Syd Barrett (Pink Floyd): a concert and a tribute album

A tribute concert honoring Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett will be held in his hometown of Cambridge this October.

The concert will take place in the year in which he would have turned 80 (he was born on 6 January 1946) and in which the twentieth anniversary of his death fell (7 July 2006), on 10 October at the Cambridge Corn Exchange, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day. The venue was also the last place he performed, in 1972.

Confirmed artists include Kula Shaker, Soft Machine, Men On The Border, Diana Silveira & The Psychedelic Circus, Radhika and Pünk Floyd.

Neil Jones, co-organiser of the event, told BBC News:

«Eighty years after her birth, Syd Barrett’s influence remains as powerful as ever. His music, creativity and unique vision continue to inspire artists and audiences across generations.”

Barrett’s sister, Rosemary Breen, added:

“Syd would have been delighted and honored to know that his music is still appreciated in Cambridge.”

Additionally, an album featuring new recordings and previously unreleased material will be released on colored vinyl and CD on October 9th.

Contributors include Kula Shaker, All About Eve, Mystery Jets, Rosalie Cunningham, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets.

There will also be a major exhibition featuring the artist’s original paintings and sketches, alongside prints of larger works, from 3 to 9 October at the Cambridge Openspace art space.

All proceeds will be donated to mental health charities.