Syd Barrett's sister (Rosemary Breen) interviewed at her brothers art exhibition (London, 2011)
Vložit
- čas přidán 12. 02. 2017
- Speaking at an exhibition of the late musician's canvases and letters in London on March 17, 2011, Rosmary Breen said her brother, Syd Barrett, could never understand why people put his brief success with Pink Floyd ahead of his lifelong passion for art. Besides his paintings, a series of letters to old girlfriends Libby and Jenny dated 1962-1965, are on display, which are affectionate, candid and witty and feature cartoons and doodles. The exhibition at Idea Generation Gallery in east London ran from March 18 to April 10, 2011.
- Zábava
"He couldn't cope with talking...and he couldn't cope with society, really."
Tell me about it.
Thinking exactly the same 🙂
He didn't lose his mind. He was autistic, probably had an autistic burnout and couldn't carry on as he was.
This man deserves a movie made of him
There's countless documentaries out there. No need for a Hollywood style by the numbers cookie cutter biopic crap project. Those are always painful to watch because they make caricatures of the artists. Syd would have hated the idea of a biopic.
@@cactaceous yeah but how else is he gonna get more recognition? he deserves as much recognition as Queen and Elton John
the next guy he clearly would have never wanted that he doesn’t need to be commercialised to be remembered
I don't know if this is fact of just rumors but some people wanted to make a movie on him.They also considered Jhony depp for the movie.But Syd's family turned it down.
@@mojolama4597 even if it isn’t true they would have still turned it down syd didn’t want that he wanted to express himself through art and not give into commercialising himself. And his family knew that
when Rosemary said he didn't feel there was anything special about himself,he thought he was like everybody else it made me want to cry.The biz certainly eats its young.
What makes me want to cry more is that Syd, whilst not wanting celebrity status deserved it. A talented genius.
What do we have now..... The Kardashian's and Jordan. Not an iota of talent amongst them and they crave it and think they deserve where they are.
The human race boggles my mind.
@DT M : very well put. We're gone shallow.
kate davenporty He desired an ordinary quiet life. Stardom was a burden for him. Cambridge is an extremely beautiful city. It’s no wonder he wanted to move back.
Like everything else it's all based on how much money they can suck out of a hide before discarding it.
@@666killatcommand Pay attention, John, to the logic nowadays or lack thereof.
wonderful sister...God bless her
I think that's out for debate.
@@williambaker6322 how so?
@@nellsun2521 She has nothing good to say about his powerful and touching music.
Cold as ice. When you've grown up in a similar family dynamic, you can spot it straight away.
Painting was his true passion. He didn't play music his entire life. He painted until the end.
More contented in the 80's and 90's - now that's very refreshing to hear and contrasts the cult of the tragic figure.
It was good that he found some peace and tranquility in those decades, but that does not make schizophrenic life not tragic.
her sister can say that but who knows what syd was actually feeling in the 80s and 90s
Michael Edwards Just goes to show you; that the 1960's WEREN'T all they were said to be. I've said that a million times. ESPECIALLY for certain groups, segments of the populace, and the drafted young men. The ONLY THING FREE THEN WAS NOT LOVE... it was a blackjack to the head and a bumpy ride to the bullpen at the ROUND HOUSE!!! Sometimes, getting your ass whooped all the the ride there in back of the wagon by one of Mayor Rizzo's boot cops dressed just like the gestapo! The 60s... SHEEEIIIITTTTT... wasn't a goddamn thing special about that time. STOP BELIEVING the manufactured hype and bullshit wrote about it. Because it didn't happen that way... I was there!!!!!!
@@deadeyes2803 she would know better than anyone else?
@Misterlaxx d they definitely let him down . They wanted to play the fame game and Syd didn’t and when he didn’t they called him ‘mad’ . I’ve so many stories where it sounds like he’s just being what they were when started like playing the one chord, and not turning up to TOTP, and one tv show where he kept pretending to mine properly and then when filming not opening his mouth at all and Rogers goes to the producers “film me he’s weird” . That doesn’t sound like madness more of let’s fuck with them coz we don’t want to be famous like them anyway and must of been thinking what’s happened to my band they’ve all turned into sheep funnily enough. No wonder Roger talks about it so much as they say all songs are really about yourself! He didn’t want fame and I bet he was really frustrated and angered by them. Of course he had a breakdown but after that I don’t think he wanted anything to do with the business and just wanted to do art and eat lol!
