this great story that while they were recording "Wish You Were Here", one of the guys went to have a smoke or pee or something, and there was this guy in the hall at the water fountain, and they didn't realize until after they had passed him that it was Syd. he didn't stay or talk to anyone, he was just there, and then he wasn't.

How true is that story ? Hell if I know, but it was a pretty cool story(that I really don't think I did justice) to hear a bout a pretty cool band.

I don't have a lot to add, just thought that the co-founder of one of the greatest bands there ever was deserved at least a bit of a mention.

Syd, I hope you found peace, brother.

" Remember when you were young,
You shone like the sun.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Now there's a look in your eyes,
Like black holes in the sky.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
You were caught on the crossfire
Of childhood and stardom,
Blown on the steel breeze.
Come on you target for faraway laughter,
Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!

You reached for the secret too soon,
You cried for the moon.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Threatened by shadows at night,
And exposed in the light.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Well you wore out your welcome
With random precision,
Rode on the steel breeze.
Come on you raver, you seer of visions,
Come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!
"Shine On You Crazy Diamond(Parts 1-5)"- Pink Floyd