Syd Barrett, founder of Pink Floyd, dies (npc)

[Keith <kaj22>]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060711/ap_on_en_mu/obit_barrett

Syd Barrett, founder of Pink Floyd, dies 

LONDON - 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 b who declined to give her name until
the band made an official announcement b confirmed
media reports that he had died. She said Barrett died
several days ago, but she did not disclose the cause
of death. Barrett had suffered from diabetes for many
years.

Barrett co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 with 
David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Rick Wright, 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" b largely written by Barrett, who
also played guitar b was a commercial and critical
hit.

However, Barrett suffered from mental instability,
exacerbated by his use of LSD. His behavior grew
increasingly erratic, and he left the group in 1968 b
five years before the release of Pink Floyd's most
popular album, "Dark Side of the Moon." He was
replaced by David Gilmour.

Barrett released two solo albums b "The Madcap Laughs"
and "Barrett" b but soon withdrew from the music
business altogether.

He spent much of the rest of his life living quietly
in his hometown of Cambridge, England, where he was a
familiar figure, often seen cycling or walking to the
corner store.

Despite his brief career, Barrett's fragile, wistful
songs influenced many musicians, from David
Bowie b who covered the Barrett track "See Emily Play"
b to the other members of Pink Floyd, who recorded the
album "Wish You Were Here" as a tribute to their
troubled bandmate.

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