Syd was nothing short of a gift from God. To have that level of musical ability, to blaze trails into completely new styles of music then to also be such an incredible artist... so much talent in one human being. That art he drew of the family in the coliseum is absolutely jaw dropping. It's haunting after you see it once. Thank God he shared his gifts with the world before he had to pull back.
I could be wrong, but I think Syd would throw away most his paintings or burn them.
@@dannyhood7433Super sad if that was the case. I would have loved to have own and protected one. Cheers!
@@synthvault owned*
His recovery and happiness, I'm guessing, is largely down to this amazing lady.
He never fully recovered but he did achieve a level of contentment as she said.
I would question what help his family did get him - I'm sure they helped cash his millions of dollars of Pink Floyd royalty checks.
@@williambaker6322 I don't think he would have been that wealthy. He left before Pink Floyd became really famous and there would be only a few songs that his royalties came from that are not much played any more like 'See Emily Play' which was once a chart hit.
@@heliotropezzz333 Not true - Syd earned over $2.5 million from "Echoes" alone according to Mick Rock the photographer. His estate did really well given the reissues Relics as well.
@@williambaker6322 do some research it could make a great article or documentary...... “A Cynical opinion on what a family might do”
Syd Barrett was a genius - not to mention the incredible music he wrote, but he played over 200 concerts with Pink Floyd in 1967 (and each show was totally different from the others - long improvisations that changed nightly) - I think that is an amazing achievement in itself - thanks for all of the beautiful music Mr. Barrett - R.I.P.
Genius is thrown around a bit much....I am a huge Barrett fan...He was a unique painter and a special songwriting guitarist....So overall a great artist whom has changed and influenced the world....but Genius? Like cured this? discovered that? Do not throw the word around. Einstein and Barrett....Same? Marie Curie? Alan Turing? Come on
I"m guessing there is a lot of animosity to the music world and the band which is probably deserved,
but also a scapegoat for having mental problems within the family.
@@paudsmcmack3117 Well when you hear a band (Pink Floyd) doing a tune (shine on) and it doesn't sound right, and you suggest playing it backwards and it fits perfectly is pretty genius in my book, this happened in Abbey road when Syd showed up at the recording of Shine on = source- several Floyd members.
@@paudsmcmack3117 I'm sorry... But do you realize Barrett created👈🏻 Pink Floyd. It's not only he made them rich and famous. Their destiny hang up on the sound he created and they ended up evolving it into something incredible and marvellous! Not for nothing is one of the best bands in history.
@@jambo7348 not according to the band in the pink Floyd and Syd Barrett story documentary
The most rational picture of Syd Barrett
right on, mate! and i reallyreally hope it's the truth. if his painting gave him some peace during the 80's and 90's then that is a wonderful thing. "he didn't see anything commercial about himself"... he just did it and that's what made him such a great artist AND musician.
It’s nice to hear that he was at least content. Most people aren’t. He sounded like he was someone who just wanted to be left alone and work on his hobbies. That sounds like a pretty peaceful life. Fame wasn’t for him.
That’s what bugs me when people say how “tragic” it is that he never made more music. Look, I’ll admit it is a little sad to think of what could’ve been if he had pursued music longer, but if he was happy with the life he had, then I’d say this story has a happy ending. Maybe I just don’t get it, but that’s just my two cents on the matter.
RIP Syd, we love you. And total respect for Syd's sister for telling us home truths. One time I could not understand Syd, but I get it now.
Syd Barrett was a very talented and beautiful man.
His Sister had said what i've always thought. He was an Artist not a rock star.
That’s not what she said
For those who don't have sound on their devices lol.
In fact he didn't play and sing only rock but pop and blues yoo
If I had had a brother like him, I would have been so proud……each of his songs inspired a new musical genre. So Talented guy…you were so lucky to know him in his daily life. Cheers from Sicily Rosemary! Federico
Our modern day Van Gogh
Rip you crazy diamond
I liked Pink Floyd but I didn't become a fan until I heard an album called Relics that had many of the early songs with Syd Barrett. A totally different sound.
