See Pink Floyd Play

Today commemorates the birth of one of the strangest people in rock and roll history. Syd Barrett was the founder and mind behind one of the most influential bands in rock history The Pink Floyd. Now considering Syd only worked on one album really, that being Piper At The Gates Of Dawn. Other albums came out later such as A Saucer Full Of Secrets where Floyd already had tracks that Barrett was already on so they added it to the album. Barrett was replaced by David Gilmore after Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, being drawn into the drug world. Acid, mushrooms, marijuana, pills, etc it was all thrown into Barretts everyday diet and it affected Pink Floyd's shows and recording sessions. Roger Waters had to give him the bad news that he was fired. After released two solo albums named Barrett and The Madcap Laughs both getting high critical acclaim. But just like his life oddly enough he dissipated into obscurity. But there is no argument weather Barrett was a talented genius. Waters even wrote many songs about Syd, most notably Shine On You Crazy Diamond off their album Wish You Were Here. They all had a deep respect for Barrett and his brilliant mind but like so many artists drug abuse caught up with him and put him over the edge. Oddly enough today we celebrate Syd's birthday but also on this date in 50 years after the birth of Syd in 1946 Pink Floyd was inducted in the rock and roll hall of fame. Congratulations Syd for starting one of the greatest bands in rock history, you may have not been there to share the success but no one will ever forget the genius that you hatched.