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Syd Barrett Obituary
A spokeswoman for the band said Barrett died several days ago. She did not disclose the cause of death. Barrett had suffered from diabetes for many years.
The surviving members of Pink Floyd - David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Roger Waters and Richard Wright - said they were "very upset and sad to learn of Syd Barrett's death."
"Syd was the guiding light of the early band lineup and leaves a legacy which continues to inspire," they said in a statement.
Barrett co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 with Waters, Mason and Wright, and wrote many of the band's early songs. The group's jazz-infused rock and drug-laced, multimedia "happenings" made them darlings of the London psychedelic scene. 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" - to be replaced by Gilmour.
Barrett released two solo albums - "The Madcap Laughs" and "Barrett" - but soon withdrew from the music business altogether. An album of previously unreleased material, "Opel," was issued in 1988.
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.
He was a familiar figure to neighbors, often seen cycling or walking to the corner store, but rarely spoke to the fans and journalists who sought him out over the years.
Despite his brief career, Barrett's fragile, wistful songs influenced many musicians including David Bowie - who covered the Barrett track "See Emily Play."
Bowie said in a statement posted on his Web site that Barrett had been a "major inspiration."
"His impact on my thinking was enormous," Bowie write. "A major regret is that I never got to know him. A diamond indeed."
The other members of Pink Floyd recorded the album "Wish You Were Here" as a tribute to their troubled bandmate.
It contained the song "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" - "Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun." The band also dwelt on themes of mental illness on the albums "Dark Side of the Moon" and "The Wall."
The band spokeswoman said a small, private funeral would be held.
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Read more about Syd Barrett and the summer of '68
367 Entries
Ron Mitchell
April 21, 2024
Here’s to the best of him!
Deb Mullins
November 30, 2023
Syd was a genius. Such a great loss to the world. Syd really was a diamond RIP
Alex King
November 30, 2023
I love your music. It helps me through the toughest times.
Rest easy
Harry Simpson
July 8, 2018
Godspeed Syd, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
How you can show support
Ariana C.
December 13, 2017
Roger Keith Barrett, a beautiful soul lovingly known as Syd,
May God grant you the everlasting reward of Heaven. I pray that the Lord has taken away all of your pain and suffering, and that you are now surrounded only by happiness, peace, and love. I hope that, now, you know how special and loved you truly are. You are an angel who has definitely earned his wings. Thank you for every single piece of music, poetry, and art that you have given to the world. You left an impact on so many people, even to younger generations, like myself. So, I know you will still be gaining countless numbers of fans for years to come. Your work has given my life hope and meaning, and I'm eternally grateful. I promise to honor your memory forever and always.
XOXO
December 11, 2017
jimmy dunn McMinnville,tn I and my brother bryan dunn live and love all you created and the legacy that will continue to live always.GOD BLESS
judy smith
September 21, 2017
such a sad story
Mohammad Gheethan
September 5, 2017
Rest in peace Syd.. May the world see your originality again..
Celeste Angers
September 7, 2015
The first time I watched "The Wall" I didn't get it, I was young. The second time I watched it, I cried uncontrollably.
It was then that I knew what Syd had gone through his entire life. No one understands mental illness more than someone who lives with it every dark day of their lives. This man was a genius. This man was a God-given gift to the world. To the family and friends of Syd, my very deepest sympathies are with you. He is still truly missed in this chaotic world. But, be joyous, for Syd is at peace with Our Father and he is watching over his loved ones.
H M
December 6, 2014
Oh Syd .. Such a beautiful soul .. Rest in dear peace, you crazy diamond. ? you will forever be my inspiration xx
Hanna
August 30, 2014
?Remeber when you were young ... You shone like the sun ..
Dear Syd,
You were just brilliant. If only we knew what was going on in your wandering mind. Your story saddens me but maybe everything just happens for a reason. Your music always puts me in a better mood. The fantasy-like tunes always takes me away to that happy place. I hope your happy wherever you are, you truly deserve it.
Come on you raver, you seer of visions, come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!
