Round-up
Last week was a miserable one and, for obvious reasons, nothing seemed to matter very much.
We’re going to move on now, but first, in case you’ve missed anything, here’s a brief round-up of what I would have reported in more detail last week were it not for the tragic news about Syd.
There’s now a seating plan for the Venice concert. Please see the Live Dates page for the plan in PDF format.
You’ll also see ticket details for the Gdańsk concert on the Live Dates page. That’s going to be an amazing show. David will have a 38-piece orchestra behind him, conducted by Zbigniew Preisner.
As we were discussing the ‘P.U.L.S.E’ DVD (yes, we’re spelling it this way from now on), we’ve added a poll for you to cast your vote and let us know how you rate it. There’ll be a new poll added on a regular basis. Please see the Stuff & Nonsense page for that.
David’s first two solo albums have been delayed. They’re now out on 14 and 15 August in Europe and North America respectively. Please note that the various fansites are incorrect in stating that there will be extra tracks. There is no bonus material included with these albums.
Lastly, a few words in response to certain comments received last week.
Above all, our deep thanks once again for the great many kind, thoughtful and incredibly moving messages that were left. They were vastly appreciated and responsible for plenty of tears.
But frankly I have been sickened by the number of people who have used this forum – and, more importantly, Syd’s name – to insensitively and shamelessly push their own agenda, be it advertising their tribute act, plugging their website or banging on about a Pink Floyd reunion.
I don’t care if it was for the sake of a charitable cause. It was the wrong time and the wrong place and I strongly object to a space set up in Syd’s memory, purely for people who cared about him to pay their respects (not people merely seizing an opportunity to tell David what he ought to be doing to save the world), being targeted and bombarded with demands.
You are, of course, free to tell us how you will honour Syd’s memory if you want to. But don’t tell us what you think David, or the other members of Pink Floyd, should be doing. That is for them to decide, not fans who so desperately want to see a reunion, they don’t care how it comes about.
For God’s sake, have and show some respect. We have lost the man who gave the world the band you claim to love so much. Is a concert of any importance?
Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but there’s a time and a place to express it. To start spewing out the usual tired demands last week was wholly inappropriate and, on behalf of anyone with a heart and more than half a brain, I say shame on you for not realising it.
Well said, FEd!
good on you, ed!
these greedy, repulsive people make me sick. the ‘irreglars’ are right behind you on this one.
shine on, syd.
i missed the blog over the weekend. glad it’s back. i’m off to vote on the ‘p.u.l.s.e’ dvd now.
Well you had it coming. Some of the blogs I saw gave me a sharp intake of breath.
Fed, this statement summed it up for me:
[show some respect. We have lost the man who gave the world the band you claim to love so much. Is a concert of any importance?]
I was deliberately up early yesterday morning and listened to each and every Pink Floyd tune from the 67/68 period whilst sat in the back garden watching the birds, having my toast.
That was my simple tribute to Syd. It was wonderful. And I will regularly continue to do this.
Pete – Coventry
My band mates and I have decided to honour the Great Man by performing our own version of ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ at our next gig.
We decided to do it as our ‘send off’ of sorts to a man who has inspired us to create and go our own way.
Shine on Syd, wherever you may be.
I have been moved for the first time to get in contact. I enjoy this site so much that i feel i just had to post to say i agree 100% with your comments Ed.
Please people think of others feelings first and stop being so selfish.
[Thank you, Simon. I appreciate that. - Features Editor]
Thanks Fed for a forum that allowed us to spare a thought and a message for Syd, and well done for saying what most of us where thinking when reading some of the blogs from last week it was like waiting for your uncle to die and straight away asking what time the will is getting read at
i have lost close friends to me recently and its a very personal time of grief (well it was for me) i imagine Roger,Dave,Rick and nick are grieving in there own way wich i imagine is private and not up on a stage waving a guitar about
come on guys as Fed rightly says we are supposed to love this band and like any relationship Respect comes with love , so does timing, so no more agendas please
enjoy p.u.l.s.e for now watch Shine on You crazy…. on there and spend 10 plus mins remembering our Syd, love and respect Syd
Got to agree 100% with your comments, FEd – nobody has the right to instruct any of Syd’s former colleagues as to how or what they should do to honour his memory or otherwise. Let the man rest in peace!!!
Hello FEd, hello everyone
I’m really sad to know that the moment of memory became something wrong, and I’m sad you feel so angry, FEd. And David and the others too. As one of the people who write on this blog, I’d like beg pardon to Syd, his family, David, you and the others Pink Floyd members for the wrong words…maybe not all were bad intentions..but I understand and agree with all you said. Sorry, mates….
And I watched PULSE and I can say that I understand very well why David decided to leave stadiums for his concert…the great machine of music can be so wonderful but also very scared and suffocating. Even if I have to admit that I’d have liked to go to one of those Pink Floyd’s show! My sister and my brother in law were in there, in Rome, in 1994…and they always told how much fantastic it was. But, I repeat, the reason David decided to change is clear, I think! “Life is much more than money” and of millions of people who scream your name too…
L!
FEd and the entire Pink Floyd family:
Very well put and how awful that it was even necessary for you to have to express this. Tact is something we all need to exercise, beside putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and thinking about how you would feel in the same situation. The Barrett family and the Pink Floyd family, even tho heavily in the public eye, are first and foremost human beings with a need for a time of privacy and a life, especially at this time. How awful to think that they are not even allowed the normal grieving process just because we are so needy of their time. How could David and the rest of the Floyd be expected to put up that so called ‘stiff upper lip’ and go out and give a concert in the midst of morning a loss. Wow, I can not even imagine the selfishness of that request. I am sorry that you had to even ask this. I know you will have many many bloggers today who will be in complete agreement with you.
And I salute and commend the massive and sensitive job done by all the Gilmour organization thoughout this very sad time. Thank you for allowing us to be able to post our thoughts on the loss of Syd.
Now I hope that the familys all have their chance to get to grieve. After all, we are merely fans, and not friends and family. We can, and do, adore from out here. But all of you had the real experience of being friends for years. Bless you all.
I thought alot about Syd this weekend and played “Piper” over and over again. Funny thing, picking up my kids from soccer or karate or a sleep over they really enjoyed “Lucifer Sam”, “Flaming” and “Bike”. They were truly saddened when I told them that Syd had passed on but still could muster up a smile at the line, “You can’t see me, but I can you” because they could identify with the child~like mischievousness of the lyric.
Some 39 years later Syd is still gaining a new audience with his songs. I think that speaks volumes about his unique talents as well as his enduring legacy.
Thanks for sticking up for our friend, F*Ed
~Matt~
Well said.
I agree with your comments as well. This is a period of reflection, mourning and dealing with Syd’s departure from our Earth. We shouldn’t be using these circumstances for our own gains or for making inappropriate statements.
With this in my I was sickened when I logged onto Ebay a couple of nights ago. Usually there anywhere between 50-90 or so items up when you search under Syd’s name but now there are over 500 items up and this really disgusts me.
Profiteering from someone’s passing is the ultimate form of disrespect and greed. Let’s all do these jerks a favor and not bid on anything they’re selling in the name of Syd Barrett. Let Syd’s legacy be carried on respectably and not disgraced by a gang of grave robbers!
[What the cretins who bark loudest of all for the sake of a reunion are too stupid to realise is that, were David to announce a reunion/benefit concert tomorrow, then he too would be accused by some of profiteering from Syd's passing. The man can't win. - Features Editor]
Very well said. I’m sure that the messages you refer to were not published and hope they were not too upsetting or infuriating for you and all who may have seen them. Why these people feel the need, or feel they have the right, to make demands is beyond me. Thank you for not publishing them. Those that we got to see were very moving indeed and I’m sure that many people were comforted by them. It’s just a shame that there always has to be this idiot minority giving the fans a bad name. As you said, shame on them. I hope they feel ashamed for putting their crazy greed before our Crazy Diamond.
[It certainly was a minority, Luis. There were far, far more messages of sympathy, support, respect and admiration (and there would have been many more had we not decided to close the blog for the weekend). We've been so incredibly touched by them all. Thank you, everyone, for leaving a message. Each one meant something. There were too many unsuitable ones for my liking, and that saddens me, but they are quite insignificant when compared to all the others. They weren't published because, frankly, they weren't worthy of a place alongside such heartfelt sincerity. I don't like meaningless bullshit or fickle tokens of concern at times of emotion, and I hate to see something pure and great being dirtied by what I consider to be muck. Good riddance to them, I say. They are not welcome here and neither are the pricks responsible. - Features Editor]
- Shine on Crazy SYD -
Sergio Carvalho Filho.
