Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Roger Keith Barrett - January 6, 1946 – July 7, 2006

Syd Barrett, the incredibly creative, intriguing, and other-minded musician, has died at the age of 60. Best known as the founder of Pink Floyd, Barrett is probably the most mythic figure in music history since Robert Johnson. So bizarre and often garbled is his story, that most people assume he died years ago. I will not eulogize on his brilliance because so many others have already done so. But I do recommend for any who may be reading this, to listen to Syd's solo albums. Pink Floyd's Piper at the Gates of Dawn is fine and good, but you really must listen to The Madcap Laughs. I also recommend that you read Nick Mason's book Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd. And if you feel like setting up an eternal flame somewhere, dedicate to Syd Barrett.