AFG was fortunate enough to have an interview with Ian Barrett, nephew of the late Syd Barrett. He shares some memories of his beloved uncle, also tells us a few details about the new film Have You Got It Yet? which is now starting to premiere in theaters across the US! and finally, Ian shares his inspiration behind creating his own artwork. Ian is a really knowledgeable and lovely individual and we couldn’t be more fortunate to share this with you all. Hope you enjoy!

Photo by Ruby Barrett

AFG: Hi Ian thank you for taking the time to do this interview, first off congratulations on the new YouTube page and Instagram! What prompted you and your family to start those up? Can you please tell us what can we expect content wise?

IB: I would LOVE to say that we have hours of footage from the UFO and tons of full length interviews, but I’m afraid that just isn’t the case. We are looking at it optimistically as a forum for both new material that we can bring to the surface, and also new creative work inspired by Syd’s work. I think that one of the most amazing aspects of Syd’s career is that so many years after his short career his small canon of work still inspires people in so many ways. I am hoping that we can tap into that inspiration and put this work before the many fans who would love to enjoy it. Be it traditional animation or cutting edge virtual reality techniques we are hoping to create something exciting AND in the spirit of Syd!

AFG: We know there are animations for Syd’s masterful lyrics, what was the inspiration behind those?

IB: Refer back to my previous answer and understand that in a video sense there will ALWAYS be a ‘lack of Syd.’ We wanted to find a new way to bring his music to a new audience. I have loved the creative work of Alex Teglbjaerg, a Swedish video animator. Alex has an amazing creative flair for making videos that capture the imagery and iconography of Syd’s music and art. His work has been used within the live show of Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets and toured the world so many thousands of people will already have seen his work. We are working with Alex to bring all of Syd’s songs to life as animated lyric videos. This process takes time so it will be an ongoing project..Alex tells me that he has been featured in A Fleeting Glimpse already so many of you have already seen his work. You can see Alex’s work here https://www.youtube.com/c/artistontheborder

AFG: Speaking of lyrics, how do you feel Syd’s lyrics hold up over time? Pink Floyd music in general have stood the test of time and new generations keep clinging to it, which is amazing. We feel the same way for Syd’s lyrics and music. Which it’s always lovely to see new Syd fans keep emerging. That says quite a lot about what he created in such a short musical career. 

IB: One thing I think that has changed a lot over time, is the understanding of the lyrics. Years ago they were enjoyed as songs, but I don’t think anyone had really taken the time to really dissect the lyrics themselves and realize that they are NOT just the disjointed ramblings of a lunatic. There is a comment in ‘Have You Got It Yet’ the new documentary about Syd and his career. An old friend of Syd commented that he spent months refining the lyrics for just one song. 

If Syd’s lyrics fascinate you I can thoroughly recommend the book ‘A Very Irregular Head’ by Rob Chapman I met Rob regularly while he wrote it and know he spent a LONG time analyzing and exploring the genesis of his song lyrics. It isn’t always obvious, but many of the lyrics contain historical and artistic references that were skilfully woven into the songs.

AFG: One thing that we love that people gravitate towards with Syd was his stage presence. When you watch Astronomy Domine from the BBC’s “Look of the Week” you really see how much of a driving force he is, then in the famous Hans Keller interview comes off incredibly charming and humble. We also find that one thing that gets overlooked was his innovative guitar playing. When one thinks of Pink Floyd they automatically think of David (respectfully) but Syd laid that groundwork. Most of the band’s sound came from what he was doing. Do you agree? 

IB: I’m not equipped to comment on the intricacies of the musical relationships within the band. There are many many obsessive fans who could wax lyrical on this, I would rather just give a instinctive answer. The footage of Syd playing Interstellar Overdrive from ‘Let’s All Make Love In London’ speaks of that power. You can literally see him improvising throughout the song. He’s painting with music. It would never have suited what Pink Floyd turned into, It just wouldn’t. But it was magic while it lasted. 

AFG: What do you personally feel is the essential Syd Barrett song? If you had to choose one song to underline who your Uncle was.

IB: I can’t choose one favorite song. I’ll just talk about a few that are special.

OPEL 
This just hits me hard, EVERY TIME. It is just so stark. Bleak but beautiful. 

“Crisp flax squeaks tall reeds
On a circle of grey in a Summer way”

It’s far from an obvious Syd classic but it should never have been hidden away on Opel.

