Jack’s Reviews > Comfortably Numb: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd > Status Update

http://www.sydbarrett.com/wp-content/...

http://www.sydbarrett.com/wp-content/...

Wow, the changing look of Barrett is so noticeable when comparing these pictures. Once a happy-go-lucky artist, was now eaten and spit out by the drug fueled music scene of this time. You can see what David meant by Syd losing that "shine" in his eyes. Such a sad story.

After reading the huge build up to Syd's fall, it's sad to see such a kind-hearted person go off the rails. What was going on in Syd's head that caused these decisions or responses? Was it the pressure of writing hit singles, realizing your band mates' distrust, or the uncertainty he may have felt his life was going into? When you throw acid on top of all these events, it's easy to see his outcome.

(...) Another friend that lived there attempted killing himself three times while on LSD, unfortunately passing on the third. I think all those chaotic events in the flat may have also caused Syd's break especially while on mind altering drugs. (Q)

There's so many questions that remain about Syd's use. A week long bender was probably the turning point that led to Syd's schizophrenia, but the many unknown questions are wild. He lived in a flat with people with names like "Mad Joc" and "Mad Sue".

I really hope this book goes into more detail about these days of Syd. I've heard stories on rock docs of horrifying experiences Syd had during this time. He was always so interested in art, music, and all things that would be enhanced by the drugs he was taking. It's a pretty sad outcome that he had to experience, and he was such a talented person. (P)

It's interesting that one of the common themes of the rebel founders of Floyd is their upbringings. All of them had parents that had experienced WWII, had a weak relationship or absent father, and attended private schools. But by the early 60's, they all changed their looks, got into drugs, and attended rock n roll parties. (T)

I've been really fascinated by Syd Barrett for years. He was always the driving force behind Pink Floyd's psychedelic sound but only experienced meteoric success. I'm really interested in what other factors led to Syd's breakdown and whether there was more circumstances than experiencing success, money, and drugs so quickly. (F)

Extremely in depth and interesting