Roger
Keith Barrett, later given the name Syd by friends at the city's high
school, is a mere footnote in history to most Pink Floyd fans and music
fans in general. His strange little childlike ditties are great fun and
a tad bit frightening.
One of the founding members of Pink Floyd (he was later replaced
by David Gilmour) Barrett's fairy tale lyrics and willingness to experiment
with various sounds and orchestrations led to the classic Piper at the
Gates of Dawn, the delirious Jugband Blues on A Saucerful of Secrets,
and a trio of beautifully bizarre solo albums.
To Pink
Floyd fans his decent into madness became legendary and many years
after he removed himself from the public eye fans continued to
track him down, occasionally as far as his mothers house, where
he spent time gardening.
One of the classic
Barrett stories was the 1967 appearance on a television show hosted
by Dick Clark and Pat Boone. Apparently Barrett was pressed into
appearing on this music variety show where the "hot" groups of
the day lip sanc their latest songs. Syd Barrett refused to play
along, "Syd wasn't into moving his lips that day" leaving the
hosts and the audience in dead silence. Soon Syd stopped showing
up for Pink Floyd performances or playing one hideous note the
entire show.
Barrett began a solo career and was able to come out with three
classic albums; The Madcap Laughs, Barrett, and Opel (rumor has it funded
by fan David Bowie). Hopes for new Barrett material quickly dwindled
due to his decreasing mental state. EMI/Harvest put out the definitive
Barrett collection - Syd Barrett: Crazy Diamond. Containing his three
albums - plus a slew of extras (including a fine booklet) - it is a
feast for fans - Highly Recommended.
