The String Cheese Incident honors Syd Barrett with “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” on this day in 2006

In July 2006, the world lost one of its most talented songwriters in Syd Barrett. The lost leader of the Pink Floyd slowly lost touch with reality and was eventually forced to leave the band after he had Piper at the Gates of Dawn in 1967. Although Pink Floyd had a thoroughly successful career without Syd Barrett, their entire ethos was inspired by him. As their popularity grew, they eventually returned to their roots and released Wish you were herean ode to their former champion.

As the story goes, the band hadn’t seen Syd Barrett since the 1960s, but in 1975 they were working on a new album that paid subtle tribute to him and his legacy. While they were recording the song “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” Barrett himself spontaneously appeared in the studio with his head and eyebrows completely shaved. He was almost unrecognizable, and his incomprehensible conversation drove Roger Waters to tears.

Barrett later passed away on July 7, 2006. Of course, the loss was a heavy blow to the music world, as he was the spiritual foundation for all psychedelic art rock. The cream cheese incident would pay tribute to the late great Barrett in a performance at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, played on this day exactly ten years ago. There, with saxophonist Kenny Brooksthe band burst into a great version of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” The crazy diamond was, of course, Syd Barrett, and his legacy truly shone that night.

Listen to the entire show recording, which also includes a crazy “I Know You Rider” with all Rat DogStreaming below. Audio provided courtesy of sound engineer Tony S.

(Originally published on 14.07.16)