Dear FEd
Hear, hear!!
Very, very well put, dear Fed. I was also strucken by the fact that the online cd shops seem to collectively raised the prices on the mr. Barrett albums…….sickening.
I also noticed that on one site you were quoted (i think it was about leaving the family and friends alone to say their goodbyes) as being mr. Gilmour himself. That put a brief smile on my face….
You will be remembered forever, Syd……
[Amateurs... - Features Editor]
Using the mental breakdown of your founding member for lyrics and profit isn’t very nice either.
[Please show me just one half-decent artist who hasn't used his life experience and emotion in his art and I'll stop thinking of you as a stroppy tosser. - Features Editor]
Hello FEd, I was sad to read that some people were being so insensitive and selfish. It must have been very difficult to read those type of self serving posts. Makes you wonder how some people tick doesn’t it?!
Still there were some lovely tributes to Syd weren’t there.
Phew it’s hot at the moment and set to get hotter they say!!
I’m nearly stripped down to my On an Island Underpants it’s so warm here in the UK (feel free to block any mental image that may have just occurred)
Keep up the great work FEd we appreciate it
)
[Thanks, mate. For the compliment, I mean, not the mental image. - Features Editor]
I’m thankful for all that’s been brought by all Floyd-members over the years. It’s a precious gift an a valuable addition to my being. I admire all persons behind the band for their unbelievable creativity and I deeply respect them.
Fed,
How right you are to publish your comments about those who posted inappropriate comments at this particularly sensitive time for Mr.& Mrs. Gilmour, other Floyd band members, associates, fans etc.
We are particularly fortunate that David has gone to an awful lot of trouble and expense in providing a first class web-site, with superb and friendly feedback opportunities.
What we all need to remember, is that what has been given can also be taken away. Also, our Features Editor has to read all the crap as well as the good stuff, and he doesn’t deserve that.
Vince Carr in London.
Well said FEd… and Im sure all of the true Floyd/Gilmour fans would agree with every single word you said…
I’m glad that was said Fed. I was thinking it myself. I was kind of wondering why you weren’t saying things on people’s post or just deleting them out right . .oh that’s right YOU HAVE RESPECT. Allowing people to express what they need to in such a difficult time. Thanks again for all you do and for saying what needed to be said
I listened to “Piper” & “Wish You Were Here” a lot this weekend. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to listen to a PF song without thinking of our dear ole Syd.
~Erin
I agree. “The Floyd” have their own lives. Being famous is their career. When I am home from work I wish to be home. Although I wish that I had a time-machine to experience those concerts I was to young (or not even born) for, it is not my place to demand anything from the band. I love their contributions to the world in art and music.
Blessings to their families, Shine on Syd, and thank you for being so kind to even have a forum.
When I got to the first few inappropriate posts, I had to stop reading them. It’s a shame.
My own small tribute was taking my 1 year old son with me to a nice “santuary” I have in the woods near my home. We drove my 4-wheeler to the spot and I put on the Madcap Laughs cd and we listened to it in peace and privacy.
I closed my eyes and imagined the Syd from the late 60s sitting in the passenger seat and pretending to have a conversation with him. I can’t imagine what that really would have been like, but in my mind, it was something magical.
I rated the P.U.L.S.E. DVD as very good. The 5.1 sound is mind blowing, and the picture is so clear. Everyone looks quite a bit younger. hehe
Thanks Fed for saying what a lot of us probably were thinking.
–Tim
couldn´t agree more. it´s a sad world, isn´t it?
Dear FED:
Just for interest’s sake, this is a column from Saturday’s copy of Toronto’s biggest daily newspaper. The columnist’s father was a classmate of Syd Barrett.
The link will only be valid until Friday, I think.
He has an interesting perspective, all his opinion of course.
[Thanks for that, Andrew. He doesn't know his David Gilmour from his Roger Waters, though. - Features Editor]
Just goes to show how very sick this world can be. It is not only here either, there are a lot of message boards with the same crap going on, but I guess this really takes the biscuit as this is one of the few ‘official’ pf related places where joe soap can make comments.
speaking of shameless acts, I have noticed p.u.l.s.e. file share files knocking around, won’t mention the name as it may contribute to the problem. No not very nice at all.
Chin up everone, at least things can’t get any worse (touch wood).
At least the sun is shining!
don’t forget yer factor 15!
Ripper
I listened to all Syd’s songs that I have, am planning to listen to Wish you Were Here as well.
I simply can’t believe what some people have told you to do, its just not the right time or place. Well said with this entry it gets it spot on.
[What the cretins who bark loudest of all for the sake of a reunion are too stupid to realise is that, were David to announce a reunion/benefit concert tomorrow, then he too would be accused by some of profiteering from Syd's passing. The man can't win. - Features Editor]
I’m surprised everyday more of your deep wisdom! You know my words are honest
L!
[Bless you. - Features Editor]
I got on my bike and rode it. I will be doing this much more.
Top-Shelf job FEd. We love you.
[Stop! My head is getting really big here. - Features Editor]
I agree with you ED. Syd’s loss is our loss even if he wasn’t the man he use to be. The reason Pink Floyd exist, The Diamond & I for one feel the Floyd have done there thing it’s time for people to show respect & remember Syd in the right way. Time for people to stop being utterly selfish.
Ciarán
Fed,
I’m sure that you had a terribly busy, frustrating week. Be sure that your tireless efforts are appreciated by the vast majority of the regulars here.
Why is it that so many “fans” believe that an artist owes them something, or is obligated to listen to what those “fans” believe is the right/wrong thing for that artist to do? How selfish to believe that we have the right to tell them what to do, when we claim to enjoy their work soooo much…
Come on, people! Mr. Gilmour owes us nothing. In fact, we are in his debt for sharing with us his phenomenal talent, and we should content ourselves with appreciating what he decides to give us, when he decides to give it to us!
My thanks to Mr. Gilmour, et al, for the amazing catalog of inspired works. My thanks, also, to you, Fed, for your work on our behalf.
Dear FetEd
“But frankly I have been sickened by the number of people who have used this forum – and, more importantly, Syd’s name – to insensitively and shamelessly push their own agenda, be it advertising their tribute act, plugging their website or banging on about a Pink Floyd reunion.”
Well said and I completely agree.
Just to say that I for one do not want the tasteless antics of a few to spoil what on the whole is a brilliant web site and blog. Please keep faith that the majority of us are sincere!
Best regards
Julian, Aylusbury. UK
[There's no danger of that, Julian. Almost all of the people who got up my nose with their worrying lack of tact have never posted before and probably didn't even stick around long enough to find out whether or not their posts were even published. Many were posting because certain sites suggested that it would be a good way of appealing directly to David. They were wrong. Deleting rubbish is just too easy. - Features Editor]
It’s a shame it had to be said but well put FEd and hope you managed a few glorious rays of sunshine this past weekend.
Now, if you consider it a suitable time to return to things a little on the lighter side of life I have a story for you (with accompanying picture).
On Saturday I decided to forgo the intended chores and made an early start doing absolutely nothing, sat in my local park with a good book and the obligatory iPod. Come lunchtime I feel the need for some liquid refreshment & so I decided to head into town. My route takes me past the magnificent Abbey here in St Albans and as it’s been a while since I last visited I thought I’d take another walk round inside, being as it was nice & cool.
Part-way through my walk around, I spot a small area cordened off that seems to be just a store room with tables, chairs etc. but what caught my eye were a couple of items in the far corner, items not unfamiliar to us here.
Eyeballs. Two of them. A pair.
What the heck they were doing in the Abbey, I have no idea. I might just have to pay them another visit during a lunch break or next weekend, I think.
CJD
[Spooky! - Features Editor]
dittos Fed………..
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and being strong with your words, FEd…’couldn’t agree more. Parts of his life were sad and his death is sad. It’s time now to celebrate the good times.
Peace.
[Indeed. - Features Editor]
Dearest F’Ed,
Firstly, I agree wholeheartedly with everything you have said. I was disgusted by comments suggesting David do this or that. It seemed a bit self serving so that someone might claim credit for something that might happen in the future. I can only imagine the posts I didn’t get to read due to your fine editing. You must have shared quite a burden last week.
