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“Shine On You Crazy Diamond” was written about Syd Barrett (his nickname SYD is directly referenced in the title’s initials), one of the original band members. Barrett departed the band after the release of their first record, Piper at the Gates of Dawn, due to his fragile mental state (made worse by his casual usage of LSD), and replaced by David Gilmour.
Barrett always remained a source of inspiration. In fact, after many years of no contact with any of the band members, Barrett randomly walked into the studio with a shaved head during the recording sessions of this song. Roger Waters, his childhood friend, didn’t even recognize him at first. After about forty-five minutes, he broke down in tears in distress when he realised this stranger was his old friend.
This song, and much of "Wish You Were Here", was written as a tribute to Syd Barrett following his departure from Pink Floyd. The title calls Barrett a “crazy diamond” in reference to his erratic behaviour and fragile metal state. Like a diamond, his legacy as one of the band’s founding members will live on.
The title itself spells out Barrett’s nickname, Syd: “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.”
The sax on "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" was played by Dick Parry, who also plays on "The Dark Side of the Moon".
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