DARK GLOBE
Again this hits hard. I’ve heard it covered beautifully by REM and sat in front of Chrissie Hynde when she reenacted it at the Barbican tribute. It’s a lovely, lonely barrage of imagery.

AFG: The Madcap Laughs has been widely regarded as the best Syd solo effort even in its ‘warts an all’ and over the more polished follow up Barrett in 1970. Why do you think that is?

IB: The songs on Madcap are less embellished by instrumentation and overdubs, and that gives the voice and words such power. I’ve never ever heard of anyone listening to this album and not being moved in some way by it. I’m not saying everyone has to like it, but you can’t ignore it or feel nothing in its presence. There really is nothing like it.

AFG: We think it’s highly important that people know Syd wasn’t a recluse but just a man who wanted to live in peace and out of the limelight. After reading Rob Chapman’s book “A Very Irregular Head” we were surprised to see how many stories have come out about him in his later years. There were crazy fan theories we had never heard before like him trying to hail a plane like a cab on the runway of an airport. Do you feel those are more or less put to bed now that time has passed?

IB: Trust me, I’ve heard them all! One benefit of the internet taking over as a forum for discussion is that these stories can be discussed, fact checked and often discounted quite easily. Before that they were published in books and sat unchallenged and they were spread and sadly often believed. With there being no interviews or rebuttals from Syd, fans often just assumed the stories were true. I would like to congratulate Rob Chapman for doing a great service in dissecting many of the more outlandish ones. 

We are not saying for a second that every story of Roger/Syd’s behavior was false. He was an eccentric and unique man and we totally accept he did behave in some peculiar ways, but when put in the context of the drug culture of the late 1960’s he’s hardly alone in that! But now the silliest stories have been out to bed, it leaves the path more clear for people to enjoy his creativity and imagination in the way it should be appreciated. There are many stories such as him mixing Brylcreem and Mandrax tablets and pouring the mixture on his head and letting it pour down his face and creating a terrifying image on stage. 

I suspect there is a tiny fragment of truth in most of the stories but they have become enlarged and mutated over the years until they become something far bigger than when they started. Syd had an incredible way of pulling many influences and inspirations together and boiling them up into an amazing stew. 

AFG: What is your fondest memory of your Uncle?

IB: When I was growing up we had no understanding or care about what he had been. We visited my Grandmother often in Cambridge and he had moved back from the chaos of London and just happened to be living in her house. My brothers and cousins would often convene there and storm around on rickety bikes… He was always very quiet and reserved but would often come out and chat to us while we played. 

He even stayed all Christmas at our house in Luton one year. It was lovely to see him for such along time and so intimately. Nothing about it was anything out of the ordinary other than a family friend asking to come to the house to meet him and I guess to get an autograph. Again, we’re just a totally ordinary family who by happenstance have ended up in quite an unusual position.

I like to see my life a little like the scene in ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ when Toto rips open the curtain and you accidentally see the Wizard. We have been privy to seeing something of the mechanics of the music industry without actually being part of it. I don’t mean this in a negative way, in some ways it’s fascinating, but it’s not something we ever set out to do. While we never set out to become involved in helping manage all the sustained interest in Syd’s music and art we all decided it is better that we keep some level of control over it rather than just handing control over to an unknown third party. 

This is why we decided to create the Official Syd Barrett Website ourselves and in 2016 we launched it. We have tweaked and redesigned it since then and we’re all really proud of the way it looks and works. I would be thrilled if anyone that has not seen it can give it a look as its a great way to jump into the wonderful world of Syd Barrett! 

AFG: It’s been said he painted a lot in his later years, was that what made you want to become an artist yourself? The creativity gene runs in the Barrett family!

Photo by Ian Barrett

IB: I do love creating art, but the visual art grew out of my love of making jewelry. I started my jewelry business about twenty years ago now, and it is the thing I am most proud of. I have no jewelry training but built the business myself from scratch and it is now a flourishing business. I have created a huge collection of meteorite and fossil jewelry and sell it all over the world.

I also supply museums and galleries around the world, including the National Space Centre in Leicester England. I use amazing materials such and moon rock and stone meteorites as well as fossils like ammonites and shark’s teeth. I bring a bit of magic to them with solid silver and coloured enamels. I also create visual art, mainly watercolor painting and linocut prints. 

