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Richard Wright Obituary
Pink Floyd's spokesman Doug Wright, who is not related to the artist, said Wright died after a battle with cancer at his home in Britain. He says the band member's family did not want to give more details about his death.
Wright met Pink Floyd members Roger Waters and Nick Mason in college and joined their early band, Sigma 6. Along with the late Syd Barrett, the four formed Pink Floyd in 1965.
The group's jazz-infused rock and drug-laced multimedia "happenings" made them darlings of the London psychedelic scene, and their 1967 album, "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn," was a hit.
In the early days of Pink Floyd, Wright, along with Barrett, was seen as the group's dominant musical force. The London-born musician and son of a biochemist wrote songs and sang.
The band released a series of commercially and critically successful albums including 1973's "Dark Side of the Moon," which has sold more than 40 million copies. Wright wrote "The Great Gig In The Sky" and "Us And Them" for that album, and later worked on the group's epic compositions such as "Atom Heart Mother," ''Echoes" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond."
But tensions grew between Waters, Wright and fellow band member David Gilmour. The tensions came to a head during the making of "The Wall" when Waters insisted Wright be fired. As a result, Wright was relegated to the status of session musician on the tour of "The Wall," and did not perform on Pink Floyd's 1983 album "The Final Cut."
Wright formed a new band Zee with Dave Harris, from the band Fashion, and released one album, "Identity," with Atlantic Records.
Waters left Pink Floyd in 1985 and Wright began recording with Mason and Gilmour again, releasing the albums "The Division Bell" and "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" as Pink Floyd. Wright also released the solo albums "Wet Dr e am" (1978) and "Broken China" (1996).
In July 2005, Wright, Waters, Mason and Gilmour reunited to perform at the "Live 8" charity concert in London - the first time in 25 years they had been onstage together.
Wright also worked on Gilmour's solo projects, most recently playing on the 2006 album "On An Island" and the accompanying world tour.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
2841 Entries
M. Aulenbacher
September 6, 2024
Great concerts You're memory will live forever
R . Wright . and the rock band Pink Floyd.
David Gilmour - guitar, vocals
Nick Mason - drums, percussion, vocal phrase (recording)
Rick Wright - Ha mmond organ, synthesiser
Guy Pratt - bass guitar
Gary Wallis - percussion, extra drums on Pulse
Tim Renwick - rhythm guitar
Jon Carin - synthesiser,
must not forget the ladies backing up Floyd !
Sam Brown - backing vocals
Durga McBroom - backing vocals,
Claudia Fontaine - backing vocals
"High Hopes" is a song , composed by guitarist David Gilmour with lyrics by Gilmour and Polly Samson
Patryk
March 10, 2019
See you at the dark side of the moon
Catherine
June 7, 2018
You were the soul of Pink Floyd and it is your music that remains as a testament. You are missed terribly. I wonder if you ever realized how many fans you have and how much you are loved. Rest in peace, you were a truly remarkable and talented man.
How you can show support
Michel BREIZH
March 2, 2018
10 years this year you looked for a great gig in the sky.
With love
Michel
France
Kevin Heine
December 2, 2017
Richard, R.I.P., a great musician, artist, and man, shalom.
August 17, 2017
You will always be in our hearts...R.I.P. to a great musician......You music will live forever.
Toney James
July 28, 2017
Saw Richard and the guys here in 1995 and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen :) Rock on Richard :) You're memory will live forever :)
Jay Adis
April 22, 2017
I will never release myself from Pink Floyd, therefore, you will never be totally gone. You had a gentleness the world needs and misses.
Thank you for sharing you gift with us. R.I.P
April 17, 2017
May the love, comfort and support of those around you, help the Richard Wright family through the difficult days ahead. ( Proverbs 17:17)
~D.Reynolds
Les Rickman
March 15, 2016
Wearing the Inside Out, Fantastic Song Fantastic Singer Fantastic Keyboard Player Still so sadly missed. RIP Richard.
January 28, 2016
great gig in the sky pink Floyd.
