Syd Barrett dead @ 60 (Pink Floyd)

[mithrand1r]

http://www.showbuzz.cbsnews.com/stor...n1790469.shtml

Pink Floyd Co-Founder Dead At 60
Syd Barrett Spent His Last Years In Reclusive Anonymity

Originally Posted by (CBS/AP)

Syd Barrett, the troubled genius who co-founded Pink Floyd but spent his last years in reclusive anonymity, has died, a spokeswoman for the band said Tuesday. He was 60.

The spokeswoman — who declined to give her name until the band made an official announcement — confirmed media reports that he had died. She said Barrett died several days ago. She did not disclose the cause of death.

Online sources reported that Barrett died July 7 from complications from diabetes.

Barrett co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 with Roger Waters and wrote many of the band's early songs. The group's jazz-infused rock made them darlings of the London psychedelic scene, and the 1967 album "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" — largely written by Barrett — was a commercial and critical hit.

Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney and The Who guitarist Pete Townshend are said to be fans of his early work.

Barrett's behavior grew increasingly erratic, and he left the group in 1968. He released two solo albums — "The Madcap Sessions" and "Barrett" in 1970.

He spent much of the rest of his life living quietly in his hometown of Cambridge, England.

The band spokeswoman said a small, private funeral would be held.

Although Syd has been in seclusion for many years, his influence on Pink Floyd was huge. I liked several of his lyrics to early Pink Floyd music. (See Emily Play, Bike and others.)

He will be missed by many in the music world.