This started just as a bit of fun, but has grown over the years and I have now created quite a few record covers for various bands and also stage artwork for live shows. I love getting up every day and making amazing jewelry and art!

You can find Ian’s Jurassic Jewellery at the website jurassicjewellery.co.uk and on Facebook Be sure to stop by and support Ian as he makes lovely pieces of art you can own and wear!

For Ian’s visual art you can find him here www.ianbarrettart.com

Photo by Ian Barrett

AFG: Do you play an instrument or write at all?

IB: I don’t really play guitar much. I play a tiny bit, but only at home. Couldn’t do it in public. I have been in bands, a long time ago. I used to be in a band called Papajellyfish many moons ago. It was a lot of fun, and grew from something very small and silly into something actually quite successful. Life’s like that sometimes.

AFG: The new film “Have You Got It Yet?” Is gaining major popularity by word of mouth of those who have seen it. What can you tell us about it? It’s been in the making for a decade, what went into it? It’s been said it’s the “definitive Syd documentary” would you agree to that statement?

IB: I saw it at a cinema when it was released and it was fascinating to finally  see Syd’s life writ large. People have asked me if it was a strange experience, seeing his life up on the big screen. But actually it has taken so long to be finished I have lived with its creation. On that premise alone, it wasn’t as strange as you might imagine. As for the time to make the film, I cant go into details, but there were lots of small things holding up the release.

There always are with complicated documentaries like this and it was great when it was finally finished and let loose in the world! There are many people all around the world keen to see the film and that just shows the amazing and sustained interest in Syd’s life. I know there are many that have not yet seen it yet, so I wont spoil the surprise by going into detail about the film, but what I will say is that it is a warm and intimate film with interviews with quite a few people close to Syd, some who have never spoken on film about him. 

AFG: Do you know when it will be available to the rest of the world? Will there be a physical bluray release/streaming release?

IB: I simply don’t know all the details on this, and it’s a question I am asked on social media a lot. Essentially there will be global screenings for some time, and they will roll out in different continents at different times. Then there will be streaming and also DVD releases coming afterwards and possibly terrestrial television also. But I really don’t know the timings of these. I don’t think anyone knows these as yet Just be patient!

There is no reason that eventually anyone who wants to see it will be able to. You can keep up to date with the film at either the standalone website for the film www.sydbarrettfilm.com and also our new Syd Barrett Official Instagram and Facebook page.

(This interview was conducted before the official announcement of the US screenings, with director Roddy Bogawa appearing for a Q&A session in New York City. For the full details please visit the film website to purchase tickets for any upcoming screenings in your area and keep checking as more dates are surely to be announced as its extended through to September!)

AFG: To send us off what do you think is the most important thing you want people/fans to take away from Syd’s mark on pop culture and the world?

Photo used with permission and supplied by Ian Barrett

IB: That’s a big question. I don’t like to pontificate or preach, so I’ll just say put on one of his albums and enjoy it. Then you will understand why he has made such a special mark on the world.

AFG: Ian, it’s been an absolute pleasure and an honor. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us we have nothing but love and respect for you and your family over here at AFG.

We welcome our readers to follow Ian and his work at the links above and stay in touch. We look forward to what’s in store on the Syd Barrett Youtube page and of course the new film. Congratulations Ian! All the best to you and your family.

Lots of love from the AFG family.

We spoke to Syd’s nephew, Ian Barrett who talked about the film Have You Got It Yet?, his inspiration behind creating his own artwork and even shared memories of his beloved uncle. Its been such an enormous honor, we can’t wait to share it with you all. Stay tuned!

Photo by Ruby Barrett
Graphics by our own talented Christopher Hyzy

The brains behind and guitarist for Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets Lee Harris has appeared on The Feeling Sound Podcast. He goes in depth about his musical influences, time with The Blockheads and of course Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets! Always a pleasure to listen to Lee speak and give us insight into his music career. Listen here at Apple Podcasts

A Fleeting Glimpse had the opportunity to witness Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade at The Salt Shed in Chicago, Illinois!  If you didn’t know the band play all of Pink Floyd’s Animals album in its entirety! Now, since this is a Pink Floyd dedicated website we feel it’s only right to share thoughts on the Animals portion of the show. However, the entire set was absolutely amazing, the musicianship in this band is top notch.

