Syd Barrett
Rock Singer
Roger Keith "Syd" Barrett was an English singer, songwriter, and musician who co-founded the rock band Pink Floyd in 1965. Barrett was their original frontman and primary songwriter, becoming known for his whimsical style of psychedelia, English-accented singing, and stream-of-consciousness writing style.
About
Syd Barrett was born Roger Keith Barrett on January 6, 1946 in Cambridge, England. He was the fourth of five children in an academic family, and his mother was a former teacher. As a child, he had an interest in music, playing the piano and guitar. He attended Cambridgeshire High School for Boys and later studied at the Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology.
In 1965, Barrett formed a band with guitarist Bob Klose and bassist Roger Waters called The Tea Set. That year they also auditioned for their first professional gig as the supporting act for Pink Floyd’s first London show. After this performance and some subsequent shows with Pink Floyd, Barrett joined them as the lead singer and primary songwriter. This lineup released two studio albums under the name Pink Floyd: The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967) and A Saucerful of Secrets (1968).
Barrett's behavior became increasingly unpredictable around this time due to his mental health issues exacerbated by heavy drug use. In 1968 he left Pink Floyd for good and began a solo career that same year with The Madcap Laughs album. He followed up with 1970's Barrett album before retreating from public life due to his struggles with mental illness.
Over the next few decades, Syd Barrett remained mostly out of public view until 2006 when he died from pancreatic cancer at age 60. His legacy lives on through his work with both Pink Floyd and as a solo artist, inspiring musicians across numerous genres of music to this day.
Life Timeline
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1946</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Syd Barrett is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On January 6, 1946, Syd Barrett was born in Cambridge, England.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1963</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Forms The Pink Floyd Sound</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Syd Barrett forms the band The Pink Floyd Sound with Roger Waters, Richard Wright and Nick Mason.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1967</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Releases Debut Solo Album</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">The Madcap Laughs is released as Syd Barrett's debut solo album.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1968</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Barrett Leaves Pink Floyd</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Syd Barrett leaves the Pink Floyd due to his deteriorating mental health.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1970</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Barrett's Final Album is Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Syd Barrett's final studio album, "Barrett" is released.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1974</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Retires from Music Industry</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Due to mental illness and drug abuse, Syd Barrett retires from the music industry.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2006</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Death of Syd Barrett</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Syd Barrett dies on July 7, 2006 at the age of 60.</p></div>
Why We Love Them
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> His Innovative Music</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Syd Barrett was a pioneer of psychedelic rock music. He was one of the first artists to incorporate elements such as surreal lyrics, experimental soundscapes and unconventional production techniques into rock music. His innovative style of music has been hugely influential in the development of rock music ever since.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> His Unique Voice</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Syd Barrett's voice was unique and unmistakable. His vocal range was wide and his singing style often unconventional. His voice had an ethereal quality that made it stand out from other singers of the same era.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> His Influence on Other Artists</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Syd Barrett's influence on other artists is undeniable. From classic rock bands such as Pink Floyd to modern acts like Radiohead and Tame Impala, the impact of his pioneering music can be heard in almost every genre today.</p></div>
Interesting Facts
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Founding Member of Pink Floyd</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Syd Barrett was a founding member of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd, writing and singing on their first two albums, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn and A Saucerful of Secrets.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Departed From Pink Floyd in 1968</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Syd Barrett left Pink Floyd in 1968 due to mental health issues and substance abuse. He retired from music shortly afterwards.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Debut Solo Album The Madcap Laughs</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 1970, Syd Barrett released his debut solo album The Madcap Laughs. The album featured some of his most popular songs such as "Octopus" and "Dark Globe".</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Collaborated with David Gilmour</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 1975, Syd Barrett enlisted former bandmate David Gilmour to help him record an album entitled Barrett. Although the album was never released, several tracks were later included on the posthumous compilation album Opel.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Reclusive Life After Leaving Music</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">After leaving music, Syd Barrett lived a reclusive life in Cambridge, England where he worked odd jobs and painted. He rarely spoke to the press or performed publicly until his death in 2006.</p></div>
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