Syd Barrett: A Very Irregular Head

Syd Barrett was the lead guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter in the original line-up of Pink Floyd. During his brief but impactful time with the band (1966-68), he was undoubtedly the driving creative force behind the unit. After he left the band, he made just two further solo albums, both released in 1970, before withdrawing from public view to lead a quiet, and occasionally troubled, life in Cambridge, the town of his birth.

Rob Chapman's book stands as the first truly authoritative and exhaustively researched biography of Syd Barrett. It fully celebrates his life and enduring legacy as a musician, lyricist, and artist, whilst crucially highlighting the profound influence that he continues to have over contemporary bands and music fans alike. Chapman meticulously dissects the myths surrounding Barrett, offering a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of a complex individual whose brilliance burned intensely before he retreated from the public eye.

"Chapman has unravelled the skeins of rumour, exaggeration and anecdote that have been wound so tightly around Barrett... Chapman is very good on the array of almost exclusively literary influences that made Barrett such a singular and definably English songwriter... A Very Irregular Head is a consistently illuminating, and often surprising, read... the best book yet about him." Sean O'Hagan, Observer

This is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the true artistry and lasting impact of one of British music's most enigmatic figures.