Syd Barrett Biography and Timeline

Birth of Syd Barrett

Birth of Syd Barrett, later founder, singer, guitarist and early songwriter of Pink Floyd

Tea Set

Barrett joins the group then known as Tea Set and becomes its central songwriter

Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd make their debut appearance using that name with the line-up of Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, Roger Waters and Rick Wright, the venue is the Countdown Club in London's Palace Gate

Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd gets its first billing at London's Marquee Club

UFO Club

Pink Floyd become closely associated with London's UFO Club and the underground psychedelic scene

Pink Floyd

Two days of recording at Sound Techniques studio in Chelsea with Joe Boyd, the tracks recorded are "Interstellar Overdrive", "Arnold Layne", "Let's Roll Another One" (later to be called "Candy And A Currant Bun") and "Nick's Boogie"

Pink Floyd

Granada's TV documentary on the UFO club and underground scene is broadcast

EMI Records

Pink Floyd sign to EMI Records before recording their debut album

Arnold Layne

Pink Floyd release Arnold Layne as their debut single in the United Kingdom

Pink Floyd

"Arnold Layne" is released backed by "Candy And A Currant Bun"

Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd sign to EMI records with an advance of GBP 5,000

Pink Floyd

"See Emily Play" is released backed by "Scarecrow"

Pink Floyd

First appearance on Top Of The Pops to promote "See Emily Play". Syd is immaculate in velvet and satin

Pink Floyd

"The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn" is released

Pink Floyd

German tour is abandoned when Syd vanishes

Pink Floyd

"Christmas On Earth Revisited" is staged at Olympia, Syd seems incapable of playing, standing staring at the audience

Arnold Layne Single Released

Pink Floyd released Arnold Layne as their debut single, introducing Syd Barrett's distinctive songwriting to a wider British audience.

See Emily Play Enters Charts

The single See Emily Play gave Pink Floyd a major British chart success and helped establish the group's psychedelic identity.

Piper Album Recorded

Barrett led Pink Floyd through recording sessions for The Piper at the Gates of Dawn at EMI Studios, creating their first album.

Pink Floyd

Dave Gilmour steps in to play guitar when Syd is unable to play at Brighton

Pink Floyd

During a meeting at their Ladbroke Road offices, Syd is asked to stop touring and contributing material

Departure

Pink Floyd announce that Barrett has left the band

Role range: 1965-1968

Pink Floyd

A statement is issued to the press announcing that Syd has left the band

Octopus

Syd Barrett releases his first solo single, "Octopus"

The Madcap Laughs

Barrett releases his first solo album with help from former Pink Floyd colleagues

The Madcap Laughs

Syd Barretts first solo album, "The Madcap Laughs" is released

Pink Floyd

"Relics" is released

Extravaganza 70

Syd Barrett plays his first gig since leaving Pink Floyd, the occasion is "Extravaganza 70", staged at London's Olympia, he is assisted by Dave Gilmour and Jerry Shirley

Barrett

Barrett releases his second solo album, produced with help from David Gilmour and Richard Wright

Barrett

Syd Barret releases his second solo album, "Barrett"

Opel

A collection of out-takes and unheard tracks by Syd is released under the title, "Opel"

offer Syds family œ 75

Atlantic Records offer Syds family œ 75,000 for any new recordings, the family turn them down

Crazy Diamond - The Complete Syd Barrett

EMI release "Crazy Diamond - The Complete Syd Barrett" as a box set