Secondly, I just want to thank you for conducting last weeks blog with class and respect for Syd Barrett. This was the only site on the web that offered a place for people to share their condolences for Syd Barrett and doing so with so much class and dignity. That Syd’s blog continued without much banter between most of us bloggers and yourself was the absolute finest manner it could have taken.
As you said, Syd has been dead to us for some 35 years now. Roger Barrett, a private human being who none of us know, was entitled to live and die as he and his family saw fit. They owe us nothing. Nor do the remaining members of the band.
Thank you for providing this space for us.
Michael
[Thanks very much for that, mate. - Features Editor]
I think many people forget that Roger Barrett didn’t want anything to do with Pink Floyd or the name Syd.
So we should respect that.
[That's a fair point. - Features Editor]
Well put fed, although I’m not sure what it will take to stop some jumping on the bandwagon but at least you put them in their place.
I was in Hull yesterday for a wedding and we drove out to the coast, on the way we went past a little place called Arnold and subsequantly we found Arnold Lane, and after having a couple of pics taken with it we returned to the car and mused about Syd and listened to some records.
It was really nice hearing different peoples opinions and memories just like a real life Blog and so I thought I’d share it with you here.
B Smith
Excuse me mate but…have you ever written a letter? Have you ever written a note? Or even face to face, have you ever said to a person that you miss her/him? That you love her/him? Pink Floyd used their art to say to their friend (who they couldn’t meet) that he was and he continued to be very a important friend of theirs. I can’t believe you don’t understand that! And I think that Pink Floyd would have sold millions of copies of “wish you were here” even if they haven’t used lyrics for Syd. Because the album is wonderful the same. In fact Pink Floyd have sold millions of copies with the others album where Syd wasn’t named.
Pink Floyd didn’t need to used Syd because they played fantastic music. They wrote those songs, in my opinion, because they need to communicate with Syd and celebrate their friendship. You know David (and the others, if I remember well) has helped Syd to record his two solo albums? Maybe this is friendship and not the way to use a friend to make money with his illness.
I think you should think more about your words.
At the end, I will be very honoured if someone would sing and write for me as wonderful words and music like Pink Floyd have done for Syd. And I think Syd has been happy to know their friends still loved him.
Sorry for my english, but I’m sure you can understand
Think again and let we know!
L!
Fed, you are right, it is a very sad moment….
by the way, thank you for the Venice map. Now i know were i will be seating….(actually not a very nice place, having purchased ticket the first day…however….)
The most important thing is that i am having the chance to see David again. I feel lucky for that.
Hope there will be some moment to think about Syd, all fans together in the magic venue of Piazza San Marco, Syd will be there!
[I'm sorry to hear that you don't have a great seat. I was thinking of you when we finally got the map we'd been asking for. - Features Editor]
“Using the mental breakdown of your founding member for lyrics and profit isn’t very nice either.”
[Please show me just one half-decent artist who hasn't used his life experience and emotion in his art and I'll stop thinking of you as a stroppy tosser. - Features Editor]
GOOD GRIEF! they’re still at it then FEd! I think the heat has just cooked what’s left of his/her brain.
Obviously doesn’t understand the few songs they did write about Syd were wonderful heartfelt tributes to him and Syd still received the royalties for his songs.
And if whoever wrote this dribble knew what they were talking about, David has said they made sure Syd was taken care of.
To see they cared very much for Syd is obvious if you care to pull your head out of your arse.
hmmm….Colin. There was a white rabbit too? Because I can’t believe it really exist! Maybe you fell in the hole for the wonderworld! Too much strange! A little scary too, it seems! a strange blue light under the door…a bike, on the left? and also stairs, on the left…don’t go again, colin…it could be dangerous!
Have a great evening, my dears!
L!
Well said Fed, Unfortunately we have seen the “human” face of life – thats more sad than “losing” people and thats whats makes living really “miserable”. Never ever let others get you down. Lets hold our heads high and lead by example, ignore the ignorant.
Ian Pearson
You go Lucia, gosh you and fed would be a great team.
Although I don’t feel mr Smith will be the sort to stick around for our replies but just a little prick with too much time on his hands and not enough manners nor respect, it begs belief why so many people in the world go around only to cause pain and never recieve any grief and yet those who bring so much to the world are lost, but then that’s the mystery of it all I suppose.
Hi, F.Ed,
[What the cretins who bark loudest of all for the sake of a reunion are too stupid to realise is that, were David to announce a reunion/benefit concert tomorrow, then he too would be accused by some of profiteering from Syd's passing. The man can't win. - Features Editor]
Absolutely. I agree 100% with everything you have written today. I imagine you wanted to hurl so many reeealy sharp Pointy Sticks at people. Or just hurl.
There are 945 posts on that day. I read over 900 of them. Most were honest and heartfelt expressions of loss and sadness. The rest of the “Hey Dave, how about a reunion” schmucks can go pack sand. What really blew me out of the water was it got worse after you specifically asked people not to go there. There was even a few that demanded David post something. What nerve.
Moving on, I laughed out loud when I read David’s albums’ release date getting moved……again. It’s not official ’til it’s on the shelves, I guess.
Caption Comp- David, trying a new brand of shirt, did not notice the dye bled when he put his shirt on…
Have a good day, all
Mike
[Using the mental breakdown of your founding member for lyrics and profit isn't very nice either. - B. Smith]
F’Ed and Lucia responded quite well and my first thought is, what more can be said. In a word:
SCHMUCK
Well…
My take on this…
Tim Willis’s interview with Syd’s sister Rosemary in The Sunday Times yesterday was VERY insightful. If anyone hasn’t read it then you can catch it at times online. Rosemary is insistent that her brother did not suffer from mental illness and that one of the main reasons he did not entertain talking to ‘fans’ and journalists was that
“he simply couldn’t understand the interest in something that had happened so long ago and he wasn’t willing to interrupt his own musings for their sake”.
Now please hear me out. I manage and (sometimes play in) a reasonably well known band myself. The reason I am telling you this is that I have first hand experience of the fact that of all the work my band have done in the past the band members NEVER listen to it again.
I was watching “Pulse” on the weekend and realised that it must have been something like the 1000th time or more (that is a lot think about it!) that I have listened to any of the ‘older’ tunes on it. The point is that we, as fans, treasure the work of people and sometimes get nostalgic for it BUT someone who has created it doesn’t often get nostalgic.
They want to create rather than recreate.
No amount of pressure from fans can change that either. If something doesn’t feel right it doesn’t feel right!
To quote Syd’s sister again when referring to his art
“He would photograph a particular flower and paint a large canvas from the photograph. Then he would make a photographic record of the picture before destroying the canvas. In a way, that was very typical of his approach to life. Once something was over, it was over. He felt no need to revisit it!”
Whilst not all creative people destroy their work alot of them will not revisit it. Even if they do, in the case of a musician, it is usually to find out what it sounds like as they have to play it again at a gig and the last time they listened to it was probably when they recorded it! We projected our own disappointment of his not making any more music on to him being reclusive and mentally ill when in actual fact Syd had just chosen to move on.
We must realise this when asking for ANOTHER reunion…
My band also has a member that left (and left in dire circumstances). We eventually got back with him a year ago for one gig near to where he now lives. Whilst it was nice to make up and be friendly again it isn’t something that we would want to go back to on a permanent basis. We have moved on.
The reason I am rambling on about all of this is that some of the people who were so inappropriate as to incur the wrath of our esteemed Feat. Ed. (and others) should realise that just because they want a reunion for their own reasons (yes even if it is just to shamelessly plug – how pathetic)… the people who could make that reunion a reality may not want it for reasons that are the exact opposite! You may also find that the last time some of them listened to something like Corporal Clegg for instance may have been in 1968!
Let David, Nick, Richard (and Roger) do what they want as no amount of petitioning is going to result in anything other than that anyway!
Sorry if I rambled on but it is something that I just wanted to get off my chest.
[Not at all. It's much appreciated, Lee. Thanks for that. The Sunday Times article can be found by clicking Lee's name below. - Features Editor]
Well said FEd. Nice to see you getting that off your chest, and no doubt seconded by all of us.
The news of Syd’s passing still hasn’t really sunk in, or maybe only now, a few days later, is the reality of it hitting home. I always held out hope that he might return to the public eye, albeit briefly, or maybe even an authorised biography written by someone close and trusted. With Syd’s passing SO much passes with him, and this is what really upsets me. There will always be his music but I (like so many others) yearned to understand more of Syd in the years between PF and last week. It’s this loss that keeps nagging at me.
