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Pink Floyd, Bowie Remember Syd Barrett
07/12/2006 1:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
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Pink Floyd and David Bowie have led the tributes to Syd Barrett, who died last Friday.
Barrett is now confirmed to have passed away at his home in Cambridge at the age of 60, after losing his battle with cancer.
He had lived as a virtual recluse for some 30 years, since departing Pink Floyd in 1968 as his mental health disintegrated amid claims of heavy LSD use and enveloping schizophrenia.
His former band released a statement speaking of their sadness at Barrett's death, while individual members David Gilmour and Roger Waters also made tributes.
Pink Floyd commented: "The band are naturally very upset and sad to learn of Syd Barrett's death. Syd was the guiding light of the early band line-up and leaves a legacy which continues to inspire."
Meanwhile, David Gilmour said: "We are very sad to say that Roger Keith Barrett--Syd--has passed away. Do find time today to play some of Syd's songs and to remember him as the madcap genius who made us all smile with his wonderfully eccentric songs about bikes, gnomes, and scarecrows. His career was painfully short, yet he touched more people than he could ever know."
Roger Waters said: "It's very sad. Syd was a lovely guy and a unique talent. He leaves behind a body of work that is both very touching and very deep and which will shine on forever."
Elsewhere, David Bowie commented: "I can't tell you how sad I feel. The few times I saw him perform in London at UFO and the Marquee clubs during the '60s will forever be etched in my mind. He was so charismatic and such a startlingly original songwriter. Also, along with Anthony Newley, he was the first guy I'd heard to sing pop or rock with a British accent. His impact on my thinking was enormous. A major regret is that I never got to know him. A diamond indeed."
Finally, former Blur guitarist turned solo star Graham Coxon echoed such sentiments, saying: "Lost him again...for bang on 20 years Syd led me to better places. From my agape 17-year-old first listen to 'Bike' to, just the other day, 'Jugband Blues.' Languished in his noise...dreamt in his night...stared at his eyes for answers..."
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