So correct my friend!
It was the same for me too.
Relic is an awesome collection of very important early Floyd songs. I love that tape...
Yep!
That album is THE Pink Floyd! That one and Piper at the Gates of Dawn. That's it, no more Pink Floyd after those two, full stop.
My best compliments for Rosemary Breen, that wants to remember her brother: musician, writer and painter.
Syd was a genial mind and his sister has a very big heart. Good job to put on a Museum. That' s an amazing and funny thing!
R. I. P. Syd, genial mind.
Thank you Syd for everything!!!
''couldn't cope with society'' We all know how he feels. Thats what home is for.
Well said.
Which is where he stayed for the rest of his life
Forever remembered Roger RIP and yes as her sister she did an amazing job to preserve his own favourite visions and expressions.
It really annoys me when people say he was a tragic figure. He dealt with what life threw at him in his own way. People who are geniuses are going to struggle to fit in with the mundane. Their hearts and minds aren't designed for futility.
Rosemary sets the record straight and she was very close to him his entire life. The pathos and preferred tragic story needs to be wiped as he ultimately wanted an ordinary life gardening and painting instead of celebrity. People just can’t understand that unless they had to endure the facade of celebrity life. Only tragedy is he didn’t take his insulin when he should’ve. He’d probably be with us today if he took better care. He wanted to live in his own pace and not be told when to create by non artistic record executives.
What about when he was found outside nearly unconscious with his gf crying next to him saying he's taken lsd 7 days straight? What about when he turns up to the studio when they're recording shine on you crazy diamond and be shaved all of his hair and gained weight? Yes he wanted a non commercial life but foul play was definitely at work whether it was spiked drugs or just too much drugs Messing up his brain.
@@pasiman7717 you are absolutely right and most dont want to head that. The guy was a rock star... a musician
@@pasiman7717 Schizofrenia symptoms. However he didn't get treatment because his family was on denial. In truth there isn't much you can do about it, just occupational therapy.
@@lilise3965 haven't seen anyone except members of Pink Floyd say he had schizophrenic characteristics. I think he was autistic.
Could spend hours with this !!!! hopefully this exhibit makes its way around the globe very talented artist !!!! And Roger you dear man my gosh you were and are STILL not alone in your astonishment at this crazy world we live in !!! Extraordinary collection of work " I'm only a person " ......
Thanks very much for this information.
His work musically will never be forgotten and his influence assured.
The madcap genius.
Quote by ROGER KEITH "SYD" BARRETT ~ "Well, I'm a painter, I was trained as a painter...I seem to have spent a little less time painting than I might've done...But it didn't transcend the feeling of playing UFO and those sort of places with the lights and that, the fact that the group was getting bigger".
There is a photo of him later on in life, I think in the 80's, where he looks like he is with family. I think that's about the period she was talking about, when he picked up painting again he "seemed more contented". And in that photo he's kinda smiling a bit and in his eyes I could still see the same spark was still there. Or that it was coming back to him.
Link please?
His life is just a mystery. What did he do all day when cooped up in Chelsea Cloisters and other places . As an Aspergers I've had to live a solitary life and at times this has caused me immense grief.
The line between genius and madness is fine indeed.
Thanks for posting this. Sydney deserves respect for what he was able to accomplish with his art and music.
Soon after dark, Emily cries . . .
So creative ! I wish I could have seen this exhibition!
I remember I met him and Rosemary in December 1991, in Cambridge,in front of his house. I came all the way from Italy just with the hope to meet and see him, and after a girl downtown told me where his address was, I simply went there. And after few minutes a car appeared with Roger and Rosemary inside. I think she still remembers that... I still think having Roger in front of me like one of the deepest emotions of my whole life.
discodelirio wow, did he say anything?
bobdobalina 77 I spoke mostly with Rosemary, as Roger, as he understood why I was there, kind of gently refused to talk to me, being a fan....but Rosemary was supersweet: they were coming back from shopping for home furnitures (tables and chairs,I remember) and she asked me to help Roger to empty the car and bring the stuff in front of the door. And there I was, grabbing a table together with Roger and bringing it to his doorstep....I was so emotionally shaken I could barely talk!
