Wednesday, July 07, 2010

"Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd



The song Shine On You Crazy Diamond was first composed by Pink Floyd for their 1975 concept album Wish You Were Here; it was intended as a tribute to founding member Syd Barrett - whose life had gone awry thanks as much to his inability to cope with fame as to his heroic appetite for LSD - and whose struggle provided the album's thematic basis. The accompanying video is derived from the band's 1995 film Pulse. While Barrett officially left the band in 1968, he contributed with his old bandmates Roger Waters, Richard Wright, Nick Mason, and his replacement David Gilmour (et al.) on this, their first notable reunion since going their separate ways.

The phrase Wish You Were Here took on a deeper meaning on this day in 2006, which was arguably the second time Syd Barrett died; while I would never suggest to anyone that they should drop a hit of acid, I might say that if they're Pink Floyd fans they should remember him today in whatever way they feel is appropriate, and that if it involves the taking of drugs then to please use them in the least Syd Barrett-y way possible. Thanks.
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1 comment:

Seumas Gagne said...

It's true that I despise Pink Floyd. I find them universally depressing - maybe I'm hearing some echo of Syd Barrett's misery. Ick Ick.