Syd Barrett and Richmond Hill

by 5ocietyx


One of the rock myths of west London that circulated T’hinternets a while ago was that the co-founder of The Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett, was often seen wandering the riverbanks of Richmond during his acid meltdown.

Yet this particular urban legend would appear to have some credibility because Barrett did actually live on Richmond Hill with fellow band member Rick Wright during this time.

Barrett also cites a girl he saw wandering round Richmond as his inspiration for the song ‘Apples and Oranges’.

Barrett returned to Cambridge to live with his mother after his breakdown and reverted to being called by his birth-name Roger.

One of the problems Barrett faced was the fact that even if he did attempt to make a musical comeback and turn his life around wherever he went, particularly in the music world, people would forever remind him of Syd.

A less plausible rock myth involving Richmond Hill is that Mick Jagger lives there but has anyone ever seen him there? Jerry Hall has lived there since their divorce and according to recent news stories is negotiating with Jagger to keep the house for herself and their children.