FROM THIS INTERVIEW WITH ROSEMARY, I THINK THAT , FROM NOW ON, NO ONE WILL KNOW MORE DEEPLY ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO SYD, SINCE HE STOPPED MAKING MUSIC AND BEGAN TO TAKE REFUGE IN HIS HOME, SHE DID...SHE HAS TRIED A LOT BECAUSE OF THAT CERTAIN COEXISTENCE SHE HAD WITH HIM....EVEN THOUGH ROSEMARY HAS THINGS SHE DOENS´T REMEMBER , BECAUSE MANY YEARS HAVE PASSED...AND REMEMBER THE TITLE OF THIS VIDEO ABOUT SYD BARRETT....´´HE NEVER SOUGHT CELEBRITY´´...SINCE SYD´ WAS MORE THAN ANYTHING, AN EXCEPTIONAL ECCENTRIC CARTOONIST...AND EVEN THOUGH HE WAS A GREAT MUSICIAN, HE TOOK THE WRONG PATH, IN WHICH HIS SCHIZOPHRENIA WAS ENHANCED BY NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP TAKING ´´LSD´´.......Greetings from Argentina
It's really nice to hear Rosemary talking about her brother so lovingly, and dispelling some of the myths surrounding Syd's reclusive years. It reminds us he wasn't a 'rock star', he was a brother, a son and an uncle. It's upsetting to hear how ill he really became, and how painful it was for his loved ones to witness. I think it's important for Syd fans not to romanticise the dark side of Syd's life but to celebrate and enjoy the wonderful art and music he gave the world.
The saddest of ironies: his extraordinary musical talent - possibly the most unique singer/song writer in rock/pop - cost him 2/3 of his functioning life. For me, his demise represents the biggest musical loss in 20th century popular music. So original, so unpredictable, so touching.
Thank you for this interview. Despite being very moving, it's a bit consoling knowing that he had such a caring and loving sister, even if she clearly doesn't like at all the thing we all cherish - his music. I'm in my early thirties but I'm fashinated by Syd and his music from a long time ago, when I casually found my father's notebooks in my childhood home's attic. There were some writings in it, poetry attempts of a teenage boy in the 70s, and Syd was frequently mentioned as an inspiration. Naturally, as a 20 yo girl, I knew Pink Floyd's music, but nothing about Syd, and decided to do some research. Hooked ever since! He holds a little special spot in my heart!
Hi Margarita Yeah Syd Berret;s more posthumous fame or recognition kind of reminds me of American poet Emily Dickson . See Emily Play - Do know the lyrics?👻😂
She says that she's the only person who really knew him but doesn't seem to appreciate or understand anything he was or did except painting, and even appreciating the fact that he painted, she still doesn't seem to fully understand even that. She actually doesn't seem to know or understand anything about her brother's interiority. I'm honestly a little baffled.
Same here. Most people from back then were judgy and square. Seems like the family didn't quite know him at all. They helped him with mundane chores, but that's about it
@@sarahb4745 same. Seems a bit jealous to me. There is also never a mention of the money that Syd left or what would presumably still be royalties received.
It's kind of sad to me that Rosemary completely is uninterested in Syd's music, perhaps she correlates his music with what happened to him and resents it. His music means so much to so many including myself. I don't think it was the music that sidetracked him, it was drugs and the music industry. He seemed very passionate about his music in the beginning.
People have been waiting for an interview with this lady for many years. You've got to admire her fortitude and her diplomacy in the interview. What transpires from it are these … 1. It's obvious that his sister was his only long-lasting friend in life, so her attitude to things would've had tremendous influence on his attitudes. Vulnerable as he was. 2. It's clear that she really doesn't rate Syds musical talent. And the whole world of "psychedelic music", possibly including popular music and rock music in general. Its worth pointing out that from a modern-day perspective, someone so wholly dismissive of an entire musical movement is very unusual indeed. It's interesting piece of a jigsaw which still has a few missing pieces. Hence the fascination people have with the story. 3. It's pretty clear that she cites Syds foray into music as terribly destructive, and blames this. She also possibly believes that Syd had fundamental underlying psychological issues. But to what extent each was responsible in her eyes, it's very hard to tell. This is where the diplomacy in the interview enters in. She mentions "hurt" briefly, and clearly has distaste for the whole area of time. "History is written by the winners" as the saying goes. 4. She's very guarded. And would definitely have had many offers, and wisely rejected all of these. Yes it's true that her own family and their interests will be one of the reasons. But why really?
She is a nurse and the use of mind altering drugs is not something that any medical personnel of that era would have anything to do with. Syd heavily abused LSD to the point where he went way too far, and lost himself. I can only imagine what Syd’s family had to deal with from that point on.
"Oh dear, do be careful." What a wonderful way to summarize, and why am I crying? Just a sister talking about her brother. What a sweet, sweet woman. Thank you so much for this interview.
Absolutely lovely woman. Both he and his story matter. Sad, tragic, but dark and beautiful. He was one of a kind. People are drawn to him and the story, and his family, by extension. It is my hope that others continue to revere, but also respect his family. The one statement she made that struck me was “you’re very understanding.” She seems happy to share, but not feed the myth or the people seeking for something greater than what it is and was. A tragically sad story of a wonderful and truly gifted human. Well done.
Just love the song. See Emily play. One of my best song. Going to work. To the cotton. Mill in 1967 or 8. I at 17. In Lancashire Nelson lancs pendle England. Sung the song. To. Just be happy. Now I had a. Long. Day 😢🙏❤️ thnks for the song xxx
Something that interests me is that she’s said in the past that her brother couldn’t have a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia because psychiatrists never thought he had it. But here she says he never saw one in the first place….
What a respectful interviewer. He was gentle and made it about her and not himself. He never interrupted and never pushed any boundaries. Please teach your knowledge to other interviewers who make it about themselves. It was a pleasure to listen to this. What a lovely sister she was. I’m sure her immediate family were very decent people.
Many thanks for sharing this, very generous of Rosemary to share her memories. A lovely lady, the family resemblance is obvious. Her brother was a special man, many people don't fully understand mental health problems, my father was a paranoid schizophrenic and a lot of what she explained resonated with my memories of him. I hope she can maybe find time to write her memoirs.
Why should she have to like the music. She cared about her brother a lot and was sad to see him affected by what happened. Also, off topic but if anyone has depression then there’s a big playlist about depression in a folder in the Playlist part of my channel on here
She really doesn't give a lot of information, but that's okay. She doesn't describe what he was like as a child and growing up, for example. She doesn't talk about his emotional state in the years after Pink Floyd. I heard he was very spoiled as a kid and he didn't treat his mother with respect. I also heard that as a young adult, he didn't like rules, and there were no rules growing up. And he was VERY free about taking drugs and expanding his mind...and it makes me think that he did enter into a very free/open and undefined headspace with no rules or guard rails, so to speak. Sad because it was so dark, his mental breakdown, and no one really knows what his internal world was like when his brain was damaged. But it was almost like he didn't want anything to be "defined" in his life....or his creativity....and he was very abstract in his writing and thoughts and musical style. Very abstract before he took so many drugs. And ironically, he ended up living inside a very abstract mind that he could not come out of. That beautiful spark in his eyes went dark. So very sad. But maybe in some weird way, he was happy to be so isolated in his thoughts, his undefinable thoughts. And he continued to paint.
I,m rather saddened that Rosemary dismisses Syd s time in music as a " complete mistake " !! I think the biggest mistake in his life was DRUG ABUSE ... and i really think this was awful to Syd s life . I think that if he did not use drugs at all ..... he might have embraced his music and been happy with it , i can only speculate . Syd loved painting yes , and he first a foremost enjoyed that most , but ..... i think he was also mean to make music because he was so gifted at that as well . I will continue to be a lifelong fan of Roger & his alter ego Syd forever , even though he would not want me to be or understand why i am . 😉
the problem is, the music, the music scene & the drugs all went hand it hand. Syd’s hangers-on, spiking his drinks with LSD on a daily basis.. would not have happened if he hadn’t been in the music scene. you can’t blame her for hating the music and what it did to him.
I have never met Rosemary but have heard many nice things about her. Rog (Syd's real name) is someone I got to know a little bit, via his friend Clive Welham. Clive was old friends with both Rog and David Gilmore and lived close to Rog's final home. The two had spoken on the phone and they discussed Rog, and Clive decided damn it he was going to knock on the door and see what happened, having been warned away from doing so. Rog acknowledged he remembered Clive from the 1960s and they agreed to meet again one day, unsure it would happen. About three weeks later Rog randomly turned up at Clive's door with fish and chips. I think this must have been 2000-2001. As I understood it Pink Floyd royalties meant Rog had money and could pretty much avoid any human contact. However the early stages of Pancreatic Cancer forced him to attend hospital and that apparently made him slightly more comfortable with people. Clive had some small gatherings at his house once in a while and invited Rog, who did come. He was very distant, and clearly "he had a lot going on in his head", but I think he enjoyed listening to the conversation and seemed comfortable. Clive was invited to Rog's home and Rog proudly showed off his shelves, and the jazz room. I know Clive spent one or two afternoons listening to jazz in the jazz room. Unfortunately Clive suffered a sharp decline in health shortly afterwards and I don't think Clive was able to maintain contact.
