Pink Floyd's Barrett dies aged 60



Syd Barrett released two solo albums after leaving Pink Floyd
Syd Barrett, one of the original members of legendary rock group Pink
Floyd, has died at the age of 60 from complications arising from
diabetes.

The guitarist was the band's first creative force and an influential
songwriter, penning their early hits.

He joined Pink Floyd in 1965 but left three years later after one
album. He went on to live as a recluse, with his mental deterioration
blamed on drugs.

"He died very peacefully a couple of days ago," the band's
spokeswoman said.

"There will be a private family funeral."

He was the first guy I'd heard to sing pop or rock with a
British accent - his impact on my thinking was enormous

David Bowie
A statement from 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."

David Bowie described Barrett as a "major inspiration", saying: "I
can't tell you how sad I feel.

"The few times I saw him perform in London at UFO and the Marquee
clubs during the '60s will forever be etched in my mind.

"He was so charismatic and such a startlingly original songwriter.
Also, along with Anthony Newley, he was the first guy I'd heard to
sing pop or rock with a British accent.


Barrett (third from left) struggled with drugs and fame in the
1960s
"His impact on my thinking was enormous. A major regret is that I
never got to know him. A diamond indeed."

Born Roger Barrett in Cambridge, he composed songs including See
Emily Play and Arnold Layne, both from 1967.

He also wrote most of their album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. But
he struggled to cope with fame and drugs.

Dave Gilmour was brought in to the band in February 1968 and Barrett
left that April, releasing two solo albums soon after.

The band's biggest-selling releases, Dark Side of the Moon and The
Wall, emerged in the post-Barrett era, with the band selling an
estimated 200 million albums worldwide.

Just as Pink Floyd were about to achieve global success, Barrett
retreated from public life and returned to Cambridge.

Little was known about his whereabouts for 20 years until he was
tracked down living with his mother.


Barrett became one of rock's most reclusive characters
But his influence remained, with younger fans and artists discovering
his music.

Former Blur guitarist Graham Coxon released a statement saying: "Lost
him again... for bang on 20 years Syd led me to better places."

"From my agape 17-year-old first listen to Bike to, just the other
day, Jugband Blues.

"Languished in his noise... dreamt in his night... stared at his eyes
for answers..."

Barrett's biographer Tim Willis said the guitarist's music left a
lasting legacy.

"I don't think we would have the David Bowie we have today if it
wasn't for Syd," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Bowie was very much a kind of clone of Syd in the early years. His
influence is still going.

"New bands discover him all the time. There's always a Syd revival
going on - if it wasn't the punks, it was REM, and I'm sure that
Arnold Layne and Emily Play as pop songs will live forever."



SYD BARRETT 1946-2006

Shaping the '60s
Early Pink Floyd producer on working with Syd Barrett


Pink Floyd's Barrett dies aged 60
Obituary: Syd Barrett
BACKGROUND
Pink Floyd's ups and downs
Floyd 'true to Barrett's legacy'
Making the sound of the '60s
Medical notes: Diabetes



HAVE YOUR SAY
'In one album he defined the Sixties'
Syd Barrett: Your comments

RELATED BBC LINKS
Syd Barrett profile
Pink Floyd profile

RELATED INTERNET LINKS

Pink Floyd official website

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