I’d love to talk about the Pulse DVD but at the moment I don’t really feel like it….in a few days I’ll drop some thoughts down, but right now I’ve got the blues for Syd. I’m not even the world’s greatest early PF fan, or even his solo stuff (although “Baby Lemonade” is a fave), but it’s his importance to the musicians that I love that makes me sad.
Off to see RHCP at Earls Court tonight. Last time I was there was for the Pulse shows in 94. Also, spoke to the Teatre de Vienne booking office – all tickets are now for collection, so anyone travelling down to Lyon don’t expect to receive tickets in the post.
N
[Thanks for that, mate. - Features Editor]
It’s no good F’Ed I’m afraid you will have to put up with another irregular thanking you for putting certain people in their place.
As was pointed out just a few posts earlier, the root of all this insensitive, unthinking and selfish behaviour is this belief that so many have that an artist ‘owes’ us, the audience, anything. They demand the moon and when they don’t get it, the toys come out of the pram!
They don’t ‘owe’ us anything – got it?
Simple respect for each other seems to be dying out these days – just make sure you keep championing it F’Ed.
Thanks.
I just want to thank you for your hard work last week. I can imagine it was the last thing on your agenda to have to deal with five or more responses per minute on such an emotional issue. But please know for all your frustrations last week you’ve done more than any other single person to help us grieve and heal. And I’m not saying that to make your head even bigger, I’m saying it because it’s true. I for one feel better after reading all the testimonials.
And please do pass on our thanks to David and everyone else involved in his web site for allowing us to use his space to grieve.
[Thank you all for the kind words. Doesn't it make you smile knowing that so many people wanted to have their say? Never mind the nonsense that shouldn't be allowed to undermine the phenomenal response to the tragic news. Forget about that for now. The messages from people of all ages from all over the world, coming in thick and fast, show just what a massive impact he had on us in a tiny space of time. I think it was hard for everyone last week, but we should smile now. To be that loved, almost 40 years after stepping into the shadows - even though it seems that Roger didn't see the point in anyone celebrating 'Syd' and his old work - is simply amazing. He left one hell of a mark. To only focus on his memory last week was the very least we could do. - Features Editor]
Be positive, I believe there were 945 very nice comments…Forget about the other F****** selfish comments!
A tragic story came to a very sudden end. Lets remember the good years and also the good moments of the last 30 years…life always finds a way itself…
Ernest
(people seizing an opportunity to tell David what he ought to be doing to save the world)
suppose David could start wearing a costume for that?
Dearest FeD,
So sorry you had to deal with such filth from people.
I must say though you did a magnificent, nay SUPERHUMAN job editing the comments and presenting a tribute to Syd on the blog that was incredibly uplifting and moving. Bless you for that.
Bless you all at this site for putting up with such endless F&*#@#* squalor from people who present themselves as fans!
Peace
John
[As Ernest just said, 945 comments show that there's far more good than bad. - Features Editor]
Wow !!! Et moi, je suis ravie de retrouver notre Fed en si bonne forme…”Après la pluie, le beau temps”, please, keep on deligthing us with your comments, so sincere, so direct, so full of enthusiasm and warmth…I’m not joking, Fed, I have a deep respect for those who dare to say high and loud what they think.
Et la vie ne s’arrête pas, elle est trop belle pour ça !!! Syd pense peut-être ça de là-haut…
Michèle
[Merci. J'ai une bouche grande, non? Je ne peux pas rester tranquille quand je suis fâché. - Features Editor]
Just my little note. Syd was brilliant. He gave us music that inspires and encourages, that takes us along as it pushes boundaries of artistic exploration and experimentation. And his life also illustrates the fragility of human existence and the risks we take when pursuing positive goals that are larger than ourselves. His presence, however practically distant to most of us over his lifetime, will be missed. But of course the music endures and I think those of us who cared to have become a little closer to one another because of it.
And just want to thank David Gilmour, the blog, Fed, and all those involved with this site for giving us fans a forum to express our feelings.
Stephen, East Village, NYC
I am just as incensed about this. I cannot believe that people out there would utilize this time to push their own agendas. I’m not surprised by it, however, as I understand the human condition.
I am still stunned by the loss of Syd…the world will never be the same again. We are all going to miss you very much. Without you, there would be no Pink Floyd; without you, the world would not have been the same. So long Syd…I’ll be listening.
-David
Bravo, our fearless FEAT ED. Leader! With any major event even within the microcosim of an online community (such as this) it will always bring out both the best and unfortunatly the worst in its members. So kudos for you with dealing with both the heartfelt and the downright shameless. So peace be with you Syd, hope you find nothing but happiness.
Now on to other things:
Mainly P.U.L.S.E. the only word to summon it up is Extraordinary. I particulary like “Bootlegging the Bootleggers” it has a certain quaint intimate quality about it. Not that I condone bootlegging at all, it is dispicable and reprhensiable but that particular section was fun.
The video for “Take it Back” brought new meaning to the song for me and everyone should think about it in those terms from now on, I will be. Favorite tracks include: ALL OF THEM!!!! The doc on the road crew was amusing as well, On a quest for pints!!! Oh and the ball in CN was spectacular wish I could have been there live to see that.
Just one curious note though, was there some crowd editing done? I mean audience participation was at a minimum and at a huge venue like that you would think songs like “Wish You Were Here” would have everyone singing along with it, no? If there was some done it makes since but if not than I am truly amazed on all those people being subdued enough just to sit back and take in the show. Personally I would be geeking out of my mind.
On a last note,
I end with a humble request. Far be it for me to make one I know. David has provided so much for us already, no this isin’t a reunion request forget that. I would like to know if it would be possible to include the AOL sessions that David recently did on as bonus material for the OAI DVD. I know that it may seem a little redundent to have that since all of those tracks will most likely be included in the main concert. However they really are quite excellent and not everyone has a high speed connection so not everyone has been able to enjoy them. Along with the Q&A session I think it would make for servicable bonus stuff, don’t you? In any case, I’ll be happy with whatever is on that DVD and so will all the TRUE fans, but it is just a suggestion.
Feat Ed. keep up the fantastic work I know last week must have been difficult but, you handled it like a champ.
Until next time
Thank You very much indeed, Good night to you.
I totally agree with the Features Editor… it echoes my feels perfectly. I myself have been completely disgusted with the way some people have carried on.
Dear FED, maybe some of these people who want Pink Floyd to pay a tribute, (A NON FUNDABLE CONCERT) as in a concert open to the public or on t.v can watch. NOT FOR A PROFIT!!!!!
Not being qualified nor inclined to comment on any of what I’ve read here, I’ll simply leave a musical cocktail.
[great gig in the sky/Dark Side]/[(Song from the Thracian Plain)/(LE MYSTERE DES VOIX BULGARES)].
Good Day.
DEAR FEATURES EDITOR!!
Why would David Gilmour add Syd Barrett tracks to his set list, if he doesnt want to raise some extra money from Syd’s departure?
[Dano, if you knew anything about David, you'd know that those songs have been included on numerous setlists since long before Syd's departure. For example, throughout the 'On An Island' tour, the London and Paris shows of 2002, Meltdown 2001, the Dalai Lama/Tibet benefit of 1996... Call me crazy, but I always thought it was more about making Syd money, keeping interest in his music alive, paying tribute to an old friend... The same reason why so many of Syd's songs are on the 'Echoes' best-of compilation, in fact. David was the one who pushed for them to be included, don't forget. Now who looks silly? - Features Editor]
Any word on when the Tour jackets are going to be sold thru Anthill merchandising? Thx
[Not a word, sorry, but we can always ask again. - Features Editor]
F*Ed ~
I know this is a bit long, but it’s a wonderful chapter from my favorite book that deals with a loved one’s passing. It’s message of continuance is very comforting and since we are all “family” here I thought it would be appropriate…
GREAT GRANDMA
SHE WAS A WOMAN WITH A BROOM OR DUST PAN OR A WASHRAG OR A MIXING SPOON IN HER HAND. YOU SAW HER CUTTING PIECRUST IN THE MORNING, HUMMING TO IT, OR YOU SAW HER SETTING OUT THE BAKED PIES AT NOON OR TAKING THEM IN, COOL, AT DUSK. SHE RANG PORCELAIN CUPS LIKE A SWISS BELL RINGER, TO THEIR PLACE. SHE GLIDED THROUGH HALLS AS STEADILY AS A VACUUM MACHINE, SEEKING, FINDING AND SETTING TO RIGHTS.
