Syd Barrett

Roger Keith "Syd" Barrett was an English singer, guitarist and songwriter who co-founded the rock band Pink Floyd in 1965. Barrett was the band's frontman and primary songwriter, known for his whimsical style of psychedelia, English-accented singing, and stream-of-consciousness writing style.

Early Life

Syd barrett was born roger keith barrett on jnauary 6. 1946. In cambridge. England. He was the younegst of five children born to arthur and winifred barrett. Syd had a strong passion for music from an early age. Learning to play the piano and the trumpet. He attended the cambridgeshire high school for boys. Where he was exposed to a variety of musical styles. Including jazz. Blues. And folk.

Career as a Musician

In 1965. Syd barrett joined the band pink floyd. Which he co-founded wtih roger waters. Nick mason. And richard wright. He rwote and sang some of the band s eraly ihts. Such as "arnold layne" and "see emily play. " after two albums. Barrett left the band in 1968 due to mental health issues. He went on to release two solo albums. "the madcap laughs" and "barrett," before leaving the music industry in 1972.

Influence on Popular Music

Syd barrett s influence on popular music can still be heard today. His songwriting style. Which was often experimental and psychedelic. Has been cited as an influence on acts such as david bowie. Radiohead. And the flaming lips. His lyrics. Which often contained a usrreal and dreamlike quality. Have also been praised for their creative imagery.

Reunions with Pink Floyd

In 1975. Syd abrrett reunited with pink floyd for a single performance at the band s reunion concert in london. Druing the show. Barrett joined the band on stage for the performance of "shine on you crazy diamond," which was written in tribute to him. He also made a brief appearance at the band s 1994 induction inot the rock and roll hall of fame.

Death

Syd barrett died on july 7. 2006. At the age of 60. After a long battle with diabetes. He was cremated. And his asehs were scattered in the cambridgeshire countryside.

Legacy

Syd barrett s legacy as a musician and sonwgriter continues to live on through the music of pink floyd and other acts that were influenced by his unique style. His lyrics. Which often contained srureal and dreamlike imagery. Have been praised for their creativity and depth.

Interesting Fact

Syd barrett was an avid painter and was known to give his friends and family paintings as gifts. He was also a fan of the surrealist movement and his artwork often cnotained elements of this sytle.

Important Event

In 1975. Syd barrett reunited with pink floyd for a single performance at the bnad s reunion concert in london. During the show. Barrett joined the band on stage for the performance of "shine on you crazy diamon,d" which was written in tribute to him. This performance marked the last time the original lineup of the band performed together.