7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Was Pink Floyd a Better Band With or Without Syd Barret?

by bravo75
6 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
    • |
Or do you think they were equally good (or bad) depending on your taste?

My opinion is that Floyd somewhat evolved and matured after the departure of Syd.

Would like to hear some opinions.
  • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
    With Syd Barrett, there was a lot of mythology, magic, and playfulness in Pink Floyd's songs. After he left, it was like a different band, still good, employing bitterness and cynicism not there with Syd Barrett's presence. Syd Barrett had to go, he suffered mental illness and lost his capacity to play in the band. From what I gather, he seemed to be happier post-Pink Floyd, tending his gardens, engaging in his own creative projects, using his real name.
    Signature

    Project HERE.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8389665].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Had Syd stayed with the band, they may have never seen commercial success.
      Naturally, it's all speculation and we'll never know for certain.

      IMO, the driving forces behind Pink Floyd as we know them today were Waters
      and Gilmore. Would we have had Dark Side Of The Moon with Syd?

      I guess we'll never know.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8389737].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Brandon Tanner
        "Meddle" was the first PF album I liked, and I've liked most of their albums since then. I think they were a lot more accessible post-Barret. And in my opinion, "better" overall. Though I don't think that had so much to do with them parting ways with Syd, as it did with them simply becoming better musicians over the years. Of course "better" is a very subjective word... and I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who like their 60's stuff the best.
        Signature

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8389856].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Had Syd stayed with the band, they may have never seen commercial success.
        Naturally, it's all speculation and we'll never know for certain.

        IMO, the driving forces behind Pink Floyd as we know them today were Waters
        and Gilmore. Would we have had Dark Side Of The Moon with Syd?

        I guess we'll never know.
        I agree with you. It wouldn't have been the same. That is an academic question, because it wouldn't have even been possible. After the onset of his mental illness Syd Barrett literally just stood there on stage in a daze, not playing. They just evolved in a different direction and, as far as I know, without singing about fairy-tale characters, folklore references, and suchlike that fascinated Syd Barrett. Oddly, a number of post Syd Barrett Pink Floyd songs did allude to Syd Barrett.
        Signature

        Project HERE.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8389889].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Brian John
          i like all their music but prolly prefer the post-syd stuff a little more

          (shine on you crazy diamond)
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8389927].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Ian Jackson
            I remember a friend commenting "bl**dy Socialist propoganda, sounds like education is exactly what they need" upon hearing their lyrics "hey teacher, leave them kids alone"

            !!

            We were 17 & 18 at the time.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8394157].message }}

Trending Topics