Genius songwriter of modern time.

A spokeswoman for Pink Floyd announced today that Syd Barrett, co-founder of Pink Floyd, has died at the age of 60. Apparently Barrett had suffered from diabetes for many years and passed a few days ago. The cause of death has not been released.

Surviving Pink Floyd members Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright stated that "they were very upset and sad to learn of Syd Barrett's death... Syd of was the guiding light of the early band lineup and leaves a legacy which continues to inspire."

David Bowie posted on his website that Syd Barrett had been a "major inspriation... his impact on my thinking was enormous. A major regret is that I never got to know him. A diamond indeed."

Barrett founded the band with Waters, Mason and Wright in 1965. In 1967 they released "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" which was mostly written by Barrett. He left the group in 1968, suffering from mental instability and was replaced by Gilmour for the release of, arguably, the greatest album of all time, "Dark Side of the Moon." This album, along with "The Wall", contain several epithets relating to his mental illness.

Pink Floyd also recorded "Wish You Were Here" as a tribute to Barrett.

Syd Barrett died a recluse in Cambridge England. A private funeral will be held shortly.