SHE MADE MIRRORS OUT OF EVERY WINDOW, TO CATCH THE SUN. SHE STROLLED BUT TWICE THROUGH ANY GARDEN, TROWEL IN HAND, AND THE FLOWERS RAISED THEIR QUIVERING FIRES UPON THE WARM AIR OF HER WAKE. SHE SLEPT QUIETLY AND TURNED NO MORE THAN THREE TIMES IN A NIGHT, AS RELAXED AS A WHITE GLOVE TO WHICH, AT DAWN, A BRISK HAND WILL RETURN. WAKING, SHE TOUCHED PEOPLE LIKE PICTURES, TO SET THEIR FRAMES STRAIGHT.
BUT , NOW…?
“GRANDMA,” SAID EVERYONE.
“GREAT-GRANDMA”.
NOW IT WAS AS IF A HUGE SUM IN ARITHMETIC WERE FINALLY DRAWING TO AN END. SHE HAD STUFFED TURKEYS, CHICKENS, SQUABS, GENTLEMEN AND BOYS. SHE HAD WASHED CEILINGS, WALLS, INVALIDS, AND CHILDREN. SHE HAD LAID LINOLEUM, REPAIRED BICYCLES, WOUND CLOCKS, STOKED FURNACES, SWABBED IODINE ON TEN THOUSAND GRIEVOUS WOUNDS. HER HANDS HAD FLOWN ALL AROUND ABOUT AND DOWN, GENTLING THIS, HOLDING THAT, THROWING BASEBALLS, SWINGING BRIGHT CROQUET MALLETS, SEEDING BLACK EARTH, OR FIXING COVERS OVER DUMPLINGS, RAGOUTS, AND CHILDREN WILDLY STREWN BY SLUMBER. SHE HAD PULLED DOWN SHADES, PINCHED OUT CANDLES, TURNED SWITCHES, AND – GROWN OLD. LOOKING BACK ON THIRTY BILLIONS OF THINGS STARTED, CARRIED, FINISHED AND DONE, IT ALL SUMMED UP, TOTALED OUT; THE LAST DECIMAL WAS PLACED, THE FINAL ZERO SWUNG SLOWLY INTO LINE A SILENT HOUR BEFORE REACHING FOR THE ERASER.
“LET ME SEE NOW” SAID GREAT-GRANDMA. “LET ME SEE……..”
WITH NO FUSS OR FURTHER ADO, SHE TRAVELED THE HOUSE IN AN EVER-CIRCLING INVENTORY, REACHED THE STAIRS AT LAST, AND, MAKING NO SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT, SHE TOOK HERSELF UP THE THREE FLIGHTS TO HER ROOM WHERE, SILENTLY, SHE LAID HERSELF OUT LIKE A FOSSIL IMPRINT UNDER THE SNOWING COOL SHEETS OF HER BED AND BEGAN TO DIE.
AGAIN THE VOICES: “GRANDMA! GREAT-GRANDMA!”
THE RUMOR OF WHAT SHE WAS DOING DROPPED DOWN THE STAIRWELL, HIT, AND SPREAD RIPPLES THROUGH THE ROOMS, OUT THE DOORS AND WINDOWS AND ALONG THE STREET OF ELMS TO THE EDGE OF THE GREEN RAVINE.
“HERE NOW HERE!”
THE FAMILY SURROUNDED HER BED.
“JUST LET ME LIE,” SHE WHISPERED.
HER AILMENT COULD NOT BE SEEN IN ANY MICROSCOPE; IT WAS A MILD BUT EVER-DEEPENING TIREDNESS, A DIM WEIGHTING OF HER SPARROW BODY; SLEEPY; SLEEPIER; SLEEPIEST.
AS FOR HER CHILDREN AND HER CHILDREN’S CHILDREN-IT SEEMED IMPOSSIBLE THAT WITH SUCH A SIMPLE ACT, THE MOST LEISURELY ACT IN THE WORLD, SHE COULD CAUSE SUCH APPREHENSION.
“GREAT-GRANDMA, NOW LISTEN- WHAT YOU’RE DOING IS NO BETTER THAN BREAKING A LEASE. THIS HOUSE WILL FALL DOWN WITHOUT YOU. YOU MUST GIVE US AT LEAST A YEAR’S NOTICE!”
GREAT-GRANDMA OPENED ONE EYE.
NINETY YEARS GAZED CALMLY OUT AT HER PHYSICIANS LIKE A DUST-GHOST FROM A HIGH CUPOLA WINDOW IN A FAST EMPTYING HOUSE. “TOM…?”
THE BOY WAS SENT, ALONE, TO HER WHISPERING BED.
“TOM,” SHE SAID, FAINTLY, FAR AWAY, “IN THE SOUTHERN SEAS THERE’S A DAY IN EACH MAN’S LIFE WHEN HE KNOWS IT’S TIME TO SAY GOOD-BY AND SAIL AWAY, AND HE DOES, AND IT’S NATURAL-IT’S JUST HIS TIME. THAT’S HOW IT IS TODAY. I’M SO LIKE YOU SOMETIMES, SITTING THROUGH SATURDAY MATINEES UNTIL NINE AT NIGHT WHEN WE SEND YOUR DAD TO BRING YOU HOME. TOM, WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT THE SAME COWBOYS ARE SHOOTING THE SAME INDIANS ON THE SAME MOUNTAINTOP, THEN IT’S BEST TO FOLD BACK THE SEAT AND HEAD FOR THE DOOR, WITH NO REGRETS AND NO WALKING BACKWARD UP THE AISLE. SO, I’M LEAVING WHILE I’M HAPPY AND STILL ENTERTAINED”.
DOUGLAS WAS SUMMONED NEXT TO HER SIDE.
“GRANDMA, WHO’LL SHINGLE THE ROOF NEXT SPRING?”
EVERY APRIL FOR AS FAR BACK AS THERE WERE CALENDERS, YOU THOUGHT YOU HEARD WOODPECKERS TAPPING THE HOUSETOP. BUT NO, IT WAS GREAT-GRANDMA SOMEHOW TRANSPORTED, SINGING, POUNDING NAILS, REPLACING SHINGLES, HIGH IN THE SKY!
“DOUGLAS,” SHE WHISPERED, “DON’T EVER LET ANYONE DO THE SHINGLES UNLESS IT’S FUN FOR THEM.”
“YES’M”
“LOOK AROUND COME APRIL, AND SAY, “WHO’D LIKE TO FIX THE ROOF?’ AND WHICHEVER FACE LIGHTS UP IS THE FACE YOU WANT,DOUGLAS. BECAUSE UP THERE ON THAT ROOF YOU CAN SEE THE WHOLE TOWN GOING TOWARD THE COUNTRY AND THE COUNTRY GOING TOWARD THE EDGE OF THE EARTH AND THE RIVER SHINING, AND THE MORNING LAKE, AND BIRDS ON THE TREES DOWN UNDER YOU, AND THE BEST OF THE WIND ALL AROUND ABOVE. ANY ONE OF THOSE SHOULD BE ENOUGH TO MAKE A PERSON CLIMB A WEATHER VANE SOME SPRING SUNRISE. IT’S A POWERFUL HOUR, IF YOU GIVE IT HALF A CHANCE……….
HER VOICE SANK TO A FLUTTER.
DOUGLAS WAS CRYING.
SHE ROUSED HERSELF AGAIN. “NOW, WHY ARE YOU DOING THAT?”
“BECAUSE,” HE SAID, “YOU WON’T BE HERE TOMORROW.”
SHE TURNED A SMALL HAND MIRROR FROM HERSELF TO THE BOY. HE LOOKED AT HER FACE AND HIMSELF IN THE MIRROR AND THEN AT HER FACE AGAIN AS SHE SAID, “TOMMORROW MORNING I’LL GET UP AT SEVEN AND WASH BEHIND MY EARS; I”LL RUN TO CHURCH WITH CHARLIE WOODMAN; I’LL PICNIC AT ELECTRIC PARK; I’LL SWIM, RUN BAREFOOT, FALL OUT OF TREES, CHEW SPEARMINT GUM…..DOUGLAS, DOUGLAS, FOR SHAME! YOU CUT FINGERNAILS, DON’T YOU?”
