There are some ‘celebrities’ who I feel have a grip of this world and give it something truly brilliant, they contribute they’re talent and skill not to get rich or be famous, it is just an overflowing of who they are, Rick Wright was for me one of these people.
Possibly the quietest member of Pink Floyd but for me one of it’s most important contributors. His music can be heard on all the great albums and are such a joy to listen to, I wonder what music I’d be into if Pink Floyd had packed it in after Syd Barret’s drug abuse?
No worry though as they didn’t and the music went on. Some of the best and I do mean best music I know and love, Rick Wright composed. Echoes, Us and Them, Time, Shine on You Crazy Diamond to name a few. I’m lucky enough that I saw him playing with Pink Floyd at Live 8 but I’d always hoped to get to a David Gilmour concert and see David and Rick playing again for a full, proper gig.
Alas that will not be, The Great Gig in the Sky just got a great keyboard player.
Rick, thank you for the music.
Dan
**update**
There’s a very moving tribute from David Gilmour at his official site.
16th September 2008
10:47 am
Nice post Dan. Especially with the Floyd ref. to ‘upstairs’. I wish I’d been able to see Floyd at all in my life, but that’s never gonna happen. Glad I got into them in time to see them on Live 8!