For those who don’t know Les Claypool is a master of the bass and leads the band Primus and he’s put together a supergroup of sorts and while he’s handling all of Roger and David’s bass parts and most of the lead vocals he comes packing with Harry Waters on keyboards and vocals, Sean Lennon on guitar and vocals, longtime Claypool percussionist on the xylophone/vibraphone Mike Dillon and Paulo Baldi on drums.

Pigs On The Wing, Pt 1 Donned in military outfits and pith helmets, sans Les who is donning his trademark derby hat and Sean with a captains cap. The stage is bathed in blue lights and the moment Sean started playing the crowd went absolutely nuts! Les singing this one with Harry handling Rick’s parts on keys. The almost folky Pink Floyd love song immediately turns into a Les Claypool song. Then comes Dogs to be expected as they play this version in the album order unlike the Floyd who did it in a different running order on their 1977 In The Flesh tour.

Their version of Dogs has Sean masterfully doing his own thing, not trying to copy David Gilmour in any way, but remaining true to the source. Think of this as like a funkier more heavier version of Animals. Les’ bass is so deep but rich in those mids it cuts through the mix  and makes Pink Floyd’s masterpiece feel like a Claypool piece, he’s making it clear he’s not doing an impression of Roger and let me say they make it known from the get-go this is no cover band! Paulo handling Nick’s parts really well, he’s tight.

The biggest difference on this version adding to its unique sound is Mike’s percussion it really adds a whole new sound to what you have come to expect and I dug it. Sharing the lead vocals with Les on this is Harry, who takes over just after the barking dog section and does he sing just like his Dad!  I love the added detail that Les let him take over on this section as that is the section Roger has taken over live on his In The Flesh tour, Desert Trip shows and Us + Them tour respectively. Seeing a small group of musicians play this tune almost harkens back to when the Floyd played it as “You’ve Got To Be Crazy” in 1974/1975, as they had to carefully choose what parts to play as there are no extra musicians to handle the multiple layers of keys and guitars needed, IE: Rick handling the Moog harmonies doubling David’s guitar. They pulled it off perfectly!

The daunting organ kicks in for Pigs (Three Different Ones) this is played more closely to the album, Les belting out Roger’s snarly vocals and its wicked! Pink Floyd’s trademark greasy funk is amplified here. Proving he’s the right band leader for the Frog Brigade, he’s full on front man presence! He understands the assignment. This one plays out as you expect, but there’s subtle differences like Mike’s percussion adding brightness in the mix and Paulo is proving he can handle Nick Mason’s task of less is more on the drums and yes… we have COWBELL! It wouldn’t be Pigs without it.

The middle jam section sees Sean’s talkbox solo, again he’s taking liberties here and doing his own thing, I found myself grooving so hard to this. After the final verse comes the famous outro jam, with the band full on rocking, Les doing the signature E minor scale in octaves. They didn’t change much to this one but they didn’t have to its a pretty straightforward angry/punk track.

Next up is Sheep Harry brilliantly following the groundwork laid by the beloved Richard Wright, once again proving his DNA runs deep through this material. This one plays out like the album as you’d expect. Sean takes the lead vocals on the verses with Les on the chorus. Sean’s voice modulated just like the record, making the hairs on my neck stand up with his delivery! This one musically almost feels like “Raving and Drooling”, with its lack of added dubs, which is hard to do as a 5 piece and as I’ve said they make it work brilliantly. it just adds to the over all gusto of the band.

The middle break has all the trademark sounds sans the Psalm 23 parody which I did miss. Virtuoso Sean playing the outro guitar riff sending us off on our way. The bulk of the material has now concluded, and as we end with Pigs On The Wing, Pt. 2 its played the same as Pt. 1. It ended with a HUGE applause from the audience. What we seen here tonight was a celebration of in my humble opinion the greatest rock n roll record ever put to tape.

They make it known they aren’t doing it note for note but they don’t have to, there’s enough talent here that they don’t need to. Everyone shows what they’re made of, and bring it 110%. I say don’t sleep on The Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, go out and support them. They’re an amazing band and put on a great show!! – Review/Photos by Lead Editor Tony Rapata 

 The Summer Of Green tour is about to conclude on July 15th, but they will be back in October playing 10 more dates for The Hunt For Green October tour. We highly suggest you go and see them, don’t sleep on it. Its definitely a once in a lifetime performance! For more information and tickets go to https://lesclaypool.com

Huge thanks to Les’ management and Harry Waters. Lots of love always.