“YES’M”
“AND YOU DON’T YELL WHEN YOUR BODY MAKES ITSELF OVER EVERY SEVEN YEARS OR SO, OLD CELLS DEAD AND NEW ONES ADDED TO YOUR FINGERS AND YOUR HEART. YOU DON’T MIND THAT, DO YOU?”
“NO’M”
“WELL, CONSIDER THEN, BOY. ANY MAN SAVES FINGERNAIL CLIPPINGS IS A FOOL. YOU EVER SEE A SNAKE BOTHER TO KEEP HIS PEELED SKIN? THAT’S ABOUT ALL YOU GOT HERE TODAY IN THIS BED IS FINGERNAILS AND SNAKE SKIN. ONE GOOD BREATH WOULD SEND ME UP IN FLAKES. IMPORTANT THING IS NOT THE ME THAT’S LYING HERE, BUT THE ME THAT’S SITTING ON THE EDGE OF THE BED LOOKING BACK AT ME, AND THE ME THAT’S DOWNSTAIRS COOKING SUPPER, OR OUT IN THE GARAGE UNDER THE CAR, OR IN THE LIBRARY READING. ALL THE NEW PARTS, THEY COUNT. I’M NOT REALLY DYING TODAY. NO PERSON EVER DIED THAT HAD A FAMILY. I’LL BE AROUND A LONG TIME. A THOUSAND YEARS FROM NOW A WHOLE TOWNSHIP OF MY OFFSPRING WILL BE BITING SOUR APPLES IN THE GUMWOOD SHADE. THAT’S MY ANSWER TO ANYONE ASKS BIG QUESTIONS! QUICK NOW, SEND IN THE REST!
AT LAST THE ENTIRE FAMILY STOOD, LIKE PEOPLE SEEING SOMEONE OFF AT A RAIL STATION, WAITING IN THE ROOM.
“WELL,” SAID GREAT-GRANDMA, “THERE I AM. I’M NOT HUMBLE, SO IT’S NICE SEEING YOU STANDING AROUND MY BED. NOW NEXT WEEK THERE’S LATE GARDENING AND CLOSET-CLEANING AND CLOTHES BUYING FOR CHILDREN TO DO. AND SINCE THE PART OF ME WHICH IS CALLED, FOR CONVENIENCE, GREAT-GRANDMA, WON’T BE HERE TO STEP IT ALONG, THOSE OTHER PARTS OF ME CALLED UNCLE BERT AND LEO AND TOM AND DOUGLAS, AND ALL THE OTHER NAMES, WILL HAVE TO TAKE OVER, EACH TO HIS OWN”.
“YES, GRANDMA.”
“I DON’T WANT ANY HALLOWEEN PARTIES HERE TOMORROW. DON’T WANT ANYONE SAYING ANYTHING SWEET ABOUT ME; I SAID IT ALL IN MY TIME AND MY PRIDE. I’VE TASTED EVERY VICTUAL AND DANCED EVERY DANCE; NOW THERE’S ONE TUNE I HAVEN’T WHISTLED. BUT I’M NOT AFRAID. I’M TRULY CURIOUS. DEATH WON’T GET A CRUMB BY MY MOUTH I WON’T KEEP AND SAVOR. SO DON’T WORRY OVER ME. NOW, ALL OF YOU GO, AND LET ME FIND MY SLEEP….”
SOMEWHERE A DOOR CLOSED QUIETLY.
“THAT’S BETTER.” ALONE, SHE SNUGGLED LUXURIOUSLY DOWN THROUGH THE WARM SNOWBANK OF LINEN AND WOOL, SHEET AND COVER, AND THE COLORS OF THE PATCHWORK QUILT WERE BRIGHT AS THE CIRCUS BANNERS OF OLD TIME. LYING THERE, SHE FELT AS SMALL AND SECRET AS ON THOSE MORNINGS EIGHTY-SOME-ODD YEARS AGO WHEN, WAKENING, SHE COMFORTED HER TENDER BONES IN BED.
A LONG TIME BACK, SHE THOUGHT, I DREAMED A DREAM, AND THAT WAS THE DAY I WAS BORN. AND NOW? NOW , LET ME SEE………..
SHE CAST HER MIND BACK. WHERE WAS I? SHE THOUGHT.
NINETY YEARS……..HOW TO TAKE UP THE THREAD AND THE PATTERN OF THAT LOST DREAM AGAIN? SHE PUT OUT A SMALL HAND.
THERE………YES, THAT WAS IT. SHE SMILED. DEEPER IN THE WARM SNOW HILL SHE TURNED HER HEAD UPON HER PILLOW. THAT WAS BETTER. NOW, YES, NOW SHE SAW IT SHAPING IN HER MIND QUIETLY, AND WITH A SERENITY LIKE A SEA MOVING ALONG AN ENDLESS AND SELF-REFRESHING SHORE. NOW SHE LET THE OLD DREAM TOUCH AND LIFT HER FROM THE SNOW AND DRIFT HER ABOVE THE SCARCE-REMEMBERED BED. DOWNSTAIRS, SHE THOUGHT, THEY ARE POLISHING THE SILVER, AND RUMMAGING THE CELLAR, AND DUSTING IN THE HALLS. SHE COULD HEAR THEM LIVING ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE.
“IT’S ALL RIGHT,” WHISPERED GREAT-GRANDMA, AS THE DREAM FLOATED HER. “LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE IN THIS LIFE, IT’S FITTING.”
AND THE SEA MOVED HER BACK DOWN THE SHORE.
RAY BRADBURY
DANDELION WINE
[Dano, if you knew anything about David, you'd know that those songs have been included on numerous setlists since long before Syd's departure. For example, throughout the 'On An Island' tour, the London and Paris shows of 2002, Meltdown 2001, the Dalai Lama/Tibet benefit of 1996... Call me crazy, but I always thought it was more about making Syd money, keeping interest in his music alive, paying tribute to an old friend... The same reason why so many of Syd's songs are on the 'Echoes' best-of compilation, in fact. David was the one who pushed for them to be included, don't forget. Now who looks silly? - Features Editor]
What’s the difference if they reunited to play his songs?
[There's no difference, but the point is that David has repeatedly said that he doesn't want a reunion. If he wants to, he can carry on playing Syd's songs without a reformed Pink Floyd sharing a stage with him. - Features Editor]
Fed, I really have enjoyed David’s web site. For the reason that I have always enjoyed the way David plays. I first saw him play in 1968 at the shrine in L.A.,Calif.and later in Portland, Oregon where I live. When David went solo, I went out and bought his album. It was great…
So as you can see I’m a great Fan. When I found out that David had his own web site, I had to check it out and I have read it every chance I get(If I’m not fishing or on vacation). I’m not really one who really cares to take part with writing to web sites. But I have always been a big fan of David Gilmour. For I love his music and the way he can play all sorts of guitars and even now the sax.
So what I’m trying to say is I really don’t care about any of these rumors, For this is Davids’ web site and I would be sad if it was shut down because of all the nonsense that has been said.
I hope David will keep writing great music and I hope to see him play again someday. Plus Fed, you have done a great job of keeping us informed and putting up with all the junk that has to be edit.
Thank You so much and God Bless,
Thomas
[A few determined, demanding fans won't be enough to get rid of us, don't worry about that! - Features Editor]
[What the cretins who bark loudest of all for the sake of a reunion are too stupid to realise is that, were David to announce a reunion/benefit concert tomorrow, then he too would be accused by some of profiteering from Syd's passing. The man can't win. - Features Editor]
I agree with you here too. If either David or the band did something immediately I would feel it was wrong. Right now we just need to mourn and come to terms with the loss. If David or any of the band felt moved to write something for or about Syd in the future it would be easier to accept because an amount of time would have passed and the they would’ve had the time to reflect and come to terms with this loss in their own way. Some musicians express these feeling or emotions in their music and some do not so it’s up to each of them to deal with Syd’s departure in their own heart. For now let’s take the time we all need to heal and let the future take care of itself when it arrives, however it may do so.
I totally agree with Ed. Despite everything fame has it’s obvious downsides. At a time like this who needs it hey? Some fans can’t see past the brand name – an unfortunate fact I am affraid.
In time, and when they want to and IF they want to, Syd’s friends and family, ex-bandamtes etc. will no doubt speak of him, share thoughts and may well ‘commemorate’ him in some way…..enough said.
As for P.U.L.S.E. – brilliant.
Dear Features Editor, Floyd Fans, Syd’s Family, and Pink Floyd.
