With Barrett, they were a band of the times. In the 66-68 era, psychedelic music was the thing. And Syd in a way led that generation. The band hardly took off after he left. They had More, Ummagumma, and Atom Heart Mother. Now, it's not that I don't like those albums, but it's a clear picture of a confused band. It definitely took the band time to find themselves (Meddle).

People asked the stupid question of "Which one's Pink?" because of the lyric from Have a Cigar obviously. People say it's Dave or Roger; they hardly say it's Syd.

To me, Syd IS Pink. He started the band; he wrote all of their material at the beginning. The band was at a major loss in the following years. If he wasn't for him, they may not have even had a following. The other memebers at the time weren't ready for the spotlight, and the band would have likely collapsed.

I'm not saying that Floyd would have been better if Syd stayed, or that the band ceased to be Floyd after he left. I'm saying that he is the true essence of Pink Floyd. It was his band, and it's more than likely because of him that they didn't die a slow death. Why do you think they dedicated an half an album to him (Wish You Were Here).

I do think that it was vital for him to leave the band. They would not be the Pink Floyd we know and love today if he stayed with them. But he deserves a lot of credit, and hardly anyone seems to give it to him. (Many "fans" don't even know about his existence).

As for Piper, I hated it for about 6 months after I got it. It's now my second favorite (and I've heard all their albums to death). No offense--and I'm not trying to say that someone's opinion is wrong--but how can someone like A Momentary Lapse of Reason more than Piper? Same with More--about half of it is good, the other half isn't.

In summary, Syd doesn't get enough credit.

My 2 cents.