Pink Floyd founder dies

PINK FLOYD paid tribute to its reclusive co-founder and original frontman Syd Barrett tonight, who has died aged 60.

Tortured genius Barrett founded the band with bass guitarist Roger Waters, drummer Nick Mason and Rick Wright on keyboards in 1965.

But his musical talents and his years as part of one of the world’s most successful groups were prematurely cut short, thanks to his drug-induced erratic behaviour.

Barrett’s official departure from Pink Floyd was announced in 1968, but last night Pink Floyd said he continued to inspire the group.

Waters penned Shine On You Crazy Diamond about the star. David Bowie described Barrett, as a “diamond indeed”.