R.I.P. Richard Wright (of Pink Floyd)

Simply shocking! What a terrible and unexpected news...

I haven't posted here for years. Pity it should take such an tragedy to bring me back.

I just posted a poetic little Facebook note on Rick, which I won't post here, because any praise I could give, any grief I could express is already known to everybody on this forum. I'd rather not preach to the converted. What I will say though, because it hasn't quite been touched on yet, is that a lot of the guys that all of us prog nuts admire so much could really do to take a lesson from Rick's legacy. He was perfect on so many levels, his soloing was inventive and made use of an astonishing sonic palate, and whenever he accompanied Gilmour, he was always doing something of interest, but was never overpowering. This trait speaks volumes not only to his musicality, but to his character. Without ever having met, seen or read about the man, you can HEAR his humble personality, his modesty. How many other great proggers can lay claim to such a quality? Please don't mistake me, I'm not discrediting anybody, but Rick had a rare gift, one which though it has spawned legions of followers, should be a part of EVERY musician's approach. Clearly he was a fantastic person, who will be missed on the basis of that alone. But more than that, Rick could be said to represent an ideal: the pinnacle of modesty as an effective esthetic in music. How tremendous a loss is that?

His contributions to Pink Floyd's oeuvre have taken on a new meaning for me, one that I failed to fully see until now. In particular, "Great Gig in the Sky" has a haunting new authenticity. The cacophonous brass of "Summer '68", a track that I previously overlooked to an extent, have become the seven trumpets blowin' sweet rock 'n roll, to quote another moment that has moved me to tears.

Okay, so that all seems a little overwrought, in hindsight. But you folks understand what I'm saying.

Rick, you'll be sorely missed by every semi-knowledgeable rock fan who ever turned on a radio, let alone those who own your complete recorded works and can play your solos by heart.     

Edited by Syntharachnid - September 16 2008 at 03:45

Shocking, tragic news - a massive loss to his family, to Pink Floyd and to Progressive Rock as a whole; one of the true musical giants of the genre.

Not the flashiest of players, never hugged or even sought the spotlight, never displayed any sign of even possessing an ego, but his quiet presence at the side of the stage could fire Floyd into flights of magnificence.

One of my favorite Hammond players of all time.



Rick - you'll be sorely missed - rest in peace.

Edited by Jim Garten - September 16 2008 at 03:40

There's a nice tribute in today's copy of The Times.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article4760576.ece

"Goodbye to you

I read it in the newspaper today, one day late, and reviews here at PA confirmed it.

Like others on this thread, I haven't visited theforums much in recent times and it feels bad to come back this way.

Anyway, Rest in Peace Rick. A part of him will never die, it's in the music cellections of hundreds of millions of homes all the world over.

yes very sad news, R.I.P. Rick and tank you for the music - We wish you were here

It is interesting that the tributes here are from all ages - not just people 'of a certain age' such as myself, but also from some members who were only just born the last time Floyd toured - it's a mark of the band (and the man) that over 40 years after they formed, they still attract new young listeners - due in no small part to Rick Wright's atmospheric yet subtle playing style; who else could hold a single chord for several minutes & completely define the entire album which followed (opening of Shine On Crazy Diamond)?

At least he had one last hurrah with the whole band in 2005:

Devastating. Difficult to say something.

Too bad.