February 20, 2015
to this day 2/19/15 watching dvd's with rick in them still brings tears to my eyes-what a great musician-he was the sound of pink Floyd-rip rick maybe will meet some day in heaven LOL ted smith in the states
Selim ÖGÜT
December 27, 2014
RIP, the Pink Floyd fans will never forget you.
Al
November 14, 2014
Paintbox, listen and you'll understand this wonderful talent. so long ago and so relevant in any era.- genius
Steffen Seitz
November 13, 2014
Thank you for the music.
November 8, 2014
Thank you Rick,from the bottom of my heart.One of a kind and so kind from all I saw of you in concert and in interviews.Thank you for all the great music that touched so many of us.I will never forget your contribution to the great Pink Floyd.RIP
Giorgio Bellotti
September 9, 2014
Tra pochi giorni, saranno 6 anni che manchi. Rimane la tua musica ed il ricordo per quanti ti hanno voluto bene. Vedo e rivedo il Live 8 del 2005, e nella gioia di quel giorno, una ultima volta insieme, voi Pink Floyd, mi viene ancora da piangere
Frazer Mckechnie
July 27, 2014
Thank you Pink Floyd ... For blessing my ears for the last 25 years ....forever a follower!...
RIP ... Rick Wright. ????????????????.....??????????????????????
Michel Breizh
June 13, 2014
Love you for 35 years.
RIP Rick
Sophia Davies
June 4, 2014
The work of you and Pink Floyd is the greatest music ever created. RIP you musical genius
Roger Cox
May 8, 2014
The most underrated member of Pink Floyd and by al accounts a gentle man. Why, oh why, is the memorial concert not available to those of us who appreciated Mr. Wright?
Les Rickman
February 18, 2014
It has been 6 years since I first wrote in this book Richard, every year the pain and the loss to music and everyone of your fans just gets greater. Wish you were here. R I P.
altan sun
November 18, 2013
really we lost big musician and real gentlemen. you must be haven cause we made real music for me and all world
jenny patrick
September 18, 2013
Dark side of the moon. Great Gigi Pink floyd, Listen to you Every day. R-i-p.
September 17, 2013
crazy about PF at the age of 8 in 1973, that still remains today. R.I.P. Richard and may you always "SHINE ON"
Steve Suhre Louisville, KY
John Manis
July 29, 2013
The world has felt a big loss. Been a fan for 26 years. You will be missed and long remembered for the magical music you helped create. Rest In Peace my friend.
SUE DEAN
June 29, 2013
STILL SO GUTTED YOUR GONE. I ADORE PINK FLOYD. THINKING OF DAVE,NICK ROGER AND THE LATE SID.WOT AN AMAZING BAND. LOVE YOU ALL.XX RIP RICH. GOD BLESS XXX
Lewis Gregory
February 6, 2013
Your music was amazing. I still cry four years after your passing. Enjoy the great gig in the sky. I saw you 3 times, each time was magic. I'll miss you for ever.
Doug Bruegger
October 5, 2012
Rest in peace. See you at "The Gig In The Sky." Say 'ello to Syd Barrett for me.
jennifer patrick
September 21, 2012
You were a nice looking man. play your dark side of moon. And Great gigi. Love It.
Steven smith
July 1, 2012
R.i.p richard wright im a huge fan of pink floyd they are the best my first concert was at earls court 1994 will never forget it other bands dont come close
KATHY STEWART BARNETT
June 15, 2012
R.I.P-GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL/ONE OF THE BEST SONGS EVER. WITH LOVE.
joaquin ribon
May 16, 2012
Miss you Richard !
Chele W
February 21, 2012
Rip. wish u were here
Norman Howe
February 3, 2012
I spent many hours flat on my back on the living room floor listening to PF and the melodies Richard Wright help create. Those were among the fondest memories of my growing up years in the 70's. He was a master of his music world and will always be missed. RIP.
Rui Ribeiro
November 23, 2011
Thank you Rick!
You Architect of True Musical Cathedrals...
and shine... shine on...
