What is the real story behind Syd Barrett departing Pink Floyd?

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As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of rock history, I can confidently say that Syd Barrett‘s story is one for the ages. He was not just a founding member of Pink Floyd, but the architect of their unique psych-rock sound and the embodiment of creative genius entwined with eccentricity.

Roger Keith “Syd” Barrett, a founding member and early leader of Pink Floyd, is often recognized as both the embodiment of an enigmatic-yet-brilliant persona in rock music and a pioneer of the psychological rock genre that we recognize today.

Barrett played a significant role in Floyd’s early success, contributing to their first three singles such as “Arnold Layne”, “See Emily Play”, and “Apples And Oranges”. He also penned almost all the songs on their debut album, “The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn” (1967), including the iconic “Interstellar Overdrive”. However, by their second album “A Saucerful of Secrets” (1968), he only contributed one song, “Jugband Blues”, and by its release, Barrett had already left the band.

It’s possible that Barrett physically left Pink Floyd, but his spirit may have remained, as evidenced by songs like “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” and the album “Wish You Were Here,” which were dedicated to him. So, can you tell me about the circumstances surrounding Syd Barrett’s departure from Pink Floyd?

Syd Barrett didn’t leave Pink Floyd, he was practically kicked out

To clarify, the account of how Pink Floyd parted ways with Syd Barrett is somewhat nuanced. Instead of being kicked out, it’s often said that he was ‘phased out’, as the other band members felt more comfortable using that term. It’s important to note that David Gilmour, who later replaced Barrett in the band, and Roger Waters were part of both of Barrett’s solo albums (‘The Madcap Laughs’ and ‘Barrett’, both released in 1970). So, what truly transpired behind the scenes?

Pink Floyd, much like other rock musicians during that era, initially functioned as a cover band. However, it was under the influence and leadership of Syd Barrett, whose drug use intensified and who delved deeply into fairy tales and Eastern mysticism, that the band transformed into a pivotal force in shaping British psychedelia and even global psychedelic music.

Apart from numerous creations, Barrett is recognized for pioneering several guitar playing techniques, such as incorporating distortion and feedback into the guitar’s tone, and innovatively connecting his guitar to an echo chamber while gliding a Zippo lighter along the fretboard.

As Barrett’s drug use, especially LSD, intensified, along with unproven suspicions that he might have had schizophrenia (his family refuted any such or related health problems), his conduct grew increasingly unpredictable. Barrett displayed symptoms of depression, hallucinations, and memory loss. He would frequently vanish for extended periods and experience catatonic episodes.

Initially, strange elements began appearing in Floyd’s concerts and live performances. Barrett frequently altered the tuning of his guitar, strummed a single chord, or chose not to play during songs. Roger Waters shared an anecdote about a time when Barrett arrived at a practice session with a new song titled “Have You Got It Yet?”. At first sight, it appeared straightforward, but as the rest of the band tried to learn it, Barrett would constantly modify the arrangement mid-song, singing “Have You Got It Yet?” as he did so.

Approximately then, the band began gradually phasing out Syd Barrett from the group. Instead of directly informing him, they started avoiding his company by attending gigs without him and leaving him waiting in the recording studio’s reception area during sessions for their second album. It wasn’t until an official statement was released by the band in April 1968 that Syd Barrett became aware he had been removed from the band.

Despite parting ways with Pink Floyd, Barrett’s connection to the band in essence remained. He frequently attended their concerts, offering stern glances towards Gilmour, his longtime comrade who succeeded him in the band. Eventually, Barrett was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, but following a short recovery, he collaborated with Gilmour and Waters, among others, to produce his two solo albums. These albums are still regarded today as seminal works in psych folk and the early pioneers of lo-fi music.

During the process of recording their “Wish You Were Here” album, Barrett unexpectedly showed up in the studio. This occurred when the band was reworking “Shine on You Crazy Diamond.

Subsequently, Barrett became a dedicated hermit, immersing himself in painting and horticulture. His life ended in July of 2006, when he was battling pancreatic cancer.

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2024-09-13 13:00