One of the most infamous and enigmatic artists in rock, Syd Barrett celebrates a birthday today!
The co-founder of the great Pink Floyd in 1965, the anchor of the band in its early days, and the source of their musical expression in the height of their powers. Until 1968, he was Pink Floyd's singer and primary songwriter, in the early days of psychedelia and with Pink Floyd, recorded their debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, and their second album A Saucerful of Secrets.
Ultimately, he would leave the band in 1968 dealing with mental illness and psychedelic drugs. He would go on to a short solo career, with the single "Octopus", and the albums The Madcap Laughs and Barrett, both released in 1970, backed by Pink Floyd and the band the Soft Machine.
By 1974, Barrett retired from public life and lived in seclusion painting and gardening, while Pink Floyd recorded their homages to his story, through classics like "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and The Wall. In 1996, Barrett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Pink Floyd, before his passing in 2006.
Happy Birthday You Crazy Diamond.