Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett

The comment below which alludes to the group 'chucking Syd out' doesn't tell the whole story by any means. After many prolonged bouts of experimentation with certain mind altering substances Syd's behaviour was becoming more and more erratic. Floyd were playing to half empty houses, and even then finishing their set half way through because Syd was unable to continue,
In 1967 their first US tour was cut short by their manager, Andrew King, again because of Syd's antics. He refused to mime to See Emily Play on Bandstand and merely stared blankly ahead when asked questions on the Pat Boone Show.
At this point the 3rd Floyd single, Apples and Oranges, failed to reach the charts. The group were in turmoil, the general feeling was that they couldn't succeed with Syd but couldn't manage without him.
In March 1968, on their way to a gig in Southampton, it was decided to not make the detour to pick up Syd. The following day he was asked to leave the band as a performer, but offered the job of writer, for which he would be fully paid a share of the bands earnings. He agreed.

Posted By: Cannydc, Sep 1, 07:17:54