June 24, 2014
Shine on you Diamond now and forever. Your legacy of music and you will never be forgotten. -Lee
Robert Frailey
May 20, 2014
So sad, RIP Syd....Robert Frailey
I hope you now find the happiness that you deserve. <3
Jason Durham
April 8, 2014
Shine on you crazy diamond
bernard mahoney
March 3, 2014
i was not even borne until 1966 i hope a place is found for you syd a place made for you before time its self in gods eternal purposes .
Libby Alvarez
January 21, 2014
Another angel who has his wings to fly no longer bound by pain or confusion take flight pass the clouds and sky straight to that garden of utter peace and joy
Libby Alvarez
January 21, 2014
you are free to be singing like an angel rest in eternal peace
July 21, 2013
We will always love you xoxoxo
Laneese Keith
June 19, 2013
Love you still!!!
Levi Clinton
January 2, 2013
you we're such an influence on my music and art and the way I look at life thank you for being alive for the time you we're
Judean Bulchak
September 1, 2012
Watching Pink Floyd special..remembering Syd, never forgotten
March 27, 2012
He was wonderful.
R.I.P.
Jim Flynn
September 30, 2010
Truly missed...
His music will live forever!
August 30, 2010
To the Barrett family:
May the comfort from family and friends continue to strengthen you, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
irene gomez
June 14, 2010
Syd Barrett,We shall never forget and always remember. Irene
greg scott
April 20, 2010
Maybe now Syd, as you look down on the fans who still love you & your music, maybe you will finally understand what you meant to all of us, even though you always thought you were no big deal; maybe you'll finally seewhat the hoopla was all about. RIP,Hero,RIP>
April 3, 2010
For Syd...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Patricia A Jublikhan PC
August 16, 2009
El Syd,
David & I will always treasure our time together at the Diner.
Thanks for the memories.
R.I.P
XOXO,
Patti
Tony Brenner
September 30, 2008
Syd, thanks for your vision in music and joining up with Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright in forming the greatest rock & roll band ever. Richard is now with you again. Rest in Peace Syd.
M Whitworth
September 16, 2008
Roger Keith "SYD" Barrett
you were a legend a matyr
i wouldve loved to have been able to talk to you and admire you up close
you will always be an obsession of mine, though i will never actually understand what your life was like i feel like i know your music inside and out
the misic brings clarity and happiness to me whenever i play it
your later madcap laughs stuff, its great.
i loved you when you were here i love you now your gone
shine on
Greg Boyer
August 29, 2008
Roger, I, too, was troubled by LSD and lost my passion to perform in front of people that just utterly scared me. May you find a great gentle peace in your soul. We still think about you down here. We may never understand your departure from music totally, but i have a decent understanding.
Lisa Schultz
July 6, 2007
Syd,
Your words, your music, your beautiful gypsy eyes. Most never knew you and yet we lost you twice.
I know you are restored. I know you are whole again. God Bless you Roger Barrett.
Mohamed Belkheir
February 5, 2007
May Allah rest your soul Ameen!
cork
January 8, 2007
shine on
January 8, 2007
shine on
Glenn Hughes
January 2, 2007
Your music will shine on forever in the memorys of all it touched and brought so much joy to.
Shine on Diamond Syd...........
Gastón Marano
October 29, 2006
You still shine on my heart.
I cheer for your neverending genious.
David Karoly
October 25, 2006
Thank you for the teachings and showing me passage to the extreme inner space.
xXx
-41-
Antal M
October 21, 2006
Shine on you crazy diamond!
I'll point you at the sky
Mark Geuy
October 5, 2006
Mark Geuy of Murrieta - I still miss you Syd, you were one of a kind.
God Bless You
Zeebart
September 10, 2006
Thanks. You will be, and have been missed.
Phill Williams
August 26, 2006
Genius of Syds magnitude could have never been diluted, thus only a small measure was all it took to influence a world.
anon anon
August 24, 2006
SYD
YOU WERE A GOOD PERSON
Mark Geuy
July 27, 2006
Mark Geuy - Shine on you crazy diamond.
There will never be another guy like you!!!
