In March 1968, Pink Floyd frontman Syd Barrett parted ways with the band and was briefly hospitalized amid speculation of schizophrenia brought on in part by his use of psychedelic drugs. With the help of David Gilmour, who took his place in the group, Barrett recorded two solo albums in 1970 and briefly played with the band Stars in 1972. With the exception of a serendipitous appearance at Abbey Road Studios in 1975, when Pink Floyd was finalizing its Barrett ode, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” he withdrew from the music world and spent his remaining days in his native Cambridge, England. There, he painted large abstract canvases until his death in 2006.
The influential artist is the focus of a tribute show at The Grey Eagle. The event aims to help raise funds and awareness for Asheville’s Aurora Studio & Gallery, which gives people with mental health, addiction and homelessness issues an outlet for their creativity. Performing Barrett’s songs is The Mad Cap Collective, featuring members of Asheville groups Alarm Clock Conspiracy, Wham Bam Bowie Band, Pawtooth, Sunshine & the Bad Things, The Dirty Badgers, Velvet Truckstop, CarolinaBound and others. Friday, Nov. 20, at 8 p.m. $7 in advance/$10 at the door. thegreyeagle.com — E.A.
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