Tribute concert to mark Syd Barrett 80th birthday

A concert to celebrate the life of Pink Floyd legend Syd Barrett will be held in his home city on what would have been his 80th birthday.

Contributors will include Kula Shaker, Soft Machine, Men on the Border, Diana Silveira & The Psychedelic Circus, Radhika and Pünk Floyd.

Barrett's sister Rosemary Breen said: "Syd would have been so happy and honoured to know his music was still being enjoyed in Cambridge."

The event will take place on 10 October at the Cambridge Corn Exchange, where he gave his final live performance on 24 February 1972.

Neil Jones, co-organiser of the events, said: "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."

Roger Barrett grew up in Cambridge and adopted the nickname "Syd" in his teens.

He was the principal songwriter and driving creative force in the early days of Pink Floyd.

But just when the band's career was taking off, Barrett's drug use and mental health issues resulted in increasingly erratic behaviour.

It led to his departure from the band and his eventual return to Cambridge, where he lived a quiet life and was happiest when painting. He died in 2006.

The anniversary will also be marked with the release of a commemorative double album on 9 October, featuring new recordings and previously unreleased material.

Contributors to that include Kula Shaker, All About Eve, Mystery Jets, Rosalie Cunningham, David Gilmour and Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets.

There will also be an exhibition exploring his life, art and cultural impact.

All proceeds will be donated to mental health charities.

"The family wholeheartedly support these exciting events in aid of mental health charities," said Breen.

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