Mark Geuy
July 27, 2006
Mark Geuy of Jacksonville, MS
Miss you Dude!!!
Mark Geuy
July 25, 2006
Mark Geuy of Murrieta - One can not say how much you will be missed. You started the psychedelic rock scene!
Miss you Syd!
Mark Geuy
July 25, 2006
Mark Geuy of Murrieta - your bandmates miss you.
Mark Geuy
July 25, 2006
Mark Geuy of Murrieta - Shine on you crazy diamond!!!
Mark Geuy
July 24, 2006
Mark Geuy of Murrieta - You are the original Pink Floyd
James Licari
July 24, 2006
Godspeed Syd. You will be missed.
Jason Lyons
July 24, 2006
Well done Mr. Barrett you held out till the end and gave nothing away!
There were no flies on Syd.
Mark Geuy
July 20, 2006
Your legacy lives on.
Mark Metzler
July 19, 2006
I have no words for what your music expresses. It's as if memories and emotions picked up instruments and played. I can't say enough how I appreciate your work. I will continue to listen to and study what you have done...and when I pass to your plane, I owe you a drink.
D F
July 19, 2006
Thank you, Mr. Barrett, for all you did and all you created. I will miss you very much.
Michael Valcarcel
July 19, 2006
I am completely devastated as many others are but I am also happy that so many people were touched by Syd. God bless and keep you Syd...you are greatly missed.
Earth Nomad
July 19, 2006
Godspeed Madcap. Thanks for the magic. See you on the dark side of the moon...
Samuel Binnall
July 19, 2006
Thanks Roger (Syd) Barrett. Your life was perfect! there was no Tragedy - and there is no judgement-only the wonderful influence you brought to me and a billion others.I really love you and I mean YOU!
Aaron James
July 18, 2006
Roger,
I'm sorry I never got to meet you. You've taken a part of me with you that can never be replaced. You've changed my life. To the friend I never met - thank you...for everything. To your family, my condolences. We miss you.
annette nigaglioni
July 18, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Erik Ballantine
July 18, 2006
Unquestionably he will be missed. He was a beacon of reality in a world of illusion. Pink Floyd has helped me through some very mentally troublesome times with their words. Syd Barrett helped found a great thing.
Steven Brannan
July 18, 2006
Genius....
Cecilia Cancilla
July 16, 2006
I´ve just read a book about your life. It was really sad. I hope you´ll find peace wherever you are.
E S
July 16, 2006
One of my high schools bands, I named "The Madcaps" after you Roger (Syd) - thank you for the inspiration.
Dan Donian
July 16, 2006
See you soon.Dan from the peacetapes.And thank you for you know what!Many moons ago.I got a bike you can ride it if you want too. Love Dan
Mark Jacobson
July 16, 2006
Sympathy and condolences to all who loved and cherished Syd, especially his family, friends and bandmates. I am listening to some classic Floyd as I write this, awed by your influence and talent in the original Floyd, but obviously dearly missed and remembered in the successive Band. Wow, how many great memories I have of Floyd music! Even passed to my children. What a bright star that has slowly extinguished, a quixotic life of genius and tragedy. No longer a dark side of the moon for you Syd, now and finally, you have set the controls for the heart of the sun and there at last, you truly will shine on. The time has come the song is over, thought I'd something more to say...you are indeed home, home again. RIP
Barry Horner
July 15, 2006
We are all equal in the end Syd. I hope the guys write an album of your life for all to hear.
Keep on shining,
James & Twalla Kazmierski
July 15, 2006
Wish you were here.
KUNK
July 15, 2006
Thank you for the great music you were a true leader in this world. Pink Floyd
will forever be my best band in the world.Sorry to see you go.
Alicia Eignus
July 14, 2006
RIP Syd. Thanks for all you have given us. You will be sadly missed.
john bequette
July 14, 2006
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Joyce Harris
July 14, 2006
He will be solely missed. God bless your family.
Sandy
July 14, 2006
Syd will sadly be missed. His music will shine on as he will. May God send his angels to comfort your family at this most sorrowful time.
