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Pink Floyd's Richard Wright Dies
- Posted on Sep 15th 2008 2:00PM by Steve Baltin
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
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Maggie
My son who took his life 12/29/08 never stopped playing Pink Floyd. He was a self-taught guitar player and he was going to be 26 years old this year on 6/6. I am now playing the music for rememberence. Sorry to see you go.
April 14 2010 at 11:34 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
McGrueber
I'll see you on the dark side of the moon at the great gig in the sky !....he will be remembered
September 22 2008 at 10:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
audi122
best song ever....RIP
September 22 2008 at 8:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
ned
Many hours lost in the 70's with Floyd music...they were masters and their genius paved the road with others like Led Zeplin, The Who and others....Richard's keyboard abilities will be missed.....what a band they have in Heaven!!
September 22 2008 at 12:20 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
clifford
the greastest band in the world has lost one of the best. things will never be the same ay GOD welcome you home
September 21 2008 at 9:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Debbie
We are so lucky to be fans of Rick and Pink Floyd. They were and still are genius. They are confirmed in the pages of the history of music. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Rick. I know he will always be amongst us if we continue to listen to the music. I know it's part of my life and will always be. Peace to you Rick
September 21 2008 at 11:17 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Munin
NUMB - your brain. Are you COMFORTABLE? I hope not.
September 21 2008 at 2:01 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
husk
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."
idahraf
You will be missed Mr. wright and be Comfortably Numb you crazy diamond. RIP
September 18 2008 at 2:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
idahraf
shine on Richard. A true fan only understand the pain
September 18 2008 at 2:44 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
256 Comments