Remembering Pink Floyd’s co-founder: keyboardist and songwriter Richard Wright on his birthday today 🎶🌈🎹
He co-founded the band alongside Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, and Nick Mason in 1965. It made its grand entrance into the music scene with the psychedelic masterpiece, “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn,” in 1967, showcasing his exceptional talent on organ, piano, and vocals, notably in the captivating “Astronomy Domine,” while also earning credits as a brilliant songwriter.
Over the years, Pink Floyd produced a remarkable series of albums, including the magnum opus “Dark Side of the Moon” in 1973, before experiencing internal divisions in the early ’80s. As one of the integral members during the band’s early days, his creative contributions gradually diminished as Roger Waters assumed more control.
Unfortunately, during the recording of “The Wall” in 1979, tensions escalated, leading to his expulsion from the band by Waters. Although he participated in the subsequent tour supporting the album, he wasn’t involved in the making of the final Waters-era Pink Floyd album, “The Final Cut,” released in 1983.
Following Roger Waters’ departure from Pink Floyd, he reunited with the band for their later works, contributing to albums like “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” in 1987 and “The Division Bell” in 1994. Moreover, he lent his talents to the band’s live performances, featuring prominently on albums such as “The Delicate Sound of Thunder” in 1988 and “Pulse” in 1995.
In addition to his illustrious Pink Floyd journey, he explored his individual musical vision with two solo albums, “Wet Dream” in 1978 and “Broken China” in 1996. Furthermore, he co-founded the short-lived band Zee, which delivered the album “Identity” in 1984.
Sadly, his life was cut short by cancer, and the music world mourned his passing on September 15, 2008. However, his musical legacy continues to resonate with fans and artists alike, leaving an everlasting imprint on the canvas of progressive rock history. 🎵🌈🎹
Rest in peace, Richard Wright 🤍
Leave a Reply