A great intervew. Thanks Rosemary so much. I have loved Syd since I was 18 (now 53) He is still my favourite song writer. His story and art has inspired me always to think outside the box. Also his unfortunate plight has inspired me to be very cautious in ways that he was not,. Your brother is amazing and one of the greatest song writers I have ever heard
Unfortunate that she has nothing nice to say about any part of Syd's musical output nor lyrics. Perhaps she has never chosen to hear much of it, or feels above it in an unreconstructed classical music mindset. Even a child could adore Effervescing Elephant. There's great pastoral beauty in Scarecrow, Chapter 24. And great majesty in Astronomy Domine. To name a few. It's not all gold but there's enough gold there for his musical talent at its best to be called genius. He was in some ways our Jim Morrison in my opinion.
As much as I dislike his old neighbour David Sore's account of Syd and reading in between the lines of this interview I think theres a lot more truth to what he said than most Barrett fans want to accept. Syd did also have a violent and volatile side and he was probably far more mentally unwell in the 80's than people want to believe. Sounds like it was well into the 90's that he found some level of peace and contentment. A very sad and tragic tale.. fame is the worst thing that can happen to some people.
Agree especially when she described one terrible night that happened and their mother left the house never to live with Syd again. David Sore describes the police coming since he apparently attacked his mother. Rosemary respectfully doesn't divulge any further, I think she is very protective understandably and has a way of describing Syd's condition without telling too much.
I hope Rosemary or her family read these comments so she knows how thankful we are for this interview. It's incredible to have these details of Syd after his music career. The family's story resonates so much with my own, minus the creative genius pop star! And thank you Fingals Cave
This was an insightful podcast and clarifies some previously uncertain details but I was surprised and disappointed that Rosemary didn't think that Syd Barrett ever really wanted to be a musician. Of course, I've always understood that Syd never really wanted to be famous or just another popstar, however I've always thought that Syd originally enjoyed the artistic side of rock music. From what Syd's friends and Peter Jenner and Joe Boyd have said over the years, it seems to me that Syd even on The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn had greater musical plans in mind than he was able to realise. Norman Smith suffocated Syd's creativity bigtime in 1967 and that drove Syd further into anger and drugs on top of his existing mental troubles. I was also surprised when she described Pink Floyd as being distant from the audience during the early Floyd gigs she attended. I always got the impression, at least from Roger Waters, that even without direct interaction, the camaraderie between the Pink Floyd and their audience was at its strongest in the early years from roughly 1965 through spring 1973.
Keep in mind we all wear masks. This is a family where Roger says Syd's brother, a doctor, came and said Syd was fine. So I think her views of what Syds wishes were at any time are as spurious as anybodys. She is better able to describe events, but nobody knows anybody, not that well. Pink Floyd is pretty much the defnition of 'separation', which isn't surprosing about british celebrity, particularly after the beatles. The industry was geared on a clear separation between 'producers and consumers'. For more on that watch Richard Wrights interviews where he talks about how the band was NEVER using drugs, but their whole audience was. They refused to play their hits, pretty much out of spite, although Richard maintains it wasn't that. I think you are putting a little too much on Norman Smith. He did what any producer had to do, from his accounts Syd pretty much ignored anything he said and Roger prodded them all along.
@@mikearchibald-u6g Fair enough about Rosemary, however the early gig situation was somewhat more complex. I don't think Pink Floyd intended to spite their audiences until at least when things started to fall apart in May 1973 with the loss of the camaraderie between The Floyd and their audiences. From roughly the time Pink Floyd first formed in early 1965 through well into spring/early summer 1967, they played different kinds of gigs with different lengths and audience demographics. On the one hand the underground club gigs (at places like the UFO Club) were comparable in terms of length at least to Pink Floyd's epic gigs in the years 1969-1975, 1977, 1980-1981, 1987-1989 and 1994. At these underground gigs (often dubbed "happenings") they played epic improvised instrumental jams. These originally were improvised epic extensions of existing R 'n B songs from early bands however in 1966 and early 1967 Pink Floyd were fully improvising original epic jams of their own entirely. These gigs of course included the classic epic Interstellar Overdrive. Some of these gigs were said to have lasted all night long but Syd Barrett enjoyed these shows the most as he got to explore the potential of his creativity. These shows were also where The Floyd experimented with their early space rock/psychedelic sounds and lightshows. The underground shows were also the ones where The Floyd built their initial loyal fanbase as this type of audience was all for experimental and epic music and was mostly part of the counterculture. However on the other hand there was shorter gigs in 1967 generally, where The Floyd still performed their longform jams including Interstellar Overdrive but the gigs were roughly only half an hour long give or take. Since these gigs were at more mainstream venues this meant the audience was also more mainstream and were also less welcoming of the epic jams. It was these audiences that were mostly angry about Pink Floyd not playing their hits like Arnold Layne and See Emily Play. Due to the combined effects of Syd's breakdown in May 1967 and the police raids on the underground clubs, the long gigs ended in May 1967 and the shorter mainstream venue gigs became the main type of Pink Floyd gig until almost The Man And The Journey Tour of 1969 with the 1968 transitioning of David Gilmour into Syd's place on guitars and vocals further delaying the return to fullblown gigs until the 1969 tour. The short type of Pink Floyd gig also took place in the US Floyd tour throughout late 1967 and when this tour came back across to the UK this became a package gig where The Floyd joined Jimi Hendrix, The Move, The Nice and Amen Corner on the bill. Another thing that didn't help was that Pink Floyd often had to do radio and television show appearances promoting their hits including See Emily Play from May through December 1967. Syd hated this, especially if The Floyd had to mime their hits rather than recreate them live as in concerts. Syd also hated touring in the US however the short late 1967 gigs began to have a shorter version of Interstellar Overdrive followed by Roger Waters's Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun. During the final year of the short Pink Floyd gigs in 1968, with David Gilmour slowly settling in and Syd having left, the setlist mainly consisted of the A Saucerful Of Secrets title track, Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun and Careful With That Axe, Eugene. Gradually Pink Floyd's loyal underground audience became the main audience demographic in the otherwise mainstream music venues during this time which helped to boost the camaraderie between The Floyd and their audience, as well as boost band morale and confidence despite the loss of Syd. The fullblown Pink Floyd gigs returned in 1969 with The Man And The Journey Tour. As for Syd after leaving The Floyd, even though he mostly just recorded short songs for his two solo albums during his sadly shortlived career, interestingly Syd recorded at least one super epic instrumental song called Ramadan which is a rarity not available on any of Syd's two solo albums. Ramadan shows that Syd was certainly capable of creating progressive rock epics with or without Pink Floyd at least until his breakdown became complete in the early '70s. At least in terms of length and complexity, Ramadan is comparable to The Floyd's super epics; Dogs/You've Gotta Be Crazy, the Atom Heart Mother title track and Echoes.
I was surprised that she's so very, very, incurious about, and dismissive of, her brother's music. It's understandable if it's forever linked in her mind with the pain his mental illness would have brought him, her, and the rest of the family, but surely listening to it would have given her another insight into his personality.
@@mikearchibald-u6g @user-jp5nc8zf7m @Craigevansagain I had a friend who was a very peculiar individual, he passed a few years ago. Same age as Syd, lived in London, was a painter, then travelled to Nepal and lived in a monastery for years until he caught tuberculosis in the late 60's and was sent home by the monks to die in his homeland. Needless to say, he was a very colorful character, but I suspect he was also on the spectrum, as he was very unique, strange, charismatic, funny and talented, but never sought fame or fortune and died a recluse with very little money despite coming from a well-off family. He had a brother and a sister, and all 3 lived in a very large mansion and almost never saw each other, they each lived in a different 'wing', so to speak. Long story short, his siblings always dismissed him as strange and 'funny' and always were very condescending towards his 'antics' and his art. He was a very committed and prolific painter, and incredibly cultured and well-mannered. His siblings were, for lack of a better word, very prosaic and not inclined towards the arts, music or anything related to eastern philosophies, so they always thought he was crazy for having lived in a monastery and for reading the I-Ching every morning. They auctioned his weird belongings and paintings when he died, painted over his walls in modern colors, and moved on with their very square lives. Those of us who 'got' him were very few, and I think he's one of the best humans that ever existed, but even his family never ever understood him and constantly put him down and dismissed him. The way Rosemary talks about going to his concerts, how she was working when he was on Top of the Pops, how she was dismissive of his music, just shows how very little respect she had for his inner world and how judgmental she was about his way of life (i.e., him being gone with the fairies). I'm not saying she's a bad person, she probably helped him a great deal doing mundane chores, but I don't think she ever understood him. His songs are poetry, came straight from his heart, and he did that for years and even recorded solo albums. His music was important to him, he was just never understood by anyone around him, including The Floyd.
I go back to the mid- 1980's with a proposed project to get Syd to only speak about art history and not music (well, at first anyway) and Rosemary and family were protective of his privacy as people would approach him without going through the family. Not the way or the way I approach it. Anyway, the family is now in the "Syd" Business which is their right, however, I have never been a fan or perpetuating the "acid casualty mythological" Syd as he has been presented for decades now. The real truth lies in-between and I do believe that Syd had mental health issues not related to drugs, but, no doubt, not made any better by their intake. If Syd is to be a cottage family business, I have to ask why this was not the case when he was alive. Anyway, Rosemary was very kind to even give her perspective publicly as she is a private person .
You can’t blame her for been dead against it all the music how he was! cos when the cameras are off she was there left picking up the pieces and looking after her brother who was left burnt out!