Robyn Gregory
July 14, 2006
I was very sorry to hear of Syd Barrett's death. I did not know very much about him. But, over the last few days I have learned that he wrote some very interesting music. I believe Pink Floyd would not have turned out to be the band they later became without him. He will be sorely missed.
Shine on you crazy diamond!!
Robyn Gregory
John Finley
July 14, 2006
"Peace, peace! he is not dead, he doth not sleep,
He hath awaken'd from the dream of life;
'Tis we, who lost in stormy visions, keep
With phantoms an unprofitable strife,
And in mad trance, strike with our spirit's knife" Thank you Syd for all the joy you've given me, and may peace be with you at last
Jeremy Withers
July 14, 2006
Your music has inspired me for years and your legend will live on forever. "Shine on you crazy Diamond"!
Joseph Castro
July 14, 2006
Only Angels end up in heaven and you are no exception. See you there.
Sallie Steele
July 14, 2006
I pray for Syd to receive Gods mercy and love. I also pray for his family and friends at this difficult time.
Virginia Schott
July 14, 2006
We are all but colorful leaves on a cold October day blowing out of control and finaly falling and landing to turn dry and brown. You will always still be the colorful leaf that will never fall. Thanks for the inspirations in my youth.
Rod Mitten
July 14, 2006
Syd "Roger Keith" Barrett, your music was and always will be your legacy. You will be missed but never forgotten.
PATRICIA HUNTER
July 14, 2006
TO ANYYONE EVER ASSOCIATED WITH SYD: MY SYMPATHIES ARE WITH YOU. EVERY DAY DOES GET SHORTER & WE NEVER SEEM TO FIND THE TIME TO LET THE PEOPLE WE KNOW & LOVE HOW WE FEEL. I HOPE HE'S AT PEACE NOW & YOU CAN CHERISH THE MEMORIES YOU SHARED TOGETHER. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL & 'SHINE ON SYD'.
michelle lowe
July 14, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Sérgio Monteiro
July 14, 2006
Thank you
Joe Bator
July 14, 2006
Basically this group, with Barrett as one of the founders, will live on and be an inspiration to other musicians forever.
Malcolm Dente
July 14, 2006
Hi Syd, Please let me thank you for such a life. I remember the time I went to one of concerts in Boston, Ma. Souch a wonderful sound !!!!!!
Malcolm Dente
Taylorville, Il
Amanda D.
July 13, 2006
Syd...you were loved and you will be missed terribly. You inspired so many of us with your songs...Your legacy will continue. I hope you have found peace.
Lee Ann Land
July 13, 2006
I am so grateful for the gift of your music. Through this you will live on....shine on...God bless.
anne
July 13, 2006
we will miss him so much my heart go for the family my condolences to the family ? we will always remember him in our heart he is bless from god? some day we will see him again
Scott Wimer
July 13, 2006
You were a cornerstone, an inspiration, and someday your genius will be fully recognized as ground breaking. Thank you for the music.
Liz Kirk
July 13, 2006
To the family, friends, and bandmates of Syd Barrett--may the God of all comfort be with all of you during this difficult time.
John McGeorge
July 13, 2006
With each listening, you discover something new in his songs. Rest in peace.
Carrie Burns
July 13, 2006
See you on the Dark Side of the Moon, Rock on in Peace!
Tom P
July 13, 2006
My thoughts and prayers to your family, friends, and bandmates. You were a true genius, wonderful songwriter, and a great guitarist. You will be missed.
Phyliss Irvine
July 13, 2006
Rock on, Syd. I feel like I know you after listening to Pink Floyd for so many years and having just read "Inside Out" by Nick Mason. I feel most priviledged to be experiencing the most wonderful band EVER. Your legacy will last always.
Leila Layne
July 13, 2006
Thank you for the words and the music.
Your music will go on and on. It is music for the ages.
Ann Bauer-Barth
July 13, 2006
My thoughts and prayers to your family and friends,band members. you were awesome. Rock and party on.
the marz
July 13, 2006
see ya on the dark side of the moon
DAVIDE VERI'
July 13, 2006
THANK YOU, SYD, THANK YOU.....
for Ever.
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