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http://www.last.fm/user/luisrojas · by **Hitman** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:01 am

Pink Floyd legend Syd Barrett dies

Musician a major influence on British psychedelia

Tuesday, July 11, 2006; Posted: 10:23 a.m. EDT (14:23 GMT)

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Syd Barrett, who founded Pink Floyd but later lived as a recluse, has died at the age of 60, according to a spokeswoman for the band.

A spokeswoman for Pink Floyd told the Press Association: "He died very peacefully a couple of days ago. There will be a private family funeral."

The singer and guitarist, born Roger Keith Barrett, wrote many of the early hits for the avant-garde rock band, including the 1967 album "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" and the band's first hit singles, "Arnold Layne" and "See Emily Play."

His behavior became erratic, though, and he left the band in 1968. He was replaced by David Gilmour, who had joined the band as its fifth member earlier that year.

Barrett also put out two noted solo albums, "The Madcap Laughs" and "Barrett," both in 1970.

In 1975, during the recording of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" album, Barrett showed up unannounced at the studio -- ironically, during the recording of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," a song about him. He had become overweight and shaved his eyebrows; the other members didn't recognize him at first.

Much of British psychedelic music was influenced by Barrett, and a number of musicians have credited him, according to Allmusic.com.

Barrett had since lived in anonymity in the eastern English city of Cambridge.

The spokeswoman said a low-key, private funeral would be held. She did not disclose the cause of death.