The estate of Syd Barrett is planning a tribute concert and album to mark what would have been the Pink Floyd co-founder’s 80th birthday.
The concert will be held on World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10) at Cambridge Corn Exchange, the venue where Barrett made his final concert appareance Feb. 24, 1972.
Kula Shaker will headline the show, which will include bands influenced and inspired by Barrett such as Soft Machine, Men on the Border, Diana Silveira & The Psychedelic Circus, Radhika, and Pünk Floyd. Tickets are priced £55-132 and will go on sale June 19 at www.cornex.co.ukwww.cornex.co.uk. Proceeds will be donated to mental health charities.
The double album, “Clown and Jugglers — The Songs of Syd Barrett,” will be available Oct. 9 on colored vinyl and CD. Containing previously-released tracks as well as new recordings, the album will feature work by more than 20 artists. Previously-released recordings by Pink Floyd include two versions of Barrett’s “Arnold Layne,” the group’s first big hit in Spring 1967.
Cover art is by Mark Wilkinson, known for his work with Iron Maiden, Marillion and Judas Priest.
A major exhibition exploring Barrett’s life, art and cultural impact will run from Oct. 3-9 at Openspace in Cambridge. It’ll feature original paintings and sketches by Barrett; work from guest artists such as Barrett’s nephew Ian Barrett and Mick Rock; and talks from biographers exploring Barrett’s legacy.
Events co-organizer Neil Jones says, “Eighty years after his birth, Syd Barrett’s influence remains as powerful as ever. His music, creativity and unique vision continue to inspire artists and audiences across generations.”
Barrett died in 2006. He’d lived a reclusive life in Cambridge after retiring from the spotlight following his late-’60s departure from Pink Floyd.