Is it true that he is a different person in real life? or is he quite normal?
What a stupid fucking question.
Not really, half the facts about Syd are make belief, about 20% of what you hear is actually true
His lovely sister may not realise that her brother catalysed English psychedelia.He was one of a handful of the most crucial musical artists of the 60's. I went to the exhibition. Every piece was deeply painterly and utterly beautiful. Syd had genuine genius.
Bless her. I like the fact she mentions laughter, because the guy could be funny as hell.
1973
Pete Brown onstage referring to Syd, saying: "He's here in Cambridge, and he's one of the best songwriters in the country"
Syd, from out in the audience: "No, I'm not"
I will always love and thank you dear Roger
Ohhhh my favorite person !!
Nice to put a face to the name, she seems lovely. Syd was lucky to have her.
Amazing audio. I'm stunned.
Its nice to hear this perspective from someone close to Roger
Bless you Rosemary x
Beautiful story
Beautiful art
Syd was an extraordinary artist. His pieces could go up to maybe $1,000,000.00. Some, atleast 6 figures, easily. I know he destroyed much if not most of his art works. He should have kept them. He was brilliant.
Didn't know Syd had a sister, she's an English Rose!As a painter I'm afraid Syd doesn't cut it. Lots of expos these days headlined by "outsider art", its gone commercial! But even "outsider art" has to show consistency, its ok to be obsessive/ compulsive in theme or stye, not ok just to look (visually) confused. Van Gogh was also half mad, but never confused. "Piper" is Syd's peak, that was an original path that Syd took, but rest of Rock music ignored, even PF. Possibly because its inimitable.
sidetracked into doing something he didnt want to do, he did it bloody well then, millions of us would love to have done what he done but just didnt have the talent, god really does work in mysterious ways
Yeah, I don't really buy the "sidetracked into music" statement. Barrett clearly wanted to be a musician and continued to try to do it after Pink Floyd had to go on without him. 'Genius' is not a word I use lightly, but he was a musical/lyrical genius. He may have been happier as a painter because he could do that in a completely solitary, quiet way, but though he was a good visual artist, he will be remembered to history as a groundbreaking musician. In fact, as I understand it, it was the continued income from his music that supported his life as a reclusive artist. I get that his sister was more interested in his happiness than in the significance of his music career, and that's a valid stance on her part. Still, it seems almost a stance of deliberate obtuseness because the only reason there was an exhibition of his work was because of the legacy of his music.
What a great sister..an angel really.
Really? She has no love for his music. An angel would develop a love of his music over time.
To me syd was a genius not an agressive mad man. Its really sad what happened to him, he was one of a kind and his songs are beautiful
wish more paintings from the '80s onward survived and if they did survive, hope we'll be given opportunity to see them.
The way the world is these days & society in general also makes me want to be a recluse and not speak to most people I understand completely where he was coming from...
I still want to see this exhibit the father of art rock
Lovely sister. ,,👍❤️
I would love to see more interviews with Rosemary, there is so much mythologising of his later years and it sounds like he was relatively happy and sane, if somewhat reclusive and Rosemary is one of the few people that seem to be able to give a first person account of those years.
Love you Roger Barrett. Thank you for all you did. R.I.P.!
What a lovely lady
Well. For someone who didn't seek celebrity, he sure did pose for lots of photos of himself! This was back in the 1960s when we were all admonished in our communities for being very narcissistic if we took "too many photos of ourselves", unlike today's current generation. His sister said he was an artist. Given my old recollections of Syd, I'd say that Syd, himself, was a human, living, breathing, art.
I loved the painting of the bugs that was the cover to Barrett.
SYD IS GENIUN MAGNIFIC, FANTASTIC SINGER AND COMPOSER
A complete artist !
Couldn't help but notice a picture of a Terrapin over Rosemary's shoulder..also the first track on "The Madcap Laughs" by Syd. Shine on.
wonderful art .
