Before they became one of the most famous progressive rock bands, Pink Floyd was a psychedelic pop band, lead by the musical visionary Syd Barrett(1946-2006). The history of this forgotten part of the band’s background is uncovered here, with revelatory interviews with original members Roger Waters, Nick Mason, Rob Klose and Richard Wright as well as Barrett’s ultimate replacement David Gilmour. The band quickly shed its experimental mixture with the mainstream and went full board onto what became the band that created classics such as Atom Heart Mother, Meddle and the all time seller Dark Side of the Moon.
Here, along with interviews with friends, landlords,managers and girlfriends, you get some insight into the tormented mind of the leader who’s erratic and drug-induced behavior ultimately cost him his band, ending him up with severe mental problems up to the end of his life. Early TV shows, vIntage films from his childhood as well as early performances are fascinating yet frightening, as Barrett, the band and the entire generation “try to change the world” through the religion of drugs. As GK Chesterton once warned, “when you disbelieve God, you don’t believe in nothing; you believe in everything.” The initial US/UK tour and his being left out of the band in 1968 are documented and reflected on by the members. His two fascinatingly depressing solo albums and solo career are revisited here as well. The tribute to the founder on the Pink Floyd hit “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”, “Wish You Were Here” and film The Wall are also addressed on this two disc set which includes tons of extended bonus interview material. At times disheartening, but mostly fascinating and foreboding, this set will make you realize the famous saying is true, that “it’s the cracked ones who let the light shine in.”
Eagle Vision dvd