Thursday, October 25, 2007

Song for the Lunatic

And if the cloud bursts, thunder in your ear
You shout and no one seems to hear
And if the band you’re in starts playing different tunes
I’ll see you on the dark side of the moon

[Taken from Brain Damage, Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon]

What would he have felt when he saw his own creation slipping out of his hand? What would he have thought when the band started selling platinum albums without him? He created the genius and could not be part of it for long. But he would not have been in a state of mind to ask such questions. He had transcended into another domain. He became what we call 'Lunatic'.

Syd Barrett's story is full of such sad questions. Gilmour has always been very respectful towards Syd's legacy and in every concert or interview he acknowledges Syd's genius. You are immortal Syd. Millions of thanks for creating Pink Floyd.

3 comments:

Tapasya said...

I wonder if Syd Barrett should really be called a recluse and a lunatic. I wonder what went wrong with him. No one seems to know for sure- while some call him a drug addict, others feel he had psychological problems. Whatever be the thing, he was a great artist and the success and value of the brand as well as the band "Pink Floyd" go to him. And he still breathes in his music, and asks us PF fans questions like: "Wouldn't you miss me at all?"

Sometimes, when you see lives of great artistes, you see the phases of success and pain distinctly. There's much more to the world than we can see.

Gandalf said...

But in my personal opinion, I regard Gilmour as the best of all. His tunes, his voice and guitar playing skills are legendary. I am actually glad he was included in the band. Without him, PF would have been less accessible with Waters' abstruse lyrics only. It is the Gilmour's charming musical notes which take their music to new heights.

Tapasya said...

I have very limited knowledge about PF and other similar bands. You know much better, and I take your word on it. :)
The Waters vs. Gilmour debate has been a big one, as far as I have heard.