Richard Wright, a founder member of Pink Floyd, has died at the age of 65 after battling cancer, his spokesman said.
Wright played the keyboard with the legendary band and wrote music in classic albums such as Dark Side Of The Moon and Wish You Were Here.
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The soft saultry synth sounds of Richard Wright's creation are forever etched on my mind in songs such as "Us And Them" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond".
When I was in high school, trying to survive through the heavy metal hair bands of the 80's, I searched for a band that was mellower and more mature. I'd just gotten into Rush at the time and when I heard their instrumental epic "La Villa Strangiato" and the middle part with a low bass pad by Geddy and Alex Lifeson's building and wailing guitar, I thought, "Well this certainly kicks ass!" Then my drummer friend had me watch a Pink Floyd video, "Momentary Lapse of Reason", I thought he was on to something here. Mellow progressive music would then forever be a part of my life, leading me to love Yes, and hearing Floyd's influence in Dream Theater, The Flower Kings, and so many other bands.
I do remember Floyd from way back when The Wall came out but musically, I wasn't totally into it. That all changed when "The Division Bell" came out in '93. An absolute masterpiece of an album... dark, dynamic, and full. Wright's piano on "High Hopes" is simple yet remarkable. He sang on "Wearing The Inside Out" adding that true British accent to the band.
In 1994 when I saw them live at Commonwealth Stadium here in Edmonton, Alberta, is still to this day, the greatest concert I have ever seen or heard. It was more than that. It was an experience.
Anyway, Mr. Wright, as a keyboard player myself, thank you for having shared your gift to the world, and making an impact on my life.
