Pink Floyd's Richard Wright Dies
- Posted on Sep 15th 2008 2:00PM by Steve Baltin
- Comments (255)
Richard Wright, keyboardist and a founding member of Pink Floyd, died at his London home on Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 65. Wright (pictured) met Floyd members Nick Mason and Roger Waters in college, and joined their band Sigma 6, who would eventually become Pink Floyd. While Wright was an early vocal contributor in Floyd, his role would later morph into keyboardist and experimental instrumentalist, as he learned the synthesizer and Farfisa organ, among other instruments. His writing role also expanded, with his most notable credits coming as co-writer of 'The Great Gig in the Sky' and 'Us and Them' from 1973's 'Dark Side of the Moon.'
Wright left the band following 'The Wall' album, but rejoined when guitarist David Gilmour took on the role of chief architect for 1987's 'A Momentary Lapse of Reason.' He continued to play with Gilmour on the guitarist's solo material, including his 2006 album, 'On an Island.'
Wright sang 'Comfortably Numb' with Gilmour at Sessions in 2006. Watch the performance below.
Five Questions With Rainn Wilson
What was the first concert you ever saw?
J. Geils Band, 'Angel is the Centerfold Tour,' 1982, Seattle, Washington, Key Coliseum. I was 15 and it was the first time I'd ever smelled marijuana, and it really freaked me out.
Jeff Kravitz, FilmMagic.com
What was the first album you ever owned?
[The Beatles'] 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.' I played that thing 8,000 times. I have every note and key change and lyric memorized.
RD / Kabik , Retna Digital
Who was the first singer you ever had a crush on?
Pat Benatar. I remember my friend had a Pat Benatar poster that's when she had the skin-tight cat-suit and the spiky hair, and I thought that if I could just touch her I would melt.
John Shearer, WireImage.com
What's the most rock star thing you've ever done?
In my early theatre days, I did a lot of tours. [Once] we stayed in these dorms. Conditions were just terrible. We destroyed the place. We were literally setting fire to the mattresses in our room we broke into this dilapidated asylum next door we're pushing each other around in wheelchairs with like flaming rolls of toilet paper on broom handles.
Jeff Kravitz, FilmMagic.com
If you made an album, how would it sound?
Somewhere between Wilco and the Shins, only not near as good. All actors want to be rock stars, and all rock stars kind of want to be actors. I think it's kind of pathetic, but at the same time, I totally understand it.
Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage.com
Reader Comments(1 of 13)
camerondmacat 9-15-2008
omg i feel so old.
Mikeat 9-15-2008
RIP Rick; you'll be missed.
enigmaat 9-15-2008
noooooooooooo!!!!!
death of an ICON -- will be missed big time
childbrainat 9-15-2008
A true genious.....He will be greatly missed!!!
huskat 9-20-2008
The Great Gig in the Sky
(Wright) 4:44
"And I am not frightened of dying, any time will do, I
don't mind. Why should I be frightened of dying?
There's no reason for it, you've gotta go sometime."
"If you can hear this whispering you are dying."
"I never said I was frightened of dying."
E-Dudeat 9-15-2008
I find it amazing that men of that age can still play music.
FISHERat 9-15-2008
your a asshole
chimayaiat 9-15-2008
Everyone grows old. I'm sure you'll do something worthwhile before your time is up...or not.
marteeat 9-15-2008
When your that age let us know if your still amazed. It will be here before you know it.
tinochloeat 9-15-2008
do'nt blink asshole
Grahamat 9-15-2008
I am surprised someone so young can type
perockat 9-15-2008
idk... have you ever heard of paul mccartny, peter frampton, all of rush, the surviving members of led zeplin. it's not like you hit a certain age and suddenly you're like "oh god my fingers and my vocal chords don't work anymore. seriously man... i'm not gunna condem you but that's a dickish thing to say especially on an article about a persons death
mapoppeat 9-15-2008
"I find it amazing" your stupid enough to say that!..moron.
your no Floyd fan...get lost loser.
Have you ever heard of Buddy Guy he is 73 and still tears up the guitar! you idiot!
the list goes on BB King,, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter etc..
Wright was a a genious like the other members of Floyd RIP
tdsat 9-15-2008
thank you for your responses to e-dude, i did not know what i was going to say.....well put everyone. what a bummer, though inspiration will never die....r.i.p. my brother.
Steve Rubyat 9-15-2008
How about lay off? God damn. Maybe you took it the wrong way. I'm pretty sure you're able to do some things better at 25 than 65. You can DEFINITELY be a fan with a different opinion. It's amazing you people made it through your lives so far with that attitude. Of course he will be missed, but there's no reason to be assholes about a misinterpretation or misunderstanding or just to be assholes. Annnd flame away.
glenn5876at 9-15-2008
Yeah, E-Dude, and a lot of us still have sex.
mckjeremyat 9-15-2008
you'll be there before you know it
nindmspcureat 9-15-2008
There always has to be a lowly troll.
Kristolat 9-15-2008
you have so much to learn....sad to see such disrespect as well
Joyat 9-15-2008
you must be too young to remember pink floyd. when your favorite artist is 65, people your age will be saying the same thing about him or her.