Unfortunately that has left something of a scorched earth approach... as in Syd/music = All bad!... which ironically what we're here for and what he's famous for.. it's what made that large inheritance she got from his estate.
When I was 15 I was struck by schizophrenia. It is going around in my family. Fortunatelly after 3 major outbreaks and some little ones here and there, I am now 30 and I recovered at least so much to having my grip on reality now (though having difficulties of course). Anyways I no longer require any medication since 10 years now. And I have recovered pretty much. Since I have first heard of Syd, I had such a great compassion in this man. Maybe because I see kind of myself in him a bit. And I was always wondering, how his life was and how he did. You have given me so much more insight. And I feel a great relief. I thank you Thank you so so much
One of the best additions to Syds bio Ive come across in years. Kudos to the interviewer for making it happen. I know Roger Nick and Dave will be watching. ❤❤❤
I've been a Syd and Floyd fan for many, many years. This interview was a great insight into Syd and his sister's life together. I would absolutely love to view some of Syd's artwork, as I guess I am an artist of sorts myself, well i try haha! I also suffer with mental illness and art of any kind is an immense help. I just wanted to say thank you to the interviewer and Syd's sister. You have such a calmness about you. I absolutely enjoyed this video immensely. As a tribute to Syd, I put forward the name Emily to my daughter when she found out she was having a baby girl....my granddaughter Emily is now 10 years old and I am so proud of her ❤. Rest in peace Syd.
Great interview, thanks Rosemary & Ian. Interesting that I don't recall the phrase 'Pink Floyd' being mentioned. Was this an understanding that the subject really never got mentioned. Would have also liked to have known Rosemary's reaction to Syd turning up at the WHWH recordings but despite that this is groundbreaking stuff. Well done!
I've read so many conflicting things about Syd Barrett it's hard to know what's true and what isn't sometimes. Roger Waters said he invited him then it's that he turned up out the blue so who knows but I am sure he was there on 3 occasions cause he's wearing different clothes in a couple of the pictures
@@iainstewart7104There is a lot of conflicting stories about that, He was there at at the SOYCD sessions at least least twice; June 5th and also July 7th for Gilmour's wedding;
This interview was exactly what I was hoping that it was. The organic substance along with the great questions about Roger and his life before, during and of course after, were so perfect. Rosemary is a truly caring soul who has spent her entire life taking care of others, including her brother and mother. This interview was conducted with standards and no “gotcha” questions. I praise you sir for this interview. I saw the film and I left thinking that it would have been nice to have more reflection on Roger’s life after the music. I, like so many other people have wondered what happened to Roger afterward? The fact that he still strummed his guitar and listened to Jazz, feeds my imagination even more so. It made my soul smile when I heard that. I was happy to hear that he still pursued his passion for painting. What I didn’t like was that he was never left alone. I understand the infatuation of Mr. Syd Barrett by the fans, that is why I am here, but I just wish that he would have had more peace in his later years. Extraordinary interview that truly satisfies my heart and soul. You are very good at what you do . Thank you for your work!
HEY Rosemary Barrett, Syd's sister he grew up with, very nice and they grew up closely..I was so excited to see that 😀 😄 interview with her experiences when she said about her brother Roger Keith Barrett 😀 😊 💙 👍 😄 with the band's early days. I ✨️ ✨️ have to say I am glad to hear this, I like Rosemary Barrett. SYD's sister❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊
That was fascinating. The biography A Very Irregular Head, which Rosemary authorised and contributed to, is well worth a read, though it's interesting to hear her contradict the story that the family settled down to watch a documentary about the early days of Floyd. The story is in the book, with Syd/Roger apparently commenting that 'It was a bit noisy', but him seemingly being pleased to see old faces. Dave Gilmour did want to visit, but stayed away on family advice. He's since expressed regret that he didn't take a chance and knock on the door. It's great that includes songs like 'Doninoes' and 'Terrapin' in his solo sets.
Could Syd cook? If so, what was his diet like? I know some may think this is a frivolous question but as he was a recluse for so long this would have been a big part of his daily routine
Given how he was 'mr diy' and doddled in gardening i expect he would cook his own meals, especially after his mother moved out, and was probably both very bad at it and very proud of it, but not to the point of inviting anyone over for diner.
Ha, Yep i have a feeling that everything he did at that house was art/artful on some level and the fact that no-one got to see it creates a sense of value in my mind@@barthollevoetkbr961
she recognises that he was an artist but says he shouldnt have become a musician. Are you hearing what your saying. Music is art. She seems to think him becoming a musician was his downfall. cmon. Syd went through some CRAZY shit and she just writes it all off. he has helped soo many people, including me, through his music. Nonetheless i understand that this is her opinion and she obviously knew way more about him than us but its just such a shame. Shed learn soo much about her brother if she listened to his music.
Fascinating and compassionate interview with Syd Barrett's sister. It would be interesting to see an exhibition of his paintings. Thank you for posting.
Some years back, I spoke online with a number of people who were close to Syd, or had met him fleetingly. I wasn't sure whether to share this; I did a session with Mark Lamarr on radio 2 and made an album. It was pretty clear that Syd was a major influence on my aesthetic. I haven't referred back to the conversations- unfortunately the one with Jenny Spires no longer exists. We discussed the possibility of my writing about Syd. She was most complimentary about my words to her about him, but this isn't about me. She said, that it was extraordinary that one of the authors of a book about Syd hadn't expressed an interest in speaking with her, as she was there when he wrote his most resonant songs. Also, I spoke with Ian on numerous occasions, although this was mostly not about Syd. Then there was Iggy. I saw her profile contained photographs of Syd I hadn't seen, I was impressed and sent a friend request. She liked the fact that I didn't know who she was when I sent that request. We chatted from time to time, I remember her saying that I had an outlet for life's pain in my songwriting; she was such a character. She was quite outrageous. When my father was very ill, I got some online abuse from a woman, and Iggy said " What is her name, my sweet" lol, I sensed an impending bloodbath and didn't disclose it, but Iggy taught me something about the power of love with that kind gesture. A lady called Libby sent a friend request. Ian and I talked about psychedelic lighting, and Hoppy Hopkins. I also found out that my acquaintance Alan Merrill had met Syd in a club in Tokyo, he even remembered the name of it which eludes me now. It was in 1968, and Syd/ Roger told him he had gone to Japan to " find himself". Alan went to get some beers, and when he returned Syd had vanished and he said he thought " What a strange bloke". Also, producer John Leckie told me he had seen Syd live. I presume he meant at the Roundhouse. I had no idea he was involved in Syd's final recordings. This podcast has a feeling of inclusivity for Syd's fans, I think. The natural to- ing and frowing of conversation is unforced. It is clearly significant, drawing one into the human reality, as well as the character and aesthetic of this tremendous artist, as well as striking a note of caution. Thankyou very much for creating it. I always think of the beauty of colours when I think of Syd. He had beauty and great taste, presenting an English aesthetic his, and presumably the present generation find palatable. I love his poetry, the melodies, the outlandish and fearless musical experimentation, his guitar sound and most of all his voice. Thankyou Rosemary for sharing.
I've been into Syd since 1987 when I saw THe Piper at the Gates of Dawn for the first time. It said "Pink Floyd, the cover did, and I recognized Waters, Wright and Mason, but who was this cat in the upper right hand corner? Syd Barret, his name was. I played the album and fell in love with it - still love it. I then (pre-internet) found out everything about him I was able to I saw another two-fer album set - Sud Barrett - with his two solo albums. Got those too and they're, as Laurie Anderson might say, difficult listening, but very fascinating, and with The MadCap Laughs, I can definitely hear the potential for songs to be finished, but they never really were, but he sang them well, for the most part, and there were nice melodies and guitar playing. I've always clamored for a comeback of sorts, but was very saddened when I got news of his death in 2006. He died at 60, and that's how old I am now - and my artistic days have only just begun, or so it seems.
This is a fantastic insight to Syd and a big thanks to Rosemary for being so open and candid about Syd and her relationship with her brother, this has given me a completely new and and respect for him, and so glad he followed his love of painting and was not coerced or pressured into something that he was not comfortable with. Ironically his mental health was responsible for 2 of the greatest albums of all time, Dark Side of the Moon and Wish you were here. She is I am sure very proud of him and willl her fond memories of should bring a lot happiness.
