Syd Barrett Biography

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

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

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 gets its first billing at London's Marquee Club

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

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"

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

Pink Floyd sign to EMI Records before recording their debut album

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

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

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

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

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

"The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn" is released

German tour is abandoned when Syd vanishes

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

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

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

Pink Floyd announce that Barrett has left the band

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

Syd Barrett releases his first solo single, "Octopus"

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

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

"Relics" is released

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

Syd Barret releases his second solo album, "Barrett"

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

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

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

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