Syd Barrett passes away, aged 60. RIP

Teaflax wrote: Geck0 wrote: Teaflax, do you always have to be somewhat insensitive? Debunking the "common wisdom" about Syd's drug use leading to his mental problems is the exact opposite being insensitive, because it doesn't place the blame for it on him. For all we know, the drugs could have saved his life by keeping suicidal thoughts away or they could have had absolutely no effect at all. I'd say that drawing cocksure conclusions that the drug use caused or exarcebated his mental problems is disrespectful in the extreme and rude under the circumstances. I even started a thread in another area on Syd, so I have no effing idea what it is you're projecting into me, Geck0. Syd was a melodic genius and for all the great stuff Floyd did, they never again wrote a single melody with quite the unique phrasing, intervals and periods that he put in almost everything he did. It's sad he couldn't get it together to make more music than he did, but we will always have a legacy that may not be huge, but on a level so much above most other song writers that it has far greater value than the scores of revered artists who simply retread the same paths already explored by many others.

My apologies.

It wasn't so much the message you posted, but more of a lack of you saying your best wishes at this sad loss.  I was angered, that's all.

Of course the drugs didn't kill him.  Infact, it states he died due to complications of diabetes.

Also, I didn't see your other thread, so I made an ill-judged spat towards you.

As I said, my apologies, I mean no ill feelings towards you.

First I thought Syd was a typical victim of drugs abuse but reading many books and articles about Pink Floyd an Syd Barrett, I discovered that already years before he started to take hard drugs, he behaved strange and unpredictable (due to the early process of the mental disease schizophrenia). Everybody who is interested to read more about this but also Syd his huge creative side, I recommend the books Crazy Diamond Syd Barett & The Dawn Of Pink Floyd by Mike Watkinson & Pete Anderson and especially Lost In The Woods by Julian Palacios  ...

RIP Syd 

A huge loss. Syd has been one of my heroes since I was about 12 or so- his death is one of the biggest losses to music.

Geck0 wrote: Teaflax, do you always have to be somewhat insensitive?

Debunking the "common wisdom" about Syd's drug use leading to his mental problems is the exact opposite being insensitive, because it doesn't place the blame for it on him. For all we know, the drugs could have saved his life by keeping suicidal thoughts away or they could have had absolutely no effect at all. I'd say that drawing cocksure conclusions that the drug use caused or exarcebated his mental problems is disrespectful in the extreme and rude under the circumstances.

I even started a thread in another area on Syd, so I have no effing idea what it is you're projecting into me, Geck0.

Syd was a melodic genius and for all the great stuff Floyd did, they never again wrote a single melody with quite the unique phrasing, intervals and periods that he put in almost everything he did. It's sad he couldn't get it together to make more music than he did, but we will always have a legacy that may not be huge, but on a level so much above most other song writers that it has far greater value than the scores of revered artists who simply retread the same paths already explored by many others.

He's now the Piper at the Pearly Gates.

Stop all the clocks, hang up the telephone,
Stop Seamus the dog barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the Echoes, and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin. Let the mourners come.

Point me at the sky, I'll circle overhead
Trailing the message, Syd Barrett Is Dead.
Take up thy megaphone and relay the news,
Every music lover today has the Jugband Blues.

He was the Piper at the Gates of Dawn,
The Lunatic lurking on the lawn.
Every Emily, Arnold and Lucifer Sam
Bow their heads at the loss of the Crazy Diamond man.

The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
From the Dark Side of the Moon to the Heart of the Sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;
For music now will never be any good.

(apologies to W.H. Auden)


    

Edited by ElwoodHerring - July 11 2006 at 18:45

I can't say with words the pain I feel. A large part of the being I'm now was developed under Barret's Floyd influence.

RIP Syd ... 

My book was closed;
I read no more,
Watching the fire dance
On the floor.

I have left my book,
I have left my room,
For I heard you singing
Through the gloom.

Sad news indeed.  I've only just learnt of this.

I am also glad that his family kept it quiet for a few days, to give them time to grieve.

Requiscat in pace "Syd" Roger Keith Barrett.

Teaflax, do you always have to be somewhat insensitive?