September 17, 2011
your music took me to places I never dreamed i could go..thank you
Sonya Sims Stanley
September 17, 2011
I remember sitting in my room when I was 15 (53 now) playing the Dark Side of the Moon album on my record player over and over again. I am sure he is still playing... up in heaven.
September 14, 2011
Hey Rick. I want to tell You, that You are my idol. I miss You . I hope we will meet in heaven.
Radek Antoni
September 14, 2011
Hey Rick. I want to tell You, that You are my idol. I miss You . I hope we will meet in heaven.
John Randle
February 27, 2011
Can a man love another man he has never met based solely on the music the other man creates ? God bless Richard and the Wright family.
sharon woods
December 10, 2010
For you, wherever you may be.
You were the symbiosis of that beautiful sound organ called Pink Floyd. A gentle giant of great musical instinct, I call it genius.
Dainel McArthur
December 9, 2010
I forgot how much you meant to me, until you weren't there.
These two years have passed so slowly.
Rest in Peace
Your loving son
Daniel
[email protected]
joseph deitzel
October 20, 2010
It greatly disturbs me to think you are gone over 2 years, there is Not a day that goes by that i dont have Floyd playing and i ever so wish i could see you all together again for what would be my 8th time..but sadly that day will never come.. so until i see you in the afterlife.. be well and keep the angels tapping there feet! with all the love of your music in my heart, i say THANK YOU Richard Wright. and may god continue to bless your soul as you have blessed mine and so many others. Joe Deitzel East coast USA
Luis Eduardo Galindo
September 16, 2010
Today is 15th...September 2010
2 years have passed since a day I never thought to have lived... my long friend had been gone...up to the skies...
Dear Mr. Richard: I will never, never forget the day we played together that day of Live 8, the last gig of Floyd...you were in London, and I was on the other side of the atlantic in Valencia Venezuela, right at the speaker of my radio, standing there at my organ, playing side by side with you for first, and last time. after that moment so special, I was deeply confortably numb... and blessed.
Thank you for all those years of Music My Dear Richard Wright.
Will always love you and there will always be a part of your soul in the music I play.
your friend Luis.
Mike Barlow
July 24, 2010
I have so much I would like to say but I'll leave it at this; although I never met you, you are amongst a handful of positive influences that made a difference in my life. I mean it sincerely. I'll personally miss you and your contributions to some of the greatest music ever recorded.
It's hard to find word's to express the sense of loss I feel. I know it sound's strange being I never met you but it's how I feel. Rest in peace.
joaquin ribon
March 25, 2010
He sido un fanatico de Pink Floyd desde la edad de 10 años. Cuando oi
" El Lado Oscuro de La Luna", por primera vez. Senti una sensacion de miedo y admiracion ...crei que los que habian hecho esta musica eran seres del espacio...hoy a mis 45 años sigo amando este Rock and Roll Espacial que nuestro Pink Floyd nos ha dejado...RICHARD I WILL MISS YOU !
Luiz Moretto
February 26, 2010
Floyd me atraiu pelo som dos teclados e sintetizadores.
Wright é a alma do Floyd.
Todos os dias ouço Wright.
Muito obrigado e que Jesus te ilumine!
The Great Rick in the Sky...
Roberto Dinten
February 3, 2010
My admiration will be forever for your music and always in my heart I saw you twice with the Floyd tours( the last ones) and you pass away on my birthday,so long my friend and I know that there will be amazing music in heaven with you rest in peace [email protected]
RAZZEL D
January 29, 2010
It is now 2010. Although I did not know you or your other band-mates personally, your brilliant music ability made me feel as tho I did. Your powerful expression has marked my heart and soul forever. You helped me thru your music cope with the harshness that life often brings. Thank-you for being such an influence to the music world. Your thoughts and expressions will be remembered forever. May you rest in peace and may you SHINE ON!!!!!!!!
