Pink Floyd’s Syd Barrett dead at 60
LONDON (AP) – Syd Barrett, the troubled genius who co-founded Pink Floyd but spent his last years in reclusive anonymity, has died, a spokeswoman for the band said Tuesday. He was 60.
The spokeswoman – who declined to give her name until the band made an official announcement – said Barrett died several days ago. She did not disclose the cause of death. Barrett had suffered from diabetes for many years.
Barrett co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 and wrote many of the band’s early songs. The group’s jazz-infused rock made them darlings of the London psychedelic scene, and 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 behaviour grew increasingly erratic, and he left the group in 1968, replaced by David Gilmour.
Barrett released two solo albums – The Madcap Laughs and Barrett – but soon withdrew from the music business altogether.
He spent much of the rest of his life living quietly in his hometown of Cambridge, England, where he was a familiar figure, often seen cycling or walking to the corner store.
Despite his brief career, Barrett’s fragile, wistful songs influenced many musicians, from David Bowie – who covered the Barrett track See Emily Play – to the other members of Pink Floyd, who recorded the album Wish You Were Here as a tribute to their troubled bandmate.
The band spokeswoman said a small, private funeral would be held.
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