SYD BARRETT

In the mid-1960s, psychedelic and progressive rock was emerging in the underground clubs in London. In 1965, Pink Floyd formed. By 1967, Syd Barrett, its co-founder, brought a breath of fresh air with Arnold Layne and See Emily Play. EMI noticed the band that was rooted in Cambridge. That same year Floyd found themselves at the Abbey Road studios where the Beatles were finishing Sgt Pepper at the time. The dawn of a new era emerged with Floyd's influential debut album Piper at the Gates of Dawn. 

Alas! All good stories have a twist or two. Before the 'Piper' reached the 'gates of dawn', in the darkness, he was 'caught in the crossfire of childhood and stardom'. 'The door was locked'. 'The key was thrown away'. 'There was someone in Syd's head who wasn't Syd anymore'. The 'Brain Damage' forced Syd to leave Floyd. His psychedelic colours had become 'Obscured by Clouds'. He came back in 1970 with his 'irregular head' for one last hurrah. With the help of his band mates, he recorded the albums The Madcap Laughs and Barrett. Then like the 'Golden Hair' by James Joyce, Syd returned to Cambridge. He became Roger Barrett once more. 'His book was closed'. 'He read no more'. 'Watching the fire dance', 'he left his book'. 'He left his room'. 

Ten years after his death on July 7, 2006, one can't fail to ask the two questions: why was Syd Barrett so special? Why did he choose to let it all go? 

The Beatles and the Stones started by imitating the rhythm and blues and rock n roll of 1950s' America. Both also imitated the accents, making them sound more American than British. British sensibility, romanticism, and the non-sense of Lewis Carroll were absent in their lyrics. The beats and tunes didn't resemble British folk music. British bands were to develop an identity of their own. This changed in 1965 with the Revolver album of the Beatles. The lyrics started to narrate the British psyche. In between Beatles' Revolver (1965) and Sgt Pepper (1967), Pink Floyd was slowly surfacing. There were other bands doing the same. Why did Pink Floyd shine better than others? It was because of Syd Barrett. 

The moment you hear Arnold Layne and See Emily Play you feel British sensibility and romanticism. The music composition is folkie, while Syd's accent makes it sound so English. Floyd's initial songs were also different because they were playful and youthful with the non-sense of Lewis Carroll in songs like 'Bike', 'The Gnome', 'Chapter 24', and 'The Scarecrow'. Syd excelled in two more areas. His voice harmonises with the music, tunes and the instruments. His compositions were different because he was an art student. He knew how to abstract feelings with colours. Now he was just doing so with notes. 

The rest is history. Syd left Floyd and left music forever. However, Floyd didn't leave Syd. If it wasn't for Syd, his legacy and his genius, there would never have been 'The Dark Side of the Moon', 'Wish You Were Here', and 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond'. Add to that, a loosely defined 'Pinkie' in 'The Wall'. 

Syd was an artiste at heart. He wanted to be happy in his world. The razzmatazz and the dark world of commercial music wasn't his cup of tea. He returned home to Cambridge. He said goodbye to his past. In the loving care of his mother and later his sister, Roger Barrett became a painter once again, returning back to the playful and youthful soul that started in Cambridge and left us from Cambridge. The 'Madcap' chose the chime of the 'Division Bell' not heard. He chose the happiness of childhood over stardom. Not too many people can do so. This is why Syd Barrett 'shines on, like a crazy diamond'.

Asrar Chowdhury teaches economic theory and game theory in the classroom. Outside he listens to music and BBC Radio; follows Test Cricket; and plays the flute. He can be reached at: asrar.chowdhury@facebook.com