Syd was "an artist who dabbled in pop music." His music career was not meant to last.
Shes a sweetie for doing this❤
A graceful and reserved lady
@@annaritaranalli1791 Too reserved in some ways - she has no love for his music at all.
Mapcap Laughs is the greatest album of the 60's.
I heard it for the first time yesterday. I thought it was basically bollocks. Probably what stood out the most though was "Dark Globe" where Syd starts screaming and sounds much like Roger when he's screaming in The Wall, The Final Cut or other album.
@@AndrewNewZealand Dark Globe is great. "I'm only a person." Madcap Laughs is better than any Pink Floyd album. Pink Floyd suck other than The Wall which is primarily an Ezrin album.
@@zza8001 Ese álbum es de los 70 no los 60. Ignorante
Y no es mejor que ninguna obra maestra de Pink Floyd
The exhibition looks great. I think it is interesting that a negative spin was put onto Syd's life at the end. Just because it didn't conform to what other people call success.
He sounds like in the end that he was content. And maybe that is enough for success.
Yes I agree
RIP Syd what a legend
Yes Syd was an ARTIST first & foremost. I think he felt disturbed by the ride of Pink Floyd's driving force to succeed that had no room for his artistry outside music.
A great representative for her brother's memory. Hope people (bandmates included) can finally put aside the erroneous image that has grown around the man.
Cómo habrá Sido compartir la vida con un genio
On one hand I understand why he'd feel that way because people change. They often have their own priorities even their own fans could never understand. In the case of Syd, he saw his paintings as more of a success than his work both in Pink Floyd and his Solo acts, because it was something he's wanted to do his whole life.
On the other hand, it does perplex those that love his work in Pink Floyd, because while he probably didn't see it that way, he helped open a door to greater things for the band. Not to mention if not for him, Pink Floyd wouldn't even have the success they had even after he was kicked out. Without Syd, the band wouldn't have started. Much of their more well known albums post-Syd, were often about him in some way or another. Such as Wish You Were Here and The Wall.
From what I've heard from Roger and David on camera, they tried to keep Syd in the band as a writer and David would basically stand in for him on stage, playing and singing Syd's songs. Though Dave and Rog both say that Syd would come to them with new songs and demo them, but constantly change the song for each demo so that it was impossible for them to learn. But it was clear that for while they still thought he was the best source of songs, even when he couldn't be relied on to perform on stage anymore. They eventually gave up on him and developed their own song writing.
And Dark Side
TE AMO SYD BARRET HASTA TODOS LOS UNIVERSOS TU ERES FUISTE Y SERAS EL MEJOR EL REY DE LA SICODELIA SIN TI PINK FLOY NO EXITIRIA ASI DE SIMPLE
Golden boy RIP
Wonderful of Her, Good He is Remembered
But Still Rather sad all and all ...
Un vero genio
Yeah a movie for Syd.
he was beautiful
I've got a bike, Syd can ride it if he likes. It's got a basket, a bell and things to make it look good...
i'd give it to him, if i could
but i borrowed it
@@lowandodor1150 I 'd give him things, everything if he wants them
Music is an art form, so he never left nor came back to it.
I know Syd. I know him - I know that guy. I'm a painter too. Those guys in Pink Floyd had no idea what he was probably going through under all that pressure and alienation. I know what it's like to stop working for ten years because your environment is so bad you can't stand it. The people around you can make everything hell, and it takes time for enough changes to happen in you and in the world to grow out of it and reclaim enough dignity to draw again. I'm there now - purgatory. I can't work at all, its the last thing I want to do, but I've prepared for a big move. It's all so I can paint again. Anyone who gets up at 4am and paints all day, and cranks it out like it's a business is not anyone I'd want to know. That, to me, is completely fake. I don't care what anyone says. That's not what art is about - it's not there so you can be a big shot and throw your weight around. Real art done with intimacy, love, care, and celebration, is much more valuable and fragile than that. You don't ever force it. It happens, and in the right time and place around the right people it can be the best thing in the world.
nicely said and well done in being true to yourself.I wish you well :)
I love you
At last someone who speaks in harmony with my thoughts, I cant believe it I was predicting nearly every word in some of your sentences before I saw them. As a teenager I used to draw and paint for fun, but in fact was terrified by the stunned and even jealous reactions I got, even at school. It was only meant to be a hobby, and a self-help aid during a difficult period of adolescence. A way to steer my way through myself if that makes any sense. I never drew an image in anger for 32 years after that - then when my son was born, within hours I found myself rendering images in celebration as though I had never been away from it all. IMO true art is not a business, for me at least it is a means to illustrate lifes emotions and issues that I find almost impossible to express and do successfully in any other way.
