Shine on You Crazy Diamond

Syd Barrett, founding and former member of Pink Floyd, died at his home in England on Friday, July 7, he was 60. Barrett, founded Pink Floyd in 1965 with Nick Mason, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright. They recorded The Piper at the Gates of Dawn in 1967. Barrett left the band in 1968 suffering from instability that was exacerbated by heavy LSD use. He was replaced in the band by David Gilmour. While he left the band, he remained close with his former bandmates who made sure that he was getting the royalty payments form the Pink Floyd works that were created while he was a member of the band. Several works by Pink Floyd after Barrett left were based on Barrett (i.e. the album Wish You Were Here, and the mental illness themes that could be found in Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall). He had been living at his mother's house for many years where he enjoyed painting and gardening. He had been suffering from diabetes for many years and while the cause of death has not been released, it is speculated that it was diabetes related. There will be a small private ceremony for his family and friends.