Just listened to that just now. It seems like a very realistic take on the situation, and although I am not used to some of the conclusions, I think she makes some cogent comments on all of it. Rosemary seems like a very professional and serious person, and seems to have a very sobering but important take on much of this Maybe he was better off sticking with painting, if that was in fact what he took a lot more seriously, and if it would have meant the troubles could have been avoided. He could have still created art, and probably a lot of it, and he might have even become successful with it. And 2/3rd's of his life wouldn't have been spent in an unfortunate state of probably having brain damage, as he may have avoided bad parts of the 60's social scene That said, with wishing things could have been different for Syd, I think he did probably produce some of the most original pop music since the 60's. It's often said, I think, that innovation occurs when a master in one field takes a journey into another. Syd painted pop songs: the chord changes and lyrics, to me, are popping with the abstract color choices of a visual artist. I don't think someone needs to alter their mental state to hear it: I can hear it just by using my ears Not everyone likes every kind of music. Oddly enough, I had spent much of last night trying to get through some compositions by various classical artists. It can be kind of challenging for a rocker musician like myself to appreciate, I suspect. My brain starts immediately looking for hooks, or wondering exactly where in the orchestra canvas it is, that I be should be directing my listening. I will continue trying to listen to that music, but it is very challenging for me to understand
Must have been devastating and traumatic for al the family. If the David Sore accounts are correct ( and someone with a Schizoaffective Disorder can be 'disordered' ! So not surprising if it is true ) then it was very challenging at times and Rosemary and family did well to manage it, at least until it calmed more in the late 80s it seems. Here Rosemary seems to fully acknowledge some mental health problems, without actually saying it, which seems counter to the quotes of her saying "he did not have mental health problems, he was just different" more or less ( if that is correct ). Though people can be 'different' and not have mental health problems. On the other hand, it can be a normal reaction to want to say 'different' or not fully talk about the real issues that happened, as even today, there is a stigma around mental health and a lot of misunderstanding about it. David Sore, obviously just repeated condensed events over a long period of time. I wonder how Rosemary felt about a long term neighbour coming out with that stuff. Apart from al that, it s amazing what families go through when they are basically put in the position of a mental health carer/worker, with no experience at all. The statement: "if only he'd have stayed at Camberwell, I'd still have a brother" - if anyone is predisposed to mental breakdown then unfortunately it does not matter at all what that person does, at some point in the 20s or 30s, is when these breakdowns and mental illnesses surface, artist, butcher, baker or candlestick maker. Also, in terms of many triggers, LSD being one, getting into a scene with that would have been just as easy as an artist in London anyway.
I get the feeling that the whole music/Pink Floyd thing was perhaps something that he just fell into - it seems clear after listening to her speak, that being in a successful band certainly didn’t define him in any way, or at least not to himself. I really enjoyed this.
The healthy Syd Barrett was very creative. He was a talented, gifted young man. Unfortunately he had the wrong friends!!! His bad times started in the shared apartment where Syd lived. He hung out too much with junkies and took too much LSD!!!! When Syd was 15 his father died. When Syd was 18 he met Nick Mason!! Nick wrote: Syd smoked a joint now and then. So Syd brought his drug addiction with him into the Pink Floyd group. From the gateway drug, joints, to LSD. Syd must have started very early. Why ever??? Syd founded Pink Floyd and made it famous. Pink Floyd went up and at the same time Syd went downhill. Syd continued to take drugs on his two solo albums! A real tragedy for Syd and his family. I'm interested to know how Syd lived with his illness??? Because of his heavy drug use he failed as a musician and painter.
Rosemary is so kind and honest to give interviews about her brother. Thank you! Some people (music "fanatics") can be so cruel and disrespecrful towards Rosemary. If Syd was my brother and I knew he was taking a lot of acid and stuff while in a psychedelic music group, and saw what it was doing to him, I'd feel just like Rosemary (and I loved the "Piper" album). (Even SYD didn't like where the music business was taking him). SHE had to deal with all of Syd's problems in the family, ...not the fans. The fans don't see the other side of coin, they just fall in love with the music and have NO idea what is going on in the private life of a famous artist. That's why Syd said he didn't live there, and "I'm not him", when pushy "fans" would disrespectfully come knocking on his door. You guys got issues!
I'm just minutes in and know already that this is just exceptional work, and you're a true professional without enough subscribers or views. I've subbed myself, and I'm excited to listen to more of your podcast.
Right off the bat, I strongly disagree with Rosemary. The Beatles had terrific banter with the audience they entertained, when they introduced their songs judging from the archives. "Would the people on the cheaper seats clap your hands and the rest of you if you'll just rattle your jewelry." I would go as far as saying their straight-talk rapport with the audience made the Beatle-Mania, as much as their rock'n roll. The city of Liverpool is forever associated to the Fab Four because they portrayed a stereotype of Scousers, despite Brian Epstein's Public Relation effort. Lennon and McCartney were a comedy act, just like Morecambe and Wise or even Python to some degree. Without this edgy personality, the Beatles' films A Hard Day's Night and Help would have fallen flat.
Fantastic interview, well handled. You knew how to be measured and when to stop pursuing certain areas out of respect. Interesting to hear Rosemary's views on his lyricism; whilst there clearly was fun in there you can tell Syd was very well read. Like others commenting here, I definately recommend the biography "A very irregular head". It gets to the heart of how Syd operated and puts to bed some myths.
I am a painter. I don't give my work away easy. So I still have almost everything I've done in my life. Very personal. it's fine art, not commercial art. Much of it I painted while listening to Syd's solo tapes. Especially Opel and the Peel ones. I found it more beautiful than the early Floyd with Syd there writing with Rick and Roger backing and fine-tuning, Rick crafting a classic or two and album like George. My Uncle's called George. a commercial artist now octogenarian. Always admired the trade, but i couldn't throw myself into it. Paintings are not Pokemon.
I've sometimes thought that he was in the wrong genre alright. Being a painter and perhaps doing an exhibition now and then would have been a slower pace and would have suited his temperament better. I'm glad I got to hear and appreciate his music but he paid a very heavy price for it.
great job Ian and team! only thing i missed, but i understand she was very reluctant too talk about that part, if at all, was how the contact of the family with the band members went throughout the years. also wonder if any of the three remaining members will ever get to see this historical document.
I really enjoyed listening to his sister speak....thank you Rosemary. Syd was brilliant and I am haunted by his life story. Why does it always seem that the best and brightest so often suffer with mental illness and substance abuse? May you forever Shine On Syd !!! Love from Kentucky USA!
I still wonder how Syd’s music career would have played out had he not suffered from the mental breakdown he had. The Pink Floyd were on the trajectory of major stardom with Syd at the helm. His departure certainly slowed down the success of the group, at least initially. His music was so unique and so very genuine. His music was him as much as his art became later.
The the thing that sticks in mind since I had listened to this interview, was that bit about the black painting, with the small piece of light or color in one corner. Besides being an awfully stark artistic expression, which seems like it would have mapped onto poor Syd's internal world, it does seem like it could be interpreted as a metaphor for the work of the Pink Floyd, sort of in total Whereas Piper brings up feelings of magic, whimsy, light and color, the rest of the Pink Floyd work has an aesthetic more like a cold winter street, with the sound of occasional dog barking, or the starkness of abandoned factory buildings.
Nice chat, nice to know that Syd had somebody like her in his life to rely on. I would, of course, like to know more about his (or hers?) contacts with PF management and ex band members until his death, the inner dealings of his estate and publishing, but, oh... Props to Ian for his compasionate approach. More than anything, this episode is a study of British stoicism and the stiff upper lip...
David has always said that he made sure that Syd got every pound due to him. This includes the pounds from the best of and greatest hits releases. He passed on a trust worth several million pounds 😢
2:31 Proof that (as histories books like to tell us) that in reality, so few people were actually park of the "Swingin' 60s". So many fascinating truths here.
This was an enjoyable and revealing interview and Rosemary seemed to open up as the chat developed which is a compliment to the interviewer. Totally agreed with his sister’s assessment of Syd’s humourus attitude to his music. One only needs to listen to Bike and Arnold Layne to sense he was clowning around with the lyrics while at the same time experimenting with the music. Despite this I think Interstellar Overdrive was a serious and innovative piece and I could easily visualise it being perfect for the motorway scene in Stanislaw Lem’s 1972 film Solaris. Was Syd a genius? I don’t know for sure, but he may have become one if drugs had not destroyed him. Fascinating interview.
Thank you Rosemary for sharing your memories with us, and thank you Ian for being polite and respectfully inquisitive.
FROM THIS INTERVIEW WITH ROSEMARY, I THINK THAT , FROM NOW ON, NO ONE WILL KNOW MORE DEEPLY ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO SYD, SINCE HE STOPPED MAKING MUSIC AND BEGAN TO TAKE REFUGE IN HIS HOME, SHE DID...SHE HAS TRIED A LOT BECAUSE OF THAT CERTAIN COEXISTENCE SHE HAD WITH HIM....EVEN THOUGH ROSEMARY HAS THINGS SHE DOENS´T REMEMBER , BECAUSE MANY YEARS HAVE PASSED...AND REMEMBER THE TITLE OF THIS VIDEO ABOUT SYD BARRETT....´´HE NEVER SOUGHT CELEBRITY´´...SINCE SYD´ WAS MORE THAN ANYTHING, AN EXCEPTIONAL ECCENTRIC CARTOONIST...AND EVEN THOUGH HE WAS A GREAT MUSICIAN, HE TOOK THE WRONG PATH, IN WHICH HIS SCHIZOPHRENIA WAS ENHANCED BY NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP TAKING ´´LSD´´.......Greetings from Argentina
@@alejandrobonahora6484 Young man, why are you shouting?
I DON´T SEE WELL...THIS WHY I WRITE IN PRINT@@benedictearlson9044
It's really nice to hear Rosemary talking about her brother so lovingly, and dispelling some of the myths surrounding Syd's reclusive years. It reminds us he wasn't a 'rock star', he was a brother, a son and an uncle.
It's upsetting to hear how ill he really became, and how painful it was for his loved ones to witness. I think it's important for Syd fans not to romanticise the dark side of Syd's life but to celebrate and enjoy the wonderful art and music he gave the world.
The saddest of ironies: his extraordinary musical talent - possibly the most unique singer/song writer in rock/pop - cost him 2/3 of his functioning life.
For me, his demise represents the biggest musical loss in 20th century popular music. So original, so unpredictable, so touching.
