How Pink Floyd Almost Reunited For A Movie

Pink Floyd, one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, achieved immense success with their classic rock songs and experimental sound. However, behind the scenes, the band’s intraband relationships were often fraught with tensions. Despite this, a movie titled “Have You Got It Yet?” brought the three surviving members of Pink Floyd together for a rare appearance, offering fans a glimpse into the band’s early history.

The Unlikely Reunion

The classic Pink Floyd lineup, consisting of Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright, experienced its share of conflicts. However, “Have You Got It Yet?” provided a unique opportunity for Gilmour, Mason, and Waters to come together. The film delves into the life and influence of Syd Barrett, the enigmatic founding member of Pink Floyd. Barrett’s musical genius and psychedelic pop songs played a crucial role in establishing the band’s early fan base. His profound impact on Pink Floyd made the movie a compelling project for the three surviving members to contribute to.

Roger Waters expressed the significance of the movie, saying:

“The film explores Syd’s life and musical influence. It’s a chronicle and a mosaic of Barrett’s creative and destructive impulses, his captivating presence and absence – a portrait of the complex puzzle that was his life.”

Syd Barrett’s Legacy

Syd Barrett’s time with Pink Floyd was relatively short-lived, as his struggles with mental instability hindered the band’s progress. In 1968, the band made the difficult decision to part ways with Barrett, and David Gilmour joined as the lead guitarist. However, Barrett’s influence continued to loom large over the band’s subsequent albums. Pink Floyd’s music delved into themes of madness and introspection, with “Wish You Were Here” being a poignant tribute to their former bandmate. Barrett’s unique approach to music was also recognized and admired by other legendary musicians, including Jimmy Page and David Bowie.

David Gilmour reminisced about the impact of Syd Barrett, saying:

“Syd and Pink Floyd crystallized a cultural moment where anything seemed possible, but where that freedom could come with a cost. Was Syd just another drug casualty? Did he suffer from an undiagnosed mental condition? Or did he dislike the attention and fame as the fun turned to work? While there are no clear answers, there is the feeling by all those around Syd that something went terribly wrong.”

A Mosaic of Creativity and Destruction

“Have You Got It Yet?” not only brought Pink Floyd’s surviving members together but also featured interviews with other renowned musicians, such as Pete Townshend, Graham Coxon, and Andrew VanWyngarden. The film captures the essence of Syd Barrett’s creative genius and the struggles he faced in the limelight. It delves into the mysteries surrounding his mental state and the complexities of his life. The movie portrays the intricate puzzle that was Barrett’s existence, leaving audiences with a sense of wonder and reflection.

The movie’s synopsis reads:

“Syd and Pink Floyd crystallized a cultural moment where anything seemed possible but where that freedom could come with a cost. Was Syd just another drug casualty? Did he suffer from an undiagnosed mental condition? Or did he dislike the attention and fame as the fun turned to work? While there are no clear answers, there is the feeling by all those around Syd that something went terribly wrong. ‘Have You Got It Yet?’ is a chronicle and a mosaic of Barrett’s creative and destructive impulses, his captivating presence and absence – a portrait of the complex puzzle that was his life.” (via Mercury Studios)