Syd Barrett Tribute: Noel Fielding's Paintings Commemorate Pink Floyd's 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' Reissue
Noel Fielding has created a series of paintings inspired by Syd Barrett to commemorate the reissue of Pink Floyd's iconic track 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond'. The song, originally part of the album 'Wish You Were Here', was written as a tribute to Barrett, reflecting the band's emotions towards his health and society's shortcomings. The reissue, mixed by James Guthrie, will be included in the 50th Anniversary edition of the album, set to release on December 12 via Sony Music.
To celebrate the reissue, Noel Fielding, known for his work as an actor, comedian, and artist, has produced original paintings inspired by Syd Barrett. Fielding shared his personal connection with Pink Floyd and Barrett, highlighting the impact their music had on him from a young age. He praised the band's artistic vision, especially the album cover of 'Wish You Were Here', which he considers a masterpiece based on Barrett's influence.
Fielding emphasized the timeless quality of Pink Floyd's music, comparing it to classical music and transcending genres. He credited Syd Barrett as a pioneer of psychedelia and a key figure in the band's evolution. The re-release of 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' also features contributions from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and includes bonus tracks, live recordings, and exclusive merchandise to mark the 50th anniversary of 'Wish You Were Here'.
Pink Floyd's reissue of 'Wish You Were Here' follows their recent success with the 4K reissue of 'Pink Floyd At Pompeii - MCMLXXII', which topped the UK album charts. The band's experimental and visionary approach, especially after the departure of Syd Barrett, has been celebrated through their music and visual artistry, making them a timeless and influential force in the music industry.