Look up Daniel Johnson
You will love him if you haven’t heard of him yet.
Couldn’t agree with you more
Thank you for this interview. Despite being very moving, it's a bit consoling knowing that he had such a caring and loving sister, even if she clearly doesn't like at all the thing we all cherish - his music.
I'm in my early thirties but I'm fashinated by Syd and his music from a long time ago, when I casually found my father's notebooks in my childhood home's attic. There were some writings in it, poetry attempts of a teenage boy in the 70s, and Syd was frequently mentioned as an inspiration. Naturally, as a 20 yo girl, I knew Pink Floyd's music, but nothing about Syd, and decided to do some research. Hooked ever since! He holds a little special spot in my heart!
Roger did contact his family about the drugs, but they said nothing was wrong.
Hi Margarita
Yeah Syd Berret;s more posthumous fame or recognition kind of reminds me of American poet Emily Dickson .
See Emily Play - Do know the lyrics?👻😂
Wait, she says it wasn't "mental" but admits when neurodivergent was brought up, said he never saw a psychologist. Did I hear that right?
Excellent interview really enjoyed hearing about the real Syd Barrett from his sister who knew him best.
She says that she's the only person who really knew him but doesn't seem to appreciate or understand anything he was or did except painting, and even appreciating the fact that he painted, she still doesn't seem to fully understand even that. She actually doesn't seem to know or understand anything about her brother's interiority. I'm honestly a little baffled.
Same here. Most people from back then were judgy and square. Seems like the family didn't quite know him at all. They helped him with mundane chores, but that's about it
Thank you, something about her rubs me the wrong way
@@sarahb4745 same. Seems a bit jealous to me. There is also never a mention of the money that Syd left or what would presumably still be royalties received.
It's kind of sad to me that Rosemary completely is uninterested in Syd's music, perhaps she correlates his music with what happened to him and resents it. His music means so much to so many including myself. I don't think it was the music that sidetracked him, it was drugs and the music industry. He seemed very passionate about his music in the beginning.
People have been waiting for an interview with this lady for many years. You've got to admire her fortitude and her diplomacy in the interview. What transpires from it are these …
1. It's obvious that his sister was his only long-lasting friend in life, so her attitude to things would've had tremendous influence on his attitudes. Vulnerable as he was.
2. It's clear that she really doesn't rate Syds musical talent. And the whole world of "psychedelic music", possibly including popular music and rock music in general. Its worth pointing out that from a modern-day perspective, someone so wholly dismissive of an entire musical movement is very unusual indeed. It's interesting piece of a jigsaw which still has a few missing pieces. Hence the fascination people have with the story.
3. It's pretty clear that she cites Syds foray into music as terribly destructive, and blames this. She also possibly believes that Syd had fundamental underlying psychological issues. But to what extent each was responsible in her eyes, it's very hard to tell. This is where the diplomacy in the interview enters in. She mentions "hurt" briefly, and clearly has distaste for the whole area of time. "History is written by the winners" as the saying goes.
4. She's very guarded. And would definitely have had many offers, and wisely rejected all of these. Yes it's true that her own family and their interests will be one of the reasons. But why really?
She is a nurse and the use of mind altering drugs is not something that any medical personnel of that era would have anything to do with. Syd heavily abused LSD to the point where he went way too far, and lost himself. I can only imagine what Syd’s family had to deal with from that point on.
Interviewer talks way too much. We want to hear her stories - not yours.
"Oh dear, do be careful." What a wonderful way to summarize, and why am I crying? Just a sister talking about her brother. What a sweet, sweet woman. Thank you so much for this interview.
Absolutely lovely woman. Both he and his story matter. Sad, tragic, but dark and beautiful. He was one of a kind. People are drawn to him and the story, and his family, by extension. It is my hope that others continue to revere, but also respect his family. The one statement she made that struck me was “you’re very understanding.” She seems happy to share, but not feed the myth or the people seeking for something greater than what it is and was. A tragically sad story of a wonderful and truly gifted human. Well done.
Just love the song. See Emily play. One of my best song. Going to work. To the cotton. Mill in 1967 or 8. I at 17. In Lancashire Nelson lancs pendle England. Sung the song. To. Just be happy. Now I had a. Long. Day 😢🙏❤️ thnks for the song xxx
Something that interests me is that she’s said in the past that her brother couldn’t have a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia because psychiatrists never thought he had it. But here she says he never saw one in the first place….
What a respectful interviewer. He was gentle and made it about her and not himself. He never interrupted and never pushed any boundaries. Please teach your knowledge to other interviewers who make it about themselves. It was a pleasure to listen to this. What a lovely sister she was. I’m sure her immediate family were very decent people.
Many thanks for sharing this, very generous of Rosemary to share her memories. A lovely lady, the family resemblance is obvious. Her brother was a special man, many people don't fully understand mental health problems, my father was a paranoid schizophrenic and a lot of what she explained resonated with my memories of him. I hope she can maybe find time to write her memoirs.
Thank you for this. Thank you Rosemary. I sure wish we had all of Roger’s canvases.
Why should she have to like the music. She cared about her brother a lot and was sad to see him affected by what happened. Also, off topic but if anyone has depression then there’s a big playlist about depression in a folder in the Playlist part of my channel on here
She really doesn't give a lot of information, but that's okay. She doesn't describe what he was like as a child and growing up, for example. She doesn't talk about his emotional state in the years after Pink Floyd. I heard he was very spoiled as a kid and he didn't treat his mother with respect. I also heard that as a young adult, he didn't like rules, and there were no rules growing up. And he was VERY free about taking drugs and expanding his mind...and it makes me think that he did enter into a very free/open and undefined headspace with no rules or guard rails, so to speak. Sad because it was so dark, his mental breakdown, and no one really knows what his internal world was like when his brain was damaged. But it was almost like he didn't want anything to be "defined" in his life....or his creativity....and he was very abstract in his writing and thoughts and musical style. Very abstract before he took so many drugs. And ironically, he ended up living inside a very abstract mind that he could not come out of. That beautiful spark in his eyes went dark. So very sad. But maybe in some weird way, he was happy to be so isolated in his thoughts, his undefinable thoughts. And he continued to paint.
I,m rather saddened that Rosemary dismisses Syd s time in music as a " complete mistake " !! I think the biggest mistake in his life was DRUG ABUSE ... and i really think this was awful to Syd s life . I think that if he did not use drugs at all ..... he might have embraced his music and been happy with it , i can only speculate . Syd loved painting yes , and he first a foremost enjoyed that most , but ..... i think he was also mean to make music because he was so gifted at that as well . I will continue to be a lifelong fan of Roger & his alter ego Syd forever , even though he would not want me to be or understand why i am . 😉
the problem is, the music, the music scene & the drugs all went hand it hand. Syd’s hangers-on, spiking his drinks with LSD on a daily basis.. would not have happened if he hadn’t been in the music scene. you can’t blame her for hating the music and what it did to him.
I’m wondering if he had autism.
I have never met Rosemary but have heard many nice things about her.
Rog (Syd's real name) is someone I got to know a little bit, via his friend Clive Welham. Clive was old friends with both Rog and David Gilmore and lived close to Rog's final home. The two had spoken on the phone and they discussed Rog, and Clive decided damn it he was going to knock on the door and see what happened, having been warned away from doing so. Rog acknowledged he remembered Clive from the 1960s and they agreed to meet again one day, unsure it would happen. About three weeks later Rog randomly turned up at Clive's door with fish and chips. I think this must have been 2000-2001.
As I understood it Pink Floyd royalties meant Rog had money and could pretty much avoid any human contact. However the early stages of Pancreatic Cancer forced him to attend hospital and that apparently made him slightly more comfortable with people. Clive had some small gatherings at his house once in a while and invited Rog, who did come. He was very distant, and clearly "he had a lot going on in his head", but I think he enjoyed listening to the conversation and seemed comfortable.
Clive was invited to Rog's home and Rog proudly showed off his shelves, and the jazz room. I know Clive spent one or two afternoons listening to jazz in the jazz room.
Unfortunately Clive suffered a sharp decline in health shortly afterwards and I don't think Clive was able to maintain contact.
Great insights! Thank you very much!
A great intervew. Thanks Rosemary so much. I have loved Syd since I was 18 (now 53) He is still my favourite song writer. His story and art has inspired me always to think outside the box. Also his unfortunate plight has inspired me to be very cautious in ways that he was not,. Your brother is amazing and one of the greatest song writers I have ever heard
Unfortunate that she has nothing nice to say about any part of Syd's musical output nor lyrics. Perhaps she has never chosen to hear much of it, or feels above it in an unreconstructed classical music mindset. Even a child could adore Effervescing Elephant. There's great pastoral beauty in Scarecrow, Chapter 24. And great majesty in Astronomy Domine. To name a few. It's not all gold but there's enough gold there for his musical talent at its best to be called genius. He was in some ways our Jim Morrison in my opinion.
As much as I dislike his old neighbour David Sore's account of Syd and reading in between the lines of this interview I think theres a lot more truth to what he said than most Barrett fans want to accept.
Syd did also have a violent and volatile side and he was probably far more mentally unwell in the 80's than people want to believe.
Sounds like it was well into the 90's that he found some level of peace and contentment.
A very sad and tragic tale.. fame is the worst thing that can happen to some people.
