Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Rest in Peace Syd


Syd Barrett passed on at 60 Friday the 7th of July. Today the news is spreading over the waves that are the internet. It's a very sad day for me, but I can't help but feel Syd left a long time ago. I have a lot of great memories of times shared with Syd, although he wasn't really with me, I felt his spirit was beside me, somehow, laughing at my foolish bahavior or toasting me when something went my way. Syd has long been a hero of mine, not for all the right reasons, but that hardly matters now, as he and I both wised up later(and some might say after it was too late for both of us).

Syd epitomised the 60's London psych scene to me, with his never ending paisley shirts, his knowing smirk that said, "I know more than you ever will", a silly kid grin, childlike yet wise beyond his years, all at the same time.

I was just a kid when Syd was in his twilight, but I still feel I travelled a bit with him, on voyages that neither of us knew the true destination, but neither cared as getting there was all the fun. I never met Syd, but felt I knew him and often wished that he could have known me. We would have had a few laughs, I imagine, as we were often on the same wavelength.

Shine on you crazy diamond.


A few months ago I posted a song. A single song that I felt summed up Syd's innocence and his talent all at the same time. It is from his Opel album, an album of leftovers that was released in the late seventies, and so as my tribute to the truths he spoke and sang, I put the link here again. It is the perfect summation of Syd, and one of my favorite gifts from him. Thanks, Syd, wherever you are!


http://rapidshare.com/files/315008/Syd_-_Milky_Way.rar

9 comments:

MAD4MUSIC said...

This is the first I'm hearing this news... How sad. He was truly one-of-a-kind...

Dirk said...

Rest in peace syd!

i posted Opel on my blog as a tribute

Anonymous said...

RIP Syd.....Think I'll go play some Dominoes, while I think of the Golden Hair of my ex....screw it, I'll ride my Bike...Thanks Syd!

The Baz said...

A lovely tribute to a man who also meant very very much to me. I published my own tribute on my blog saying a little of what Syd meant to me.

The fact is, though many have copied or emulated Syd, Syd Barrett was truly unique in that he sounded like nobody else. That is just one of many things that makes his passing all the sadder.

BAZ

Anonymous said...

i always enjoyed playing sid on those rainy dark days. it gives his music that extra feeling of dark humor. I raise my glass to you sid "shine on you crazy dimond'

Anonymous said...

this is SHOCKING, no other word to put it

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Indeed, very, very sad ...

The list of all our heroes that are gone is getting long ... too long ...

Danny

Time Traveller said...

Who is this above moron? Are you unhinged? Is there a chemical imbalance that runs in your family? For Christ's sake!! Get a life or get some help!