RIP Syd Barrett 1946-2006

I've just seen in today's NYTimes that Syd Barrett, the great Pink Floyd founder and recluse has died at the age of 60. The Times reports: "Syd Barrett, the erratically brilliant songwriter and singer who created the psychedelic rock of Pink Floyd only to leave the band in 1968 with mental problems, died on July 7 at his home in Cambridgeshire. His death was confirmed by a spokesman for his former band, Doug Wright, who did not give a cause of death. Mr. Barrett had long suffered from diabetes. A statement from Mr. Wright said: 'The band are very naturally upset and sad to hear of Syd's death. Syd was the guiding light of the early band lineup and leaves a legacy which continues to inspire.' With Pink Floyd, and on two haunting solo albums, Mr. Barrett became a touchstone for experimental pop musicians. He was also renowned both as an LSD casualty and as a symbol of how close creativity can be to madness. Mr. Barrett wrote most of the songs on Pink Floyd's debut album, "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn." Mr. Barrett's songs like "Astronomy Domine," whimsy and wordplay merged with a playful sense of structure and sound. He also helped to conceive the band's performances as spectacles."

Very very sad. I'll be playing "Wish You Were Here" a few times today to mark the occasion.