rickshangle.com

Syd Barrett, psych-rock titan probably near-completely forgotten by modern rock youts under 30 (and lacking cool older siblings), has formally left the building years after checking out.

Barrett was the early creative impulse for Pink Floyd, but experienced a drug-and-fame-induced emotional collapse early in the band’s career, which led to his ejection/replacement. Most of Floyd’s well known “classic” canon (Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, the Wall) was created post-Barrett, but the title track “Wish You Were Here” is the band’s lament for their lost friend.

Guitarist David Gilmour took over as guitarrist for the band, and bassist Rogers assumed the role of major creative force until the rest of the band got sick of him and kicked him out in the 80s. They seem to be getting along better now.

early sid (2nd from right), high and productive, as the primary creative force of pink floyd. [image location]

later, post-breakdown, post-ejection from floyd, but still making music. [image source]

allegedly much later (c 2001), living a quiet life in mom’s basement, walking down to the corner store. [image source]

Shine on, brother.