A sad note today as I learned that Roger Keith "Syd" Barrett, the co-founder of one of the best and most influential rock groups ever, Pink Floyd, has died at age 60. Syd was one of the most influential guitarists/composers to grace the rock and roll world. His style and vision were truly unique and inspired a whole genre of music known as Electronic or Space music. He co-founded Pink Floyd with Roger Waters in the early sixties and wrote 10 of the 11 songs on their first album. His erratic behavior, caused by a history of mental problems exascerbated by psychelic drugs (especially LSD) let to his eventual mental disintegration. The band was forced to replace him with David Gilmour, who went on to become another seminal rock legend and major influence on the world of rock and roll. Syd spent most of his time after being removed from the band in mental institutions, and, eventually, living the life of a recluse at his mother's home where he continued to write, compose and paint huge abstract paintings.
My personal favorite Pink Floyd songs by Syd are "Interstellar Overdrive", "Careful With That Axe, Eugene" and "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun." My all-time favorite Pink Floyd song "Astronomy Domine" was written by Syd Barrett.
Syd may be gone but his music will play on forever.
Professor Fether
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