Agree especially when she described one terrible night that happened and their mother left the house never to live with Syd again. David Sore describes the police coming since he apparently attacked his mother. Rosemary respectfully doesn't divulge any further, I think she is very protective understandably and has a way of describing Syd's condition without telling too much.
I hope Rosemary or her family read these comments so she knows how thankful we are for this interview. It's incredible to have these details of Syd after his music career. The family's story resonates so much with my own, minus the creative genius pop star! And thank you Fingals Cave
This was an insightful podcast and clarifies some previously uncertain details but I was surprised and disappointed that Rosemary didn't think that Syd Barrett ever really wanted to be a musician. Of course, I've always understood that Syd never really wanted to be famous or just another popstar, however I've always thought that Syd originally enjoyed the artistic side of rock music. From what Syd's friends and Peter Jenner and Joe Boyd have said over the years, it seems to me that Syd even on The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn had greater musical plans in mind than he was able to realise. Norman Smith suffocated Syd's creativity bigtime in 1967 and that drove Syd further into anger and drugs on top of his existing mental troubles.
I was also surprised when she described Pink Floyd as being distant from the audience during the early Floyd gigs she attended. I always got the impression, at least from Roger Waters, that even without direct interaction, the camaraderie between the Pink Floyd and their audience was at its strongest in the early years from roughly 1965 through spring 1973.
Keep in mind we all wear masks. This is a family where Roger says Syd's brother, a doctor, came and said Syd was fine. So I think her views of what Syds wishes were at any time are as spurious as anybodys. She is better able to describe events, but nobody knows anybody, not that well.
Pink Floyd is pretty much the defnition of 'separation', which isn't surprosing about british celebrity, particularly after the beatles. The industry was geared on a clear separation between 'producers and consumers'.
For more on that watch Richard Wrights interviews where he talks about how the band was NEVER using drugs, but their whole audience was. They refused to play their hits, pretty much out of spite, although Richard maintains it wasn't that.
I think you are putting a little too much on Norman Smith. He did what any producer had to do, from his accounts Syd pretty much ignored anything he said and Roger prodded them all along.
@@mikearchibald-u6g Fair enough about Rosemary, however the early gig situation was somewhat more complex. I don't think Pink Floyd intended to spite their audiences until at least when things started to fall apart in May 1973 with the loss of the camaraderie between The Floyd and their audiences. From roughly the time Pink Floyd first formed in early 1965 through well into spring/early summer 1967, they played different kinds of gigs with different lengths and audience demographics.
On the one hand the underground club gigs (at places like the UFO Club) were comparable in terms of length at least to Pink Floyd's epic gigs in the years 1969-1975, 1977, 1980-1981, 1987-1989 and 1994. At these underground gigs (often dubbed "happenings") they played epic improvised instrumental jams. These originally were improvised epic extensions of existing R 'n B songs from early bands however in 1966 and early 1967 Pink Floyd were fully improvising original epic jams of their own entirely. These gigs of course included the classic epic Interstellar Overdrive. Some of these gigs were said to have lasted all night long but Syd Barrett enjoyed these shows the most as he got to explore the potential of his creativity. These shows were also where The Floyd experimented with their early space rock/psychedelic sounds and lightshows. The underground shows were also the ones where The Floyd built their initial loyal fanbase as this type of audience was all for experimental and epic music and was mostly part of the counterculture.
However on the other hand there was shorter gigs in 1967 generally, where The Floyd still performed their longform jams including Interstellar Overdrive but the gigs were roughly only half an hour long give or take. Since these gigs were at more mainstream venues this meant the audience was also more mainstream and were also less welcoming of the epic jams. It was these audiences that were mostly angry about Pink Floyd not playing their hits like Arnold Layne and See Emily Play.
Due to the combined effects of Syd's breakdown in May 1967 and the police raids on the underground clubs, the long gigs ended in May 1967 and the shorter mainstream venue gigs became the main type of Pink Floyd gig until almost The Man And The Journey Tour of 1969 with the 1968 transitioning of David Gilmour into Syd's place on guitars and vocals further delaying the return to fullblown gigs until the 1969 tour. The short type of Pink Floyd gig also took place in the US Floyd tour throughout late 1967 and when this tour came back across to the UK this became a package gig where The Floyd joined Jimi Hendrix, The Move, The Nice and Amen Corner on the bill.
Another thing that didn't help was that Pink Floyd often had to do radio and television show appearances promoting their hits including See Emily Play from May through December 1967. Syd hated this, especially if The Floyd had to mime their hits rather than recreate them live as in concerts. Syd also hated touring in the US however the short late 1967 gigs began to have a shorter version of Interstellar Overdrive followed by Roger Waters's Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun. During the final year of the short Pink Floyd gigs in 1968, with David Gilmour slowly settling in and Syd having left, the setlist mainly consisted of the A Saucerful Of Secrets title track, Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun and Careful With That Axe, Eugene. Gradually Pink Floyd's loyal underground audience became the main audience demographic in the otherwise mainstream music venues during this time which helped to boost the camaraderie between The Floyd and their audience, as well as boost band morale and confidence despite the loss of Syd. The fullblown Pink Floyd gigs returned in 1969 with The Man And The Journey Tour.
As for Syd after leaving The Floyd, even though he mostly just recorded short songs for his two solo albums during his sadly shortlived career, interestingly Syd recorded at least one super epic instrumental song called Ramadan which is a rarity not available on any of Syd's two solo albums. Ramadan shows that Syd was certainly capable of creating progressive rock epics with or without Pink Floyd at least until his breakdown became complete in the early '70s. At least in terms of length and complexity, Ramadan is comparable to The Floyd's super epics; Dogs/You've Gotta Be Crazy, the Atom Heart Mother title track and Echoes.
I was surprised that she's so very, very, incurious about, and dismissive of, her brother's music.
It's understandable if it's forever linked in her mind with the pain his mental illness would have brought him, her, and the rest of the family, but surely listening to it would have given her another insight into his personality.
@@mikearchibald-u6g @user-jp5nc8zf7m @Craigevansagain I had a friend who was a very peculiar individual, he passed a few years ago. Same age as Syd, lived in London, was a painter, then travelled to Nepal and lived in a monastery for years until he caught tuberculosis in the late 60's and was sent home by the monks to die in his homeland. Needless to say, he was a very colorful character, but I suspect he was also on the spectrum, as he was very unique, strange, charismatic, funny and talented, but never sought fame or fortune and died a recluse with very little money despite coming from a well-off family.
He had a brother and a sister, and all 3 lived in a very large mansion and almost never saw each other, they each lived in a different 'wing', so to speak. Long story short, his siblings always dismissed him as strange and 'funny' and always were very condescending towards his 'antics' and his art. He was a very committed and prolific painter, and incredibly cultured and well-mannered. His siblings were, for lack of a better word, very prosaic and not inclined towards the arts, music or anything related to eastern philosophies, so they always thought he was crazy for having lived in a monastery and for reading the I-Ching every morning.
They auctioned his weird belongings and paintings when he died, painted over his walls in modern colors, and moved on with their very square lives. Those of us who 'got' him were very few, and I think he's one of the best humans that ever existed, but even his family never ever understood him and constantly put him down and dismissed him.
The way Rosemary talks about going to his concerts, how she was working when he was on Top of the Pops, how she was dismissive of his music, just shows how very little respect she had for his inner world and how judgmental she was about his way of life (i.e., him being gone with the fairies). I'm not saying she's a bad person, she probably helped him a great deal doing mundane chores, but I don't think she ever understood him. His songs are poetry, came straight from his heart, and he did that for years and even recorded solo albums. His music was important to him, he was just never understood by anyone around him, including The Floyd.
I go back to the mid- 1980's with a proposed project to get Syd to only speak about art history and not music (well, at first anyway) and Rosemary and family were protective of his privacy as people would approach him without going through the family. Not the way or the way I approach it. Anyway, the family is now in the "Syd" Business which is their right, however, I have never been a fan or perpetuating the "acid casualty mythological" Syd as he has been presented for decades now. The real truth lies in-between and I do believe that Syd had mental health issues not related to drugs, but, no doubt, not made any better by their intake. If Syd is to be a cottage family business, I have to ask why this was not the case when he was alive. Anyway, Rosemary was very kind to even give her perspective publicly as she is a private person .
30:03 - I wonder what ever became of Libby..?
You can’t blame her for been dead against it all the music how he was! cos when the cameras are off she was there left picking up the pieces and looking after her brother who was left burnt out!
Unfortunately that has left something of a scorched earth approach... as in Syd/music = All bad!... which ironically what we're here for and what he's famous for.. it's what made that large inheritance she got from his estate.
When I was 15 I was struck by schizophrenia. It is going around in my family. Fortunatelly after 3 major outbreaks and some little ones here and there, I am now 30 and I recovered at least so much to having my grip on reality now (though having difficulties of course). Anyways I no longer require any medication since 10 years now. And I have recovered pretty much.
Since I have first heard of Syd, I had such a great compassion in this man. Maybe because I see kind of myself in him a bit. And I was always wondering, how his life was and how he did.
You have given me so much more insight. And I feel a great relief. I thank you
Thank you so so much
One of the best additions to Syds bio Ive come across in years. Kudos to the interviewer for making it happen. I know Roger Nick and Dave will be watching. ❤❤❤
Amongst other details - I loved the way she talked about Mick Rock.
Syd’s lyrics, especially on Madcap were strained and painful. I don’t think they were not meant to be taken seriously.
