Evelyn Rose, the enigmatic one-time girlfriend of Pink Floyd’s Syd Barrett, has died.
The official Syd Barrett Facebook page and The Holy Church of Iggy the Inuit website report she passed away yesterday at the age of 69.
Nicknamed “Iggy the Eskimo” for her alleged Inuit heritage — she was born in Pakistan and lived in India and Aden before moving to England — Rose is the nude woman on the back cover of Barrett’s 1970 “The Madcap Laughs” album.
In the February 2011 issue of MOJO magazine, she told writer Mark Blake she’d helped Barrett paint the striped floor of his apartment the morning of the photo shoot, before photographer Mick Rock and sleeve designer Storm Thorgerson arrived.
In the article, Rose said, if you examine the photo closely, “I have paint on the soles of my feet.” She also stated when Rock and Thorgerson arrived, she left the room to dress, but stayed sans clothes at the insistence of Barrett. “That was his wicked sense of humor,” she said.
Photos: “The Madcap Laughs” back cover (Photo: Mick Rock), top; Iggy in 2011 (Photo: Chris Lanaway)
RIP Iggy, always a beautiful person xx
RIP Iggy, you were always so full of life and laughter. I remember having a few dances with you in the pub watching Willie Austen and Band. Go dance your socks off Iggy xx
Lovely lady x
Iggy was a lovely lady she’s gonna be missed by everyone that knew her I feel honoured to say that I knew her she certainly knew how to put a smile on the grumpest of faces xx R.I.P Iggy xxx
Iggy, I have known and spoken to you many times over the years but never knew you had such a colourful past!.. Fly high over that rainbow and rest in peace!
RIP Iggy much loved by many a free spirit loved our drinks and dancing at battle of the bands you knew how to make us laugh dance free sweetheart you will be missed xx
Dearest Iggy, a lovely friend, an inspirational lady. God bless you darling. ????????
IGGY!1!1!1!1
I’m so sad. She was a sweetheart. Glad I got to know her on life’s trails.
For all the years myself and family new you Never new you had such an illustrious past, Any way you where a great lady a lot of fun and a friend RIP
Iggy, kwiatuszek
Iggy was my real friend on Facebook. She was a very caring, and kind person full of love, and joy always. She cared for, and loved all people. RIP.