taken from Escimo Chain
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into Waterstones comes news of another essential Barrett book. 'Madcap', a new biography by journalist Tim Willis, is due out this autumn and promises to both set the record straight and shatter a few long-held myths in the process. Willis has managed to gain access to the innermost Floyd circle and interview not just members of the band, but friends, lovers and associates who up until now have remained silent. In fact, he even got a contribution from the man himself - something of a first in Barrett biography. I recently had the opportunity to ask him a few questions about the book:
What particularly interested you about the Syd Barrett story ?
Well, I guess I'm interested in the man, the mind, the music and the myth. I've been friends with David Gilmour for over a decade, and Syd has often been the topic of our conversations. When some friends of mine launched Short Books last year, I decided he would make a great subject for them - particularly since I had the kind of access and contacts with which to set a very confused record straight.
Did you get to interview any members of Pink Floyd for the book ?
Yes, Gilmour and Waters - both very sympathetic, intelligent people. It's a pity they can't get on!
I heard that Roger Waters supplied some previously unseen lyrics and you also found some unseen writings by Syd Barrett ?
That's right. I don't want to reveal too much about them yet. But for a taster, Waters' song is his first-ever (contrary to previous reports) and it's all about Syd! The writings show what an eloquent, funny, inventive, genius Syd was - as well as being the unreadable 'creative'. They're from his teens and early twenties, and one of them rewrites Pink Floyd history. But you'll have to wait for publication for that!
Did you find any interesting new sources on the early history of the band ?
You would know most of the names. But some who haven't talked before include 'Po' Powell, the real 'Emily', the people he stayed with on his second Ibiza trip, a previously unknown girlfriend (Viv Brans, who also went out with David Gilmour), Roger Waters' mum, some previously uninterviewed teen friends - and Roger Waters's mum!
Your book features an interview with Lindsay Corner (often referred to as Lynsey Korner) who has never agreed to be interviewed about her relationship with Syd before. Did she provide any interesting new insights ?
I don't know if you could call them insights, but she helped build up the picture of Syd.
You also tracked down the infamous 'Mad' Jock and Sue. What are they doing these days ?
Jock is a jobbing actor in London; Sue is an old raver in Devon. I think their most important evidence is to deny the spiking stories and to give the dope on Cromwell Road - a much more normal place than impressionable biographers have made out.
Best of all, I heard that you managed to interview Syd. Is this true ?
Yes, I talked to him. 'Interview' suggests a more formal arrangement.
Is he keeping well ?
Yes, I think so. So do his family.
He hasn't given an interview for over 30 years. Why has he broken his silence now ?
The interesting thing is not why he talked, but what he said. And, for that, you'll have to wait 'til publication...
Did he give any indication that he wanted to pursue his abandoned career as a painter ?
Wait and see...
When exactly is the book coming out ?
October in hardback - then paperback a few months later.
Definitely one for the diary !
Special thanks to Rebecca Nicolson at Short Books for helping to arrange the interview.
Iain Smith