Every artist dreams of having a sound that is unique to them. As much as it may be enjoyable to create songs that operate as pastiches of various genres. Having a distinct thumbprint that lets people know it’s you in only a few notes is an impossible-to-define trademark. While Jimmy Page’s technique may have altered several times, he acknowledged that Pink Floyd had one of the real originals of rock and roll among their ranks.
Throughout the first half of Page’s career, he was already developing a distinct sound while working on several sessions in the English studio scene. Before he joined The Yardbirds, Jimmy Page was the go-to guy for a guitar tone that sounded far meaner. This was compared to what was coming out of the typical pop-rock of the day.
When Jimmy Page succeeded Eric Clapton in The Yardbirds, he had already written a few legendary tunes and was just getting started. Page was ushering the band into the age of psychedelic rock and roll from the start of the song ‘Heart Full of Soul‘. The blues got a mind-bending makeover, emerging as a gritty guitar tone and a signature riff.
Whereas Page gave hard rock a psychedelic twist, groups like Pink Floyd were born and nurtured to create music. They aimed to produce sounds that did not resemble traditional rock. Although tracks like ‘See Emily Play‘ had worked well as pop tunes, Syd Barrett wanted to broaden the palette of classic rock and roll. This was evident in The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.
Barrett’s guitar style was unique, with songs that blended zaniness, psychedelia, and the occasional cacophonous noise. Before David Gilmour was even considered a member of Pink Floyd, Barrett’s erratic guitar playing felt more akin to ramshackle sounds. These would come to define punk rock only a few years later.
Floyd would go on to larger and better things, but they would have to do so without Barrett. Barrett began to lose himself after having too many psychedelic experiences. Desensitization to his surroundings grew, ultimately leading to his dismissal after losing the internal struggle.
When discussing the band after the event, Page believed that no one could have replaced Barrett. He told Brad Tolinski, “Syd Barrett’s writing with the early Pink Floyd was inspirational.” Nothing sounded like Barrett before Pink Floyd’s debut album. There were so many ideas and encouraging sentiments. You can feel the genius there, and, unfortunately, he broke apart.”
Then again, Floyd never attempted to obtain a Barrett clone after he left. Drafting Gilmour for a few shows with Barrett, the band figured they could forge their path without their old bandmate. This produced progressive rock that reflected their sorrow over losing their old comrade on albums such as Wish You Were Here. Pink Floyd may have reached the pinnacle of their success after Barrett’s departure. It will always be bittersweet to consider what they could have accomplished if he had received the assistance he required.