I understand what you’re saying. For myself I get by with “I don’t care”. I did care. I cared too much. It’s safer to not care for some people.
Well put and I fully understand also. I am an artistic or sensitive soul myself and just dealing with this society at large everyday is an accomplishment in itself. No wonder I could relate to the wonderful Syd as a youngster and still to this day. Shine on brother.
I would have loved to go there. For many of us it‘s a pity that so few of his works survived. Are there more than shown in that exhibition and to be found on the web, or was that it?
Great his family / sister cared for him so much 🌳
True genius don’t see themselves as someone special. If they did the genie would be out of the bottle and the window
tell that to kanye
OT Will Proves his point
Wouldn't it take an even truer genius to define true genius?
thats not true...mozart was aware of his talent. Many artists appear arrogant because the standard around them seems so low.
Dan Devil Mozart, the wonder child who went on to compose “easy listening”. Hardly a genius.
I think he didn't crave celebrity. However, I believe that music was more than a hobby. Happy birthday wherever you are.
Yippie you can't see me!!!
But I can you.
- Syd
Great sister
If he was never in Pink Floyd, i'm sure he'd had become better well known as a painter.
There's something about him that seem very special.
To this day See Emily Play is mesmerizing and fascinating to me.
Turn down the mic while she's talking, and turn it up for ambient noise. Interesting strategy.
Everything his sister said were the answers
RIP Syd ❤
An interesting insight to miss understood man i think 😢
When Syd moved back home, he started remodeling the house. He changed the door handles with toys for door nobs.
1:59 Wow. Roger Waters mentioned this piece (with the arches) seen here in an interview. He remembered it many years later. First time i'm actually seeing it...:O
I’m guessing his sister Rosemary had a Neptunian awareness of each other and not really as actual as I might think do to the fact she loved him, they were close as kids, and she took on some things on his behalf. I admire her a lot. A neptunian relationship is based on seeing each other through rose colored glasses. So if you’re looking to get to the bottom of things his sister isn’t quite it unless you know her personally. It’s wonderful how she is really. A very special person!
In that case, a "Neptunian relationship" sounds pretty awful to me. I like honesty in people.
When writing fiction or performing art, anything goes. But if you want to establish a meaningful connection with another person,
honesty is a vital component. And it does no one any good to view people in an overly sentimental and forgiving way.
If they truly were wonderful people, all right, that's one thing. But nostalgia tends to skew what once was, and make it seem much
better than it actually was, or ever could've been.
You seem like your a very special person too.
I've never heard of Neptunian relationships, but I think Rosemary just accepted and appreciated her brother for who he was because she knew him so well. I can't imagine he would tolerate her if she always saw him through rose-colored glasses. That would be like an overly fawning fan who felt he could do no wrong, which is the kind of thing he probably wanted to get away from.
@@geoffreynoonan4334 I really don't see why she would have a "very different opinion in private with people she trusts." She was honest about him here and not sugar-coating anything. She did say he could be "sharp with people" because he didn't feel like talking to anyone and he never sought celebrity.
the pink floyd bummed him completely out of existence.
He never should have been in the spotlight, clearly the rockstar lifestyle just wasn't for him. I'm imagining a parallel universe where he realised this straight away, left the actual band but stayed on as their album cover artist or something. Would have suited him better.
Poor tortured soul. Shes an angel. A solid person.
An angel? She didn't like his music!
He was perfectly sane . How should one react to an insane society?
Basically he was the Van Gough of that time if you will.
Yeah this confirms my belief. Syd saw how commercial his music became and he checked out. The music industry has a way of sucking the life from true artists.
So does taking too much acid.
REAL.