Excellent! Its Its really interesting hearing from Rosemary. Did anyone know him better?
Love this. Thank you so much for making this happen!
I've been a Syd and Floyd fan for many, many years. This interview was a great insight into Syd and his sister's life together. I would absolutely love to view some of Syd's artwork, as I guess I am an artist of sorts myself, well i try haha! I also suffer with mental illness and art of any kind is an immense help. I just wanted to say thank you to the interviewer and Syd's sister. You have such a calmness about you. I absolutely enjoyed this video immensely. As a tribute to Syd, I put forward the name Emily to my daughter when she found out she was having a baby girl....my granddaughter Emily is now 10 years old and I am so proud of her ❤. Rest in peace Syd.
I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and further insight in to Syd's childhood and later life. Thank you Rosemary.
Great interview, thanks Rosemary & Ian. Interesting that I don't recall the phrase 'Pink Floyd' being mentioned. Was this an understanding that the subject really never got mentioned. Would have also liked to have known Rosemary's reaction to Syd turning up at the WHWH recordings but despite that this is groundbreaking stuff. Well done!
I've read so many conflicting things about Syd Barrett it's hard to know what's true and what isn't sometimes. Roger Waters said he invited him then it's that he turned up out the blue so who knows but I am sure he was there on 3 occasions cause he's wearing different clothes in a couple of the pictures
@@iainstewart7104There is a lot of conflicting stories about that, He was there at at the SOYCD sessions at least least twice; June 5th and also July 7th for Gilmour's wedding;
I discovered Syd Barrett's solo albums as a teen. I adore those songs. They have become very familiar to me. The songs are so totally English.
She is lovely
Poor Syd, may his sweet soul rest in peace. His sister is lovely.
This interview was exactly what I was hoping that it was.
The organic substance along with the great questions about Roger and his life before, during and of course after, were so perfect.
Rosemary is a truly caring soul who has spent her entire life taking care of others, including her brother and mother.
This interview was conducted with standards and no “gotcha” questions.
I praise you sir for this interview.
I saw the film and I left thinking that it would have been nice to have more reflection on Roger’s life after the music.
I, like so many other people have wondered what happened to Roger afterward?
The fact that he still strummed his guitar and listened to Jazz, feeds my imagination even more so.
It made my soul smile when I heard that.
I was happy to hear that he still pursued his passion for painting.
What I didn’t like was that he was never left alone.
I understand the infatuation of Mr. Syd Barrett by the fans, that is why I am here, but I just wish that he would have had more peace in his later years.
Extraordinary interview that truly satisfies my heart and soul.
You are very good at what you do .
Thank you for your work!
HEY Rosemary Barrett, Syd's sister he grew up with, very nice and they grew up closely..I was so excited to see that 😀 😄 interview with her experiences when she said about her brother Roger Keith Barrett 😀 😊 💙 👍 😄 with the band's early days. I ✨️ ✨️ have to say I am glad to hear this, I like Rosemary Barrett. SYD's sister❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊
Thank you so much. That was a wonderful conversation.
Not much revealing here. The interviewer almost has to pose the questions and answer them himself.
That was fascinating. The biography A Very Irregular Head, which Rosemary authorised and contributed to, is well worth a read, though it's interesting to hear her contradict the story that the family settled down to watch a documentary about the early days of Floyd. The story is in the book, with Syd/Roger apparently commenting that 'It was a bit noisy', but him seemingly being pleased to see old faces. Dave Gilmour did want to visit, but stayed away on family advice. He's since expressed regret that he didn't take a chance and knock on the door. It's great that includes songs like 'Doninoes' and 'Terrapin' in his solo sets.
Could Syd cook?
If so, what was his diet like?
I know some may think this is a frivolous question but as he was a recluse for so long this would have been a big part of his daily routine
Given how he was 'mr diy' and doddled in gardening i expect he would cook his own meals, especially after his mother moved out, and was probably both very bad at it and very proud of it, but not to the point of inviting anyone over for diner.
Ha, Yep i have a feeling that everything he did at that house was art/artful on some level and the fact that no-one got to see it creates a sense of value in my mind@@barthollevoetkbr961
great interview it's good to get a more rounded idea of how it was, in some ways more interesting than any of the myths
she recognises that he was an artist but says he shouldnt have become a musician. Are you hearing what your saying. Music is art. She seems to think him becoming a musician was his downfall. cmon. Syd went through some CRAZY shit and she just writes it all off. he has helped soo many people, including me, through his music. Nonetheless i understand that this is her opinion and she obviously knew way more about him than us but its just such a shame. Shed learn soo much about her brother if she listened to his music.
Fascinating and compassionate interview with Syd Barrett's sister. It would be interesting to see an exhibition of his paintings. Thank you for posting.
There was in London 7 years ago
Some years back, I spoke online with a number of people who were close to Syd, or had met him fleetingly. I wasn't sure whether to share this; I did a session with Mark Lamarr on radio 2 and made an album. It was pretty clear that Syd was a major influence on my aesthetic. I haven't referred back to the conversations- unfortunately the one with Jenny Spires no longer exists. We discussed the possibility of my writing about Syd. She was most complimentary about my words to her about him, but this isn't about me. She said, that it was extraordinary that one of the authors of a book about Syd hadn't expressed an interest in speaking with her, as she was there when he wrote his most resonant songs. Also, I spoke with Ian on numerous occasions, although this was mostly not about Syd. Then there was Iggy. I saw her profile contained photographs of Syd I hadn't seen, I was impressed and sent a friend request. She liked the fact that I didn't know who she was when I sent that request. We chatted from time to time, I remember her saying that I had an outlet for life's pain in my songwriting; she was such a character. She was quite outrageous. When my father was very ill, I got some online abuse from a woman, and Iggy said " What is her name, my sweet" lol, I sensed an impending bloodbath and didn't disclose it, but Iggy taught me something about the power of love with that kind gesture. A lady called Libby sent a friend request. Ian and I talked about psychedelic lighting, and Hoppy Hopkins. I also found out that my acquaintance Alan Merrill had met Syd in a club in Tokyo, he even remembered the name of it which eludes me now. It was in 1968, and Syd/ Roger told him he had gone to Japan to " find himself". Alan went to get some beers, and when he returned Syd had vanished and he said he thought " What a strange bloke". Also, producer John Leckie told me he had seen Syd live. I presume he meant at the Roundhouse. I had no idea he was involved in Syd's final recordings.
This podcast has a feeling of inclusivity for Syd's fans, I think. The natural to- ing and frowing of conversation is unforced. It is clearly significant, drawing one into the human reality, as well as the character and aesthetic of this tremendous artist, as well as striking a note of caution.
Thankyou very much for creating it.
I always think of the beauty of colours when I think of Syd. He had beauty and great taste, presenting an English aesthetic his, and presumably the present generation find palatable. I love his poetry, the melodies, the outlandish and fearless musical experimentation, his guitar sound and most of all his voice.
Thankyou Rosemary for sharing.
Dear Marc, thank you very very much for your extended feedback and the insights you share with us, most appreciated!
I've been into Syd since 1987 when I saw THe Piper at the Gates of Dawn for the first time. It said "Pink Floyd, the cover did, and I recognized Waters, Wright and Mason, but who was this cat in the upper right hand corner? Syd Barret, his name was. I played the album and fell in love with it - still love it. I then (pre-internet) found out everything about him I was able to I saw another two-fer album set - Sud Barrett - with his two solo albums. Got those too and they're, as Laurie Anderson might say, difficult listening, but very fascinating, and with The MadCap Laughs, I can definitely hear the potential for songs to be finished, but they never really were, but he sang them well, for the most part, and there were nice melodies and guitar playing. I've always clamored for a comeback of sorts, but was very saddened when I got news of his death in 2006. He died at 60, and that's how old I am now - and my artistic days have only just begun, or so it seems.
Thank you. Any understanding of Syd’s life is incomplete without this interview.
This is a fantastic insight to Syd and a big thanks to Rosemary for being so open and candid about Syd and her relationship with her brother, this has given me a completely new and and respect for him, and so glad he followed his love of painting and was not coerced or pressured into something that he was not comfortable with. Ironically his mental health was responsible for 2 of the greatest albums of all time, Dark Side of the Moon and Wish you were here. She is I am sure very proud of him and willl her fond memories of should bring a lot happiness.
Great to see this . Much more enjoyable than the predictable new film . Great Interview
Syd went bankrupt? I thought he'd been taken care of by PF!
Just listened to that just now. It seems like a very realistic take on the situation, and although I am not used to some of the conclusions, I think she makes some cogent comments on all of it. Rosemary seems like a very professional and serious person, and seems to have a very sobering but important take on much of this
Maybe he was better off sticking with painting, if that was in fact what he took a lot more seriously, and if it would have meant the troubles could have been avoided. He could have still created art, and probably a lot of it, and he might have even become successful with it. And 2/3rd's of his life wouldn't have been spent in an unfortunate state of probably having brain damage, as he may have avoided bad parts of the 60's social scene
That said, with wishing things could have been different for Syd, I think he did probably produce some of the most original pop music since the 60's. It's often said, I think, that innovation occurs when a master in one field takes a journey into another. Syd painted pop songs: the chord changes and lyrics, to me, are popping with the abstract color choices of a visual artist. I don't think someone needs to alter their mental state to hear it: I can hear it just by using my ears
Not everyone likes every kind of music. Oddly enough, I had spent much of last night trying to get through some compositions by various classical artists. It can be kind of challenging for a rocker musician like myself to appreciate, I suspect. My brain starts immediately looking for hooks, or wondering exactly where in the orchestra canvas it is, that I be should be directing my listening. I will continue trying to listen to that music, but it is very challenging for me to understand
Thank you very much for this comment!