In the previous blog I made the following comment:
“We’ll bask in the shadows of yesterdays triumphs, sail on the steel breeze forever Syd.
As a Pink Floyd fan I will be expecting the rest of the band to pay tribute to your legacy.”
By ‘pay tribute to your legacy’ I didnt mean a reunion/concert or a charity, all I meant was that I wanted them to put up quotes on their websites, as they did. I am very sorry if I offended anyone.
[That's OK, Darren. Your previous comment was posted. Those that were not caused offence, but thanks for clarifying that. - Features Editor]
there´s no better tribute than the legacy of music that pink floyd has…most of them with great influence from syd,the wall,wish you were here…in my opinion most of the people that are asking for a reunion for syd memory dont give a shit about what reasons can make the floyd to get together again…they just want that at any cost, most of them dont know nothing about syd and his work…The floyd, and even gilmour and waters in solo works have been inspired by syd, and they are going to continue inspired by him…thats a huge tribute to him,and so is the comments last week from the real fans…
Okay, thank you, I just wanted to clear things up.
Way to go Fed! That’s telling ‘em. They could use a good “talking to”. “Perhaps a bit more”
What do I say today, when your in the Milky Way…
Roger Keith Barrett – RIP
Good night.
Amedeo
Hi FEd,
I would like to commend you for providing a forum for so many people around the world to use to express their feelings about Syd Barrett, the impact he had on people’s lives, and his contributions to music in general and the creation of Pink Floyd in particular. Unlike the vast majority of us, you and/or those at your end were closely connected to Syd’s life, and it was extremely generous of all of you to allow ‘outsiders’ to give their own remembrances.
I’ll not even comment on the inappropriateness of certain posts — you’ve stated it quite well! There is one post today, though, that really pissed me off! I’m sure you know which one I’m referring to. What an insult to those of you who really knew and cared for Syd before, during, and after mental illness!
Peace!
Gabrielle
Washington State
Fed,
You pulled no punches.WOW!!!! Great job. I know David and the other members of Floyd are thankful to you that selfish, common “FANS were put in their place. Maybe they will leave the David Gilmour community for good and be ashamed of themselves.
I find it odd that these people are here on David’s web site demanding a reunion. I of course have never met David, but I care enough to read about him to learn his personality. From his interviews and comments it is obvious that Pink Floyd is in the past for him. His life experiences and strong love of family and music have taken him away from the Floyd we all love. This is what has allowed him to be creative instead of being stagnant or even retroactive. We as true fans should understand and accept this out of our love and respect for “The Man” and the artist.
Should my dream to meet Mr. Gilmour ever come true I would express the same to him.
Love and Peace
Melissa
Fed,
isn’t it depressing that absolute basics in human mutual behaviour such as respect for other people, so that they can lead their lives as self determined as they want, have to be discussed here again and again? Obviously, the very moment you have “fans”, you are going to be transformed from a normal human being into a general commodity – and the horrible thought is, this rule seems to apply to the living as well as to the deceased….
[It certainly was a minority, Luis. There were far, far more messages of sympathy, support, respect and admiration (and there would have been many more had we not decided to close the blog for the weekend). We've been so incredibly touched by them all. Thank you, everyone, for leaving a message. Each one meant something. There were too many unsuitable ones for my liking, and that saddens me, but they are quite insignificant when compared to all the others. They weren't published because, frankly, they weren't worthy of a place alongside such heartfelt sincerity. I don't like meaningless bullshit or fickle tokens of concern at times of emotion, and I hate to see something pure and great being dirtied by what I consider to be muck. Good riddance to them, I say. They are not welcome here and neither are the pricks responsible. - Features Editor]
I was afraid for a second that there were a LOT of unsuitable posts. As the world politics also show, many have got their priorities and ethics seriously screwed up.
But enough of that. I was glad to see such a response. If anything, I hope David and all the others close to Syd could take at least a little comfort from our shared grief.
Off to vote for pulse!
Clemens
If you click my name, you can see my personal way of paying tribute to Syd. Syd was a beautiful human being and he will be missed horribly, but its important to hold on to his legacy and cherish everything he contributed to the world. At a recent gig, my band and I played “Terrapin” as a way to pay our respects to him. Syd will always and forever continue to Shine On…..
- Jason Chase
[That's very nice, Jason. Thanks for sharing it. - Features Editor]
Ed/Edwina, thanks for voicing what many of us here also think of the “stroppy tossers” (is that the same as the Southern term “smart-mouthed idjits”?) and the people who choose this sad time to hurl potshots and jab at David. Carry on, mate. We’re behind you (so watch where you step please).
On a brighter note: I got P*U*L*S*E!! Wonderful. I can now hear things I never heard before – zoom in places I never could before. I’m a happy girl. Of course I have some questions concering P*U*L*S*E you won’t let me ask, Edwina. ;-)
Do You Realize – that you have the most beautiful face
Do You Realize – we’re floating in space -
Do You Realize – that happiness makes you cry
Do You Realize – that everyone you know someday will die
And instead of saying all of your goodbyes – let them know
You realize that life goes fast
It’s hard to make the good things last
You realize the sun doesn’t go down
It’s just an illusion caused by the world spinning round
Do You Realize – Oh – Oh – Oh
Do You Realize – that everyone you know
Someday will die -
Do You Realize – that you have the most beautiful face
Do You Realize?
(thanks to Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips for those good words)
xo
Deborah
Just wanted, even if i’m late,
Shine on Syd.
So i won’t be sad.
[Why would David Gilmour add Syd Barrett tracks to his set list, if he doesnt want to raise some extra money from Syd's departure?]
Wow, unbelievable is all I can say to that!! Can’t believe some of the stuff I’m reading. First, artist’s shouldn’t use their past memories of friends for lyrics sake, and now this!
You’ve got the patience of a Saint F’ed! Thank goodness you’ve got that sharp wit of yours too!
Well said, FEd. I hope it’s not pointy stick time again.
As far as reunions go,David has a pilot’s license, maybe he could take to the sky and write a message “It’s Not On!!” Maybe THEN those folks will get it.
I must say I really don’t understand what these demanding (fans?) think they are trying to achieve by constantly going on and on about a PF re-union?
Do they think David will read their comments on here and think to himself “I know that I have said REPEATEDLY I don’t want a PF re-union tour BUT….. now I read these comments demanding I should start up a PF tour they make me completely change my mind”
Then I expect you think he should quit his solo tour, get PF back together, come round to your living room for a 10 hour personal concert with lasers, give you a million pounds and name the new PF album after you?!
Give it a rest!
I have loved PF nearly my whole life and I don’t think this way – David owes me nothing personally.
Ok I did get to see Pink Floyd live when some of you didn’t, however I would have loved to have seen Led Zeppelin live but I was too young. I accepted it would never happen a very long time ago – everything great comes to an end.
If PF have come to an end isn’t it great that all the band members are still out there making music.
Live8 got a lot of fans hopes up for a re-union tour and David knew this which was probably partly why he was initialy reluctant to jump on board.
But he wanted to make a difference so he went ahead because HE wanted to do it.
David said all along it was a one off thing. I can’t believe I was the only one to hear him say this!
If there was one thing that would piss me off and make me consider ending PF for all time, it would be reading posts by fans that have used Syd’s death to push their own selfish agenda and go on about a PF re-union tour at this sad time.
I feel this shows nothing but terrible disrespect to Syd’s memory.
I also applaud you for saying what you said, Ed. I’m amazed that people who call themselves PF fans can be so cold. This is Syd Barrett we’re talking about! People are hurting and yet others are rubbing their hands together and thinking of ways they can benefit from such sorrow! I never want to see a PF reunion if this is the only way we get it. I’d sooner have Syd back on this earth.
Well said and I totally agree. It is amazing that despite your words you still have people arguing with you !
Thanks for the seating plan for Venice, my wife and I have got tickets for the Saturday show. I showed her the plan and she asked where the toilets were !!! It just proves you can’t win.
[Oh yes, toilets are very important to women. I hope you both have a lovely time - and don't have far to go to get to the Ladies. - Features Editor]
RE: “Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but there’s a time and a place to express it. To start spewing out the usual tired demands last week was wholly inappropriate and, on behalf of anyone with a heart and more than half a brain, I say shame on you for not realising it.”
I say Amen to that…
Thanks Lee for the link to the Times interview with Syd/Roger’s sister.
I have heard bits and pieces over the years about private projects Roger worked on, and it never sounded like to me someone who could be written off as a “casuality”. Gardening, painting, and a written history of art in progress sound like someone who was grounded, who paid attention in his life. It was just a very private one.
