Monday, September 15, 2008

Floyd Keyboardist Rick Wright 1943-2008


Sad news Rockists. Richard ("Rick") Wright, founding member of Pink Floyd, passed away today. He had been fighting cancer for some time, and finally succumbed at the age of 65.

It's sad, but we here at TRS prefer to remember the rich musical legacy he leaves behind. Forgetting some late period grievances -- not knocking all of The Wall, but he technically left the group around the time that pompous load of self-indulgence was being recorded -- Floyd's keyboards were always one of their strong suits. Think back on those plinking noises that usher in "Echoes" or, one of my favorites, "Us and Them".

We're always sad to see a great Rockist go on to his great gig in the sky (a song Wright actually wrote), today we remember Richard William Wright and we fondly remember a very specific scene: age 14, dark room, lava lamp, beat-up futon, Dark Side of the Moon blaring on the boombox speakers. Godspeed.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I remember reading a while back that "Wish You Were Here" was his favorite record. Certainly some of his best playing. Listening to it right now, after not picking it up for years. Despite being so overplayed on classic rock radio, it's pretty freaking good, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

Ahem. Meant to sign the above.

- Ben T.

G.H. said...

I don't love Wish You Were Here like I love Meddle or Dark Side, but it's not far behind. Never cared for Welcome to the Machine, but Have A Cigar is one of the better autobiographical tunes in rock. And Shine On... familiar little lick puts such a good final word on that incredible run of albums.