I’ve just read the very sad news that Richard Wright, co-founder and keyboard player of Pink Floyd, has died of cancer aged 65. Richard Wright was the unsung hero of the band. For many years Roger Waters was the creative powerhouse, but it was David Gilmour and Wright who largely provided the music to Waters’ ideas (even though they weren’t often credited). Wright’s song-writing and musical contributions shaped classic albums such as ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ and ‘Wish You Were Here’. He suffered writer’s block and was driven out of the band by Waters during the recording of ‘The Wall’ but made a triumphant return with ‘The Division Bell’ in 1994.
Celebrities die all the time, but seldom has a death touched me so personally. Of course I never knew the man, but I have spent many, many hours enjoying his music. David Gilmour, who describes Wright as his musical partner and friend, has provided a fitting tribute on davidgilmour.com.