Must have been devastating and traumatic for al the family. If the David Sore accounts are correct ( and someone with a Schizoaffective Disorder can be 'disordered' ! So not surprising if it is true ) then it was very challenging at times and Rosemary and family did well to manage it, at least until it calmed more in the late 80s it seems. Here Rosemary seems to fully acknowledge some mental health problems, without actually saying it, which seems counter to the quotes of her saying "he did not have mental health problems, he was just different" more or less ( if that is correct ). Though people can be 'different' and not have mental health problems. On the other hand, it can be a normal reaction to want to say 'different' or not fully talk about the real issues that happened, as even today, there is a stigma around mental health and a lot of misunderstanding about it. David Sore, obviously just repeated condensed events over a long period of time. I wonder how Rosemary felt about a long term neighbour coming out with that stuff. Apart from al that, it s amazing what families go through when they are basically put in the position of a mental health carer/worker, with no experience at all.
The statement: "if only he'd have stayed at Camberwell, I'd still have a brother" - if anyone is predisposed to mental breakdown then unfortunately it does not matter at all what that person does, at some point in the 20s or 30s, is when these breakdowns and mental illnesses surface, artist, butcher, baker or candlestick maker. Also, in terms of many triggers, LSD being one, getting into a scene with that would have been just as easy as an artist in London anyway.
Thanks Rose. Rip Syd ❤
Bands back then communicated through their music. Sid and Rosemary were chalk and cheese in this respect.
I,m thrilled, cant wait to hear
I get the feeling that the whole music/Pink Floyd thing was perhaps something that he just fell into - it seems clear after listening to her speak, that being in a successful band certainly didn’t define him in any way, or at least not to himself.
I really enjoyed this.
Someone has to care for these rockers while their friends rocket off to success ,,Fabulous woman
The healthy Syd Barrett was very creative. He was a talented, gifted young man. Unfortunately he had the wrong friends!!! His bad times started in the shared apartment where Syd lived. He hung out too much with junkies and took too much LSD!!!! When Syd was 15 his father died. When Syd was 18 he met Nick Mason!! Nick wrote: Syd smoked a joint now and then. So Syd brought his drug addiction with him into the Pink Floyd group. From the gateway drug, joints, to LSD. Syd must have started very early. Why ever??? Syd founded Pink Floyd and made it famous. Pink Floyd went up and at the same time Syd went downhill. Syd continued to take drugs on his two solo albums! A real tragedy for Syd and his family. I'm interested to know how Syd lived with his illness??? Because of his heavy drug use he failed as a musician and painter.
Seems to me that she thinks she knew her brother, but what she saw in him was only a reflection of what she wanted him to be.
Fantastic ❤️
I see Syds face...and humour in Rosemary. What a lovely lady! Down to earth and genuine.. ❤
A brilliant interview, thank you for sharing.
Thank you Ian and thank you Rosemary.
"He didn't want celebrity"? Yet compared his status to John Lennon?
Thanks a million for this been waiting for this forever 🙏🏼💗😘🤗🤗🙌👏👍😍🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thank you. An endearing piece with 2 very sympathetic people.
bands in the 60s... didn't interact with the audience ?......did she ever hear of THE DOORS ?...🤔
Rosemary is so kind and honest to give interviews about her brother. Thank you! Some people (music "fanatics") can be so cruel and disrespecrful towards Rosemary. If Syd was my brother and I knew he was taking a lot of acid and stuff while in a psychedelic music group, and saw what it was doing to him, I'd feel just like Rosemary (and I loved the "Piper" album). (Even SYD didn't like where the music business was taking him). SHE had to deal with all of Syd's problems in the family, ...not the fans. The fans don't see the other side of coin, they just fall in love with the music and have NO idea what is going on in the private life of a famous artist. That's why Syd said he didn't live there, and "I'm not him", when pushy "fans" would disrespectfully come knocking on his door. You guys got issues!
Can’t wait RIP SYD X
iMAGINE BEING SYD BARRETT'S SISTER and not being a fan of his music. Isn't humankind interesting?!
I'm just minutes in and know already that this is just exceptional work, and you're a true professional without enough subscribers or views. I've subbed myself, and I'm excited to listen to more of your podcast.
Beautiful! Huge thanks to both of you!
Right off the bat, I strongly disagree with Rosemary. The Beatles had terrific banter with the audience they entertained, when they introduced their songs judging from the archives. "Would the people on the cheaper seats clap your hands and the rest of you if you'll just rattle your jewelry." I would go as far as saying their straight-talk rapport with the audience made the Beatle-Mania, as much as their rock'n roll. The city of Liverpool is forever associated to the Fab Four because they portrayed a stereotype of Scousers, despite Brian Epstein's Public Relation effort. Lennon and McCartney were a comedy act, just like Morecambe and Wise or even Python to some degree. Without this edgy personality, the Beatles' films A Hard Day's Night and Help would have fallen flat.
Fantastic interview, well handled. You knew how to be measured and when to stop pursuing certain areas out of respect. Interesting to hear Rosemary's views on his lyricism; whilst there clearly was fun in there you can tell Syd was very well read. Like others commenting here, I definately recommend the biography "A very irregular head". It gets to the heart of how Syd operated and puts to bed some myths.
Is the latest film spoken of "Have You Got It Yet?"
While this is a wonder-filled conversation, ~where are the paintings?? fizzgiggling from flat to flat?
I am a painter. I don't give my work away easy. So I still have almost everything I've done in my life. Very personal. it's fine art, not commercial art. Much of it I painted while listening to Syd's solo tapes. Especially Opel and the Peel ones. I found it more beautiful than the early Floyd with Syd there writing with Rick and Roger backing and fine-tuning, Rick crafting a classic or two and album like George. My Uncle's called George. a commercial artist now octogenarian. Always admired the trade, but i couldn't throw myself into it. Paintings are not Pokemon.
Thank u for this! Greetings from Finland
I've sometimes thought that he was in the wrong genre alright. Being a painter and perhaps doing an exhibition now and then would have been a slower pace and would have suited his temperament better. I'm glad I got to hear and appreciate his music but he paid a very heavy price for it.
So kind of her to speak about her brother.
great job Ian and team! only thing i missed, but i understand she was very reluctant too talk about that part, if at all, was how the contact of the family with the band members went throughout the years. also wonder if any of the three remaining members will ever get to see this historical document.
I really enjoyed listening to his sister speak....thank you Rosemary. Syd was brilliant and I am haunted by his life story. Why does it always seem that the best and brightest so often suffer with mental illness and substance abuse? May you forever Shine On Syd !!! Love from Kentucky USA!
It’s very frustrating that the interviewer won’t let Rosemary talk.
Thank you so much for this.
From the beginning of the interview, to the end, I was enchanted, so natural, so well done, thank you both , it was brilliant.
I think k the big black painting was Floyd getting big, and Syd was the little red square- red being the colour of being angry
He didn't need fame. This man refused to serve Mammon, the demon of greed.
I still wonder how Syd’s music career would have played out had he not suffered from the mental breakdown he had. The Pink Floyd were on the trajectory of major stardom with Syd at the helm. His departure certainly slowed down the success of the group, at least initially. His music was so unique and so very genuine. His music was him as much as his art became later.
The the thing that sticks in mind since I had listened to this interview, was that bit about the black painting, with the small piece of light or color in one corner. Besides being an awfully stark artistic expression, which seems like it would have mapped onto poor Syd's internal world, it does seem like it could be interpreted as a metaphor for the work of the Pink Floyd, sort of in total
Whereas Piper brings up feelings of magic, whimsy, light and color, the rest of the Pink Floyd work has an aesthetic more like a cold winter street, with the sound of occasional dog barking, or the starkness of abandoned factory buildings.
“My father was a successful scientist…” Rosemary tells us at about minute 27.
Did Syd ever listen to the 70's Floyd albums onwards? That's a question I would have asked her,
Nice chat, nice to know that Syd had somebody like her in his life to rely on. I would, of course, like to know more about his (or hers?) contacts with PF management and ex band members until his death, the inner dealings of his estate and publishing, but, oh... Props to Ian for his compasionate approach. More than anything, this episode is a study of British stoicism and the stiff upper lip...
David has always said that he made sure that Syd got every pound due to him. This includes the pounds from the best of and greatest hits releases. He passed on a trust worth several million pounds 😢
2:31 Proof that (as histories books like to tell us) that in reality, so few people were actually park of the "Swingin' 60s". So many fascinating truths here.
how to put someone at ease 101
This was an enjoyable and revealing interview and Rosemary seemed to open up as the chat developed which is a compliment to the interviewer. Totally agreed with his sister’s assessment of Syd’s humourus attitude to his music. One only needs to listen to Bike and Arnold Layne to sense he was clowning around with the lyrics while at the same time experimenting with the music. Despite this I think Interstellar Overdrive was a serious and innovative piece and I could easily visualise it being perfect for the motorway scene in Stanislaw Lem’s 1972 film Solaris. Was Syd a genius? I don’t know for sure, but he may have become one if drugs had not destroyed him. Fascinating interview.