David Bowie's Tribute to Syd Barrett: A Legendary Collaboration with Pink Floyd at the Royal Albert Hall
David Bowie and Pink Floyd, both iconic figures in the rock music scene, emerged from the underground rock scene in 1960s London. Despite their different stylistic directions, Bowie always admired Pink Floyd and their original frontman, Syd Barrett. Bowie expressed his deep admiration for Barrett's songwriting and unique stage presence, describing him as enchanting and mystical.
In a 1990 interview, Bowie revealed that Barrett was a significant influence on him and praised his talent and stage charisma. Bowie was captivated by Barrett's otherworldly appearance and performance style, considering him a magical and entrancing figure. He lamented Barrett's inability to sustain his early success and creativity.
When Pink Floyd's David Gilmour invited Bowie to pay tribute to Syd Barrett in 2006, Bowie readily agreed, despite his retirement from touring due to health reasons. The collaboration took place at London's Royal Albert Hall on May 29th, 2006, where Bowie joined Gilmour and keyboardist Richard Wright to perform "Arnold Layne" and "Comfortably Numb". The concert was captured on film and released as "Remember That Night" the following year, marking Bowie's final live performance in the UK.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the concert, David Gilmour recently shared the entire "Remember That Night" film on his YouTube channel. The tribute to Syd Barrett by David Bowie can be seen at 2:11:44 in the video, followed by their rendition of "Comfortably Numb". The footage also includes a rehearsal video showing the camaraderie between the two Davids backstage.
The collaboration between David Bowie and Pink Floyd at the Royal Albert Hall remains a poignant moment in music history, showcasing the mutual respect and admiration between two legendary artists. The concert serves as a lasting tribute to Syd Barrett and a reminder of Bowie's enduring influence on the rock music landscape.