Watch: Noel Fielding unveils paintings in tribute to his idol Syd Barrett
Noel Fielding has released a series of paintings in homage to his idol, Syd Barrett.
Noel Fielding has unveiled a series of paintings in homage to his idol Syd Barrett.
To coincide with the release of Pink Floyd's Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Pts. 1-9, New Stereo Mix), the British funnyman and artist has channelled his personal admiration for the late frontman of the legendary prog rock band into unique artwork.
Newly mixed in stereo by James Guthrie, the 25-minute epic - which was originally released in two parts - is set to be released as part of the 50th Anniversary edition of their seminal album, Wish You Were Here, out December 12.
Fielding commented: “I was pretty young when my affinity with Pink Floyd and Syd started. I remember going to the library and hiring the tape of The Piper at the Gates of Dawn when I was 12. And I just was like, ‘What's this?’ It blew my mind. I couldn't believe it.
"When I started doing stand up it was all very whimsical. I was always trying to write like I was Syd Barrett. I liked his style, I liked his walk, I liked the way he talked. Shine On You Crazy Diamond is such a beautiful tribute to him.
"What's amazing about Pink Floyd, especially with Wish You Were Here, is that the artwork was as good as the music. When you're 12 and you're seeing two guys shaking hands, one of them's on fire, you’re thinking ‘what?!’ And the music goes exactly with that as well; it’s perfectly in sync with the visuals, with the weird surrealism. And that's all very Syd Barrett. It could be the 70s, but it could be 2040. It's the future and the past at the same time. It is a masterpiece, that album cover, and that album. It's a masterpiece. And it's based on Syd Barrett, who is a walking masterpiece.”
Wish You Were 50 boasts 25 bonus tracks and 16 live recordings from Pink Floyd’s Los Angeles Sports Arena concert on April 26, 1975.
The new release of Shine On You Crazy Diamond comes after a poem inspired by Wish You Were Here and in ode to Barrett was shared by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.
Dear Pink Floyd "pays homage" to Barrett's "creativity".