Steve Reynolds
November 8, 2009
Those beautiful melodies and thunderous curtains of sound like a dramatic landscape, thanks for all the wonderful music, Never to be forgotten x
sharon woods
September 22, 2009
Dear Rick,
You tapped into something very powerful, in life and in death. I see Pink Floyd's influence growing larger in your passing than in life. Generations young and old wearing Pink Floyd T shirts! It's a legacy that will continue, where other so called legends fade. Thank you for what you have given me. Still watching for signs of life!
yemti ndienla
August 15, 2009
i didn't know you that much Richard.But the death of great people like you is mourned by all and sundry because your activities did same.
jd dimaggip
July 30, 2009
You were a maestro rick you'll never be forgotten we'll miss ya...........
Friend
July 28, 2009
Happy Birthday Richard! Wish You Were Here!!!
Flaviu Teodorescu
June 7, 2009
Richard, even though the creative & musical effort in Floyd was collective the stellar Pink Floyd sound came for Dave's guitar and your magical keys completed by Roger's majestuous lyrics You'll never be forgotten...
Goetz Amler
May 31, 2009
Richard thanks a lot for all the emotions and good feelings by listening your music. I have been grown up with your music, it's a part of my life. Shine on you crazy diamond
dulce mercado
May 9, 2009
gracias por todo gran SEÑOR RICHARD WRIGHT nunca tuve la fortuna de conocerte pero gracias a tu hermosa musica mi vida cambio para siempre
siempre estaras presente en mi corazon
hasta siempre
Ian Fallows
May 8, 2009
I've just been listening to Dave Gilmour's Live In Gdansk. You were amazing your vocals on Comfortably Numb and keyboards, especially on echoes were sublime.
You'll be missed. So pleased I saw you play at Hyde park in 2005.
Rest In Peace
Clarence Brewer
May 1, 2009
Thanks for the music that I have listen to for over thirty years. May God be with you Richard.
David White
April 18, 2009
Thank you for the most inspirational music of my youth. It still instills the same joy now as it ever did. God Bless
Dave Wylde Cyote
April 14, 2009
You Shined on my life with all the music, I only wish I could have returned the favor.
Thank you Rick
Ismail Harahap
April 12, 2009
Thank you for your music, Rick. Thank you.
Adrian Brunton
March 13, 2009
Many thanks for being a part of my life during my formative years. You and the Floyds music was,and still is, without doubt a catalyst to many that will continue enjoy and utilize your music as building blocks for their lives.... Thank you
Billy Cini
March 10, 2009
Great loss in the music industry..
rick you will be sorely missed.
Rest In Peace Rick.
José Luis
March 7, 2009
Agradecido de su inspiración en el pasado y en el futuro.
Gracias.
Les Davis
March 5, 2009
Simply brilliant and an inspiration to millions. It allways just made you feel good listening to him. One of rocks real gentlemen.
Will be greatly missed
Don Barwis
March 2, 2009
Your music will live in the ECHOES of my mind. May you rest on a PILLOW OF WINDS forever. Thank you Rick!
Jon Orton
February 19, 2009
Your musical creativity inspired me to learn to play guitar and sing. You have given me the greatest gift of my life! I now regularly write music and play. Thank you Rick! Shine On!
p.s. We share the same birthday also!
John Colmorgen
February 17, 2009
Sorry to see you've gone to the Great gig in the Sky too soon........Wish you were here. You were a great songwriter and person. God Bless you Richard.
Gerard G
February 15, 2009
De muziek van Richard wright (en pink floyd) zal over 200 jaar nog worden afgeluisterd.
Met welk geluidsmedium is alleen de vraag
Een unieke band is definitief uit elkaar
Alex
February 15, 2009
Richard, the Echoes of your music will always be heard...
Shine on you
Tony Barrable
February 13, 2009
Richard, you have left us with your keyboard music that as part of the Floyd, with live on as a testiment to your brilliant contribution, forever.
