Keyboardist Rick Wright, a founding member of Pink Floyd, died today at his home in England following a short fight with cancer. He was 65.
His family declined to give more details of his death.
Wright was a member of Sigma 6, which evolved into The Pink Floyd Sound in 1965 — eventually shortened to Pink Floyd. He remained an integral part of the band until 1979’s “The Wall,” when he was forced from the band by Roger Waters, citing lack of creative input.
Wright didn’t participate in Floyd’s 1983 album “The Final Cut,” but returned late in the making of 1987’s “A Momentary Lapse of Reason,” after Waters had left the group.
As a songwriter, he’ll probably be best remembered for “Us and Them” and “The Great Gig in the Sky,” both from 1973’s “Dark Side of the Moon.”
Wright also released two solo works — “Wet Dream” (1978) and “Broken China” (1996) — and paired with ex-Fashion guitarist Dave Harris to form Zee, which release one album, “Identity,” in 1984.
Wright’s most recent Floyd-related work involved playing on Floyd guitarist David Gilmour‘s “On an Island” (2006) album, and subsequent tour.
“He was gentle, unassuming and private but his soulful voice and playing were vital, magical components of our most recognized Pink Floyd sound,” Gilmour said today. “I have never played with anyone quite like him.”
