PINK FLOYD - SYD BARRETT DIES

SYD BARRETT DIES

Former PINK FLOYD frontman SYD BARRETT has died from complications relating to diabetes at the age of 60. The former singer had lived a reclusive life since suffering a LSD-induced breakdown at the height of the band's fame in the 1960s. He left the band in 1968, just three years after frontman ROGER WATERS invited him to join, and was replaced as frontman by DAVID GILMOUR. His brother ALAN today (11JUL06) confirmed Barrett died last Friday (07JUL06) at his home in Cambridgeshire, England. He says, "He died peacefully at home. There will be a private family funeral in the next few days." A statement on behalf of the band says: "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." Barrett wrote many of Pink Floyd's most famous hits, including SEE EMILY PLAY. In 1975 Roger Waters wrote SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND - a nine-part composition - in Barrett's honour. It was sung by Gilmour and includes the line, "Remember when you were young, You shone like the sun. Shine on you crazy diamond. Now there's a look in your eyes, Like black holes in the sky. Shine on you crazy diamond."