In a current reality show peephole like approach to celebrity and all things faaabulous, he simply lived his own life the way he wanted to, on his terms.
And now the great day is coming up soon (31/07 – Vienne), so there are some interviews of David in french papers (ex: click my name)
As for the DVD Pulse, I very appreciated (for ex)the extra where we can see him wearing on his back Poly, their son and…(I don’t know who is this person)…very funny, a very nice family…
Matt, I didn’t understand your story, because I had no courage in fact to understand it but it seemed very nice, so I’ll try to read again and translate…( and very good for my english ! isn’t it, Fed ?)
Michèle
[That's right (et merci beaucoup pour l'article - il sera dans 'Press' bientôt). Please don't post a long French story for me, though. I'm not as brave as you! - Features Editor]
F’ed
Plenty of supportive blogs above , but I’ll chip in anyway.
Difficult to stay civil with Mr B smith isn’t it. F***ing cretin. There you go, too difficult for me.
I hadn’t realised all the times I’ve listened to SOYCD I’ve been compliant in exploitation. I kind-of figured I was listening to a tribute, a celebration, in the context of an album that addresses issues of the price of fame, the “is that it?” moment when adolescent dreams come up against adult reality. But what do I know, eh?
I suppose Welcome to the Machine / Gravy train are a scandalously ungrateful swipe at the hand that feeds as well!
Kind of reminds you why Roger built that friggin’ wall doesn’t it?
We know this site is bigger than all that and that you are not about to change the way things are done here. You know (I hope) that you have a good body of regular bloggers who back your hunches and feel the same way. In fact its incredible just how many people share this idea of what this site can be. It’s a shame we have to share it with the same types who yell at gigs, can’t stay in their seat for 5 minutes, shout for “Money” every second song, but we do and it won’t stop us doing it our way.
Love to all. Now I will revert to Mr Positivity.
[Thanks for that, mate. - Features Editor]
Lee,
Thanks for your comments and the heads up ( thanks for the link Fed!) to the interview with Rosemary- Roger’s sister.
“He did have leisure interests. He took up photography, and sometimes we went to the seaside together. Quite often he took the train on his own to London to look at the major art collections — and he loved flowers. He made regular trips to the Botanic Gardens and to the dahlias at Anglesey Abbey, near Lode. But of course, his passion was his painting.”
I couldn’t have wished anything better for him.
This interview really warmed my heart.
Thanks again!
Peace
John
[Why would David Gilmour add Syd Barrett tracks to his set list, if he doesnt want to raise some extra money from Syd's departure? - Posted by: Dano at July 17, 2006 06:58 PM]
ffs… david might never play syd’s songs again. did you stop to think of that? did you wonder how david is feeling right now? they were friends since their teens. david’s fortune came at syd’s expense and david has always had to live with that. give the man a break and grow up. listen to ‘on an island’ and realise that david has experienced loss as much as the next man. he hurts, too. he doesn’t need crap from ignorant fans who clearly know nothing about him.
david played syd’s songs when syd was alive for all the reasons fed has given. the ‘echoes’ album is a perfect example of this. the others didn’t want so many of syd’s songs included. they felt that syd’s role was short and therefore didn’t warrant such coverage. david insisted. what did david have to gain from that financially? nothing.
on the contrary, david always made sure that syd did alright financially. as well as keeping check on syd’s royalty payments, david did more production work on syd’s solo albums than anyone else and that must have been a very difficult time. this in spite of the fact that, a few months earlier, syd was allegedly driving around after the band, glaring at david for taking his place.
david was the only one in regular contact with syd’s sister. he has always paid tribute to syd without being tacky or by copying him in any way.
but the most important thing for me is this: i remember reading at the time of the tibet concert in 1996 that one of david’s daughters asked him to play ‘terrapin’. this shows that he’s played those songs to his children. this shows that they mean something to him and his family. he created another syd fan – another person who is perhaps feeling as sad as the rest of us now that syd has gone and that he never achieved his full potential.
create another syd fan. that’s what david has tried to do each and every time he’s performed syd’s songs. he wanted to make sure that no one forgot what syd gave us all and hoped that we would dig out that lp or download syd’s songs and discover how wonderful he was.
oh yeah, that’s a great way of earning himself money… not.
[Why would David Gilmour add Syd Barrett tracks to his set list, if he doesnt want to raise some extra money from Syd's departure?]
Come on!! Is that really what some people think?
I agree with everything Angela wrote.
Amedeo
You are right. I was about to ask the same, but, it’s right, it’s not the moment.
Since I listened all the Pink Floyd discs. I knew that I was never going to listen something better… And since that day, I wish that Pink Floyd come’s back and record a new disc. At least, one.
And I was only 12 years old when it happened.
And even the “solo” works are good. They cannot be compared with the Pink Floyd’s discs.
Anyway…
I’m too sad. But in the last part of my heart, I know that Syd is still here. He will always be here because someone, in each second, a kid, an old man, a woman, a boy… will be thinking about Syd, will be listening his music, will be loving him and his memory.
Viva Syd Barrett. Viva Pink Floyd.
Today, I will got a bike.
(and you can ride if you like it)
I am going to tell a story … Coincidence ?
In 8 of July i pickup Madcap Laughts of Syd Barret and listened, i didn’t know of his death … He died 7 of July … Coincidence ?
In 11 of July in knew of his death, i was in tears … And a neighbour of me died in an acident in front of my eyes by a car … I brought in that day PULSE in DVD, i couldn’t hear it …
David, Rick and Nick … please …i am sorry i couldn’t hear it … The pain was too heavy, of course my thought’s was for Syd and for the rest of the friends who lost him, including Roger.
I don’t know if this is going to be published … maybe i am a lunatic on a grass too.
I am going to miss you … SYD
[long french story...]
No problem, en fait, vais sûrement pas essayer de traduire, après tout ce sont les vacances… et il fait beaucoup trop chaud pour travailler…
Lucia, next week end for me: Venezia !!! super…
Michèle
alice: that’s right! thanks to Gilmour’s 2002 concert, I took a moment to seek and listen the Syd solo works, and the first Pink Floyd’s disc with more attention. Thanks to “dominoes” and “terrapin” cover songs
Right on FEd.
You are clearly a decent and right thinking bloke.
Thanks for keeping everyone on this blog honest.
Peter
Well said FEd, I agree thoroughly.
Now back to P.U.L.S.E.! I bought my copy on the weekend, forbade my family from speaking or moving, and sat back in preparation for a religious experience.
Now don’t get me wrong here. The show was phenomenal. The lights and lasers were stupefying. The sound was sublime. The musicianship was unsurpassable. I really did enjoy the whole show, and I shall watch it time and time again.
But I couldn’t help feeling like the whole concert was a little mechanical and detached. David and the gang seemed (of course I’m happy to be corrected here) to be doing the job rather than really enjoying themselves. The spectacle was so big that there seemed to be some kind of disconnect between the audience and the music, their applause polite rather than enthusiastic.
From the audience perspective shots it seemed to me that there could almost have been any good tribute band up there on the stage, it wouldn’t have made a great deal of difference.
Now I wasn’t at the 1994 gigs, and I realise my DVD-only impressions may be entirely off-track, so perhaps somebody who was there would like to rebut my comments.
But I thought of the wonderful intimacy and atmosphere of the RAH gigs in May, and I thoroughly applaud David’s decision to downscale.
I’ll cheerfully admit that, like most Pink Floyd fans, I’d love to see David and Roger play together again were it ever a possibility. But a giant Pink Floyd spectacular where the musicians get lost in the midst of the “show” actually does nothing for me. I’d buy another plane ticket immediately should there be a nice intimate low-key show where the band and the music could connect directly with the audience, but failing that I’ll stick with David’s new approach every time.
Nickster,
I bought tickets for the Vienne concert about 2 months ago from one of the online vendors listed here and they never did arrive via mail. If I understand you correctly I can pick them up at the venue on the day of the event July 31?
I 110% agree with you Alice.
All I can say is great job Fed. Lucia you had me rolling on the floor!! You and fed make a great team…kinda like Lucy and Ricky.
Ok my two cents on P*U*L*S*E* ………Excellent. My 10yr old son loves it. Brilliant.
About the people being rude… you guys suck.
ok now I feel better.
Catch ya later
you Rock!!
Renee B.
Fontana, Ca USA