Richard Wright original keyboardist and founding Pink Floyd member passed away on Monday, September 15, 2008. Wright had been battling caner at his home in Britain and at this time family members did not want to give more details about his death.

Wright,, keyboards, met Pink Floyd members Roger Waters, vocals/bass, and Nick Mason, drums, in college and eventually joined their early band, "Sigma 6". Along with guitarist, the late Syd Barrett, the four formed Pink Floyd in 1965.

Years later tensions grew between Waters, Wright and fellow band member David Gilmour. As a result, during the making of "The Wall" Waters insisted Wright be fired. Instead Wright was relegated to the status of session musician on the tour of "The Wall," and did not perform on Pink Floyd's 1983 album "The Final Cut."

Wright went on to form a new band Zee, and released one album, "Identity".

After Waters left Pink Floyd in 1985, Wright began recording with Mason and Gilmour again, releasing the albums "The Division Bell" and "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" as Pink Floyd.

Wright also released the solo albums "Wet Dream", in 1978 and "Broken China", in 1996. He also worked on Gilmour's solo projects, including his 2006 album "On An Island" and the accompanying world tour.

In July of 2005, Wright, Waters, Mason and Gilmour reunited to perform at the "Live 8" charity concert in London. It was the first time in 25 years they had been onstage together.

David Gilmour paid tribute to Wright on Monday by saying his input was often forgotten. "He was gentle, unassuming and private but his soulful voice and playing were vital, magical components of our most recognized Pink Floyd sound," he said. "I have never played with anyone quite like him."

Richard Wright was 65. (9/16/08)


• More news on artists/tours


• The Eagle Concert Calendar


• New Song Lyrics!
  
• New Viewer/Listener Comments!
• Get The Eagle On Your Site!
• For more cool links click my page. Thanks for listening to The New 96-9 The Eagle! Chris Rhoads

What others are saying

There are no comments yet. Be the first to post one!