Charie-Kee Jones
February 12, 2009
Happy Trails. I am greatful to be able to see your work with Gilmore in on an island. Fly on home. Your journey has just begun. Peace, love and thanks to you Richard. RIP
shayne true
February 11, 2009
god bless the legend will never die r.i.p
patrick panchout
February 9, 2009
MERCI ,pour toutes ses heures à écouter ce son si envoutant et d'avoir accompagné ma vie de fan de pink floyd
john boakes
February 7, 2009
Great member of a great band....RIP
jim snow
February 6, 2009
Richard lives every time i listen to his music. My thoughts & sympathy go out to all his family, friends & his many fans.
pascal waterlot
February 1, 2009
merci monsieur
Tom Taylor
January 30, 2009
Thank you Richard for sharing your enormous gifts with the world. Your time came too soon for us but God must have needed the best keyboard player for a heavenly gig. Our sympathy and prayers go out to your family. The music of Floyd will always be a part of my life and thru it you will live in our hearts forever. God Speed.
ROB CHAPPELL
January 29, 2009
THANK YOU FOR ENRICHING THE SOUNDTRACK OF MY LIFE KEEP ON PLAYING
michel siemensma
January 28, 2009
you have always been a great inspiration for the psychedelic musicgeneration. love and rest Michel and Anita from Fryslan
Ian Riley
January 28, 2009
Rick, you were truly one of the greats. Your distinctive and unique sound will never be re-created nor will there ever be an equal. Your passing has left a void, but your music and contribution to music will endure for ever!
Stuart Page
January 25, 2009
May you rest in peace and always play that great gig in the sky.
You will be sadly missed by all who have your music flowing through our veins since childhood
Dariusz Rajca
January 25, 2009
Oh Rick... I will miss you. To bad... than you not play one more time with Roger, Dave and Nick. I hope than they will play a tribute gig for you. So... is the end of my text... to bad... bye Rick
Jonathan Chatelle
January 24, 2009
I hope there is something nice and green up there for you man,without Richard there never would have been PINK FLOYD...maybe you and Sid can hang out like the good ol days peace man....
your in our hearts always
Ray Percival
January 19, 2009
may you keep on playing in the skys above, God Bless, RIP
Marco Milli
January 13, 2009
The sound, soft and gentle, gone. Forever in our hearts...
Anders
January 10, 2009
Shine on!
diana stelli
January 9, 2009
Bye bye Rick,
I beloved your fingers, sound, voice and smile.
You have been so wonderful for your mates and music lovers.
Rick, you miss me now and every day of my life
Jaltza Valjus-Anttila
January 8, 2009
R.I.P Rick! Thank you for those countless of yours you have spend for me.. We will miss you always.
Tufan Dalkir
January 5, 2009
Dear Richard,
Thanks for the music and the inspiration you gave for my life.
Sad but ture, nothing will be the same anymore.
Sam Cosentino
January 2, 2009
You, and the other members of Pink Floyd, were my constant companions, the soundtrack of my life, from my late teens in the early '70s until today. Echoes, Great Gig In the Sky, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, etc. each a colossal musical creation imbued with your understated but essential keyboard work. Thank you. RIP.
JOHN LEDLOW
January 1, 2009
WELL I WANT TO SAY 2008 SURE IS GOING TO BE THE WORST YEAR EVER THE YEAR THAT ALL HOPES AND DREAMS OF FLOYD GOING BACK OUT ON TOUR ENDED I LOVED UR MUSIC BUT THE GREAT GIG IN THE SKY CAN NOW START CAUSE UR THERE
Graham Waldrop
January 1, 2009
My sincerest condolences to Rick and his family. Rick is one of my favorite musicians ever, and his contributions to Pink Floyd in the Dark Side era gave that album, WYWH and Meddle a lot of life. Echoes isn't Echoes without that classic *PING* and the rest of Rick's piano playing is great. He also had a beautiful voice, that was very mellow, non threatening and just very relaxing to listen to.
Rick, thank you for the memories, you are and will always be sorely missed. I wish I could have seen you play live. I love your music and I love you, sir. You were a great talent and a great man.
George Dontas
January 1, 2009
Thank You for the music!
JOHN WILWON
December 31, 2008
His music pulsed my world along...
He and Gilmour were the real heart in this Band...
I still frequent the Division Bell - it's a standard
in my car.... John Wilson (Greenville NC)
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