Richard William Wright, better known as Rick Wright, was a pivotal yet often understated figure in the world of progressive rock. Best known as the keyboardist and founding member of the iconic band Pink Floyd, Wright’s contributions helped shape the sound of one of the most influential bands in rock history.
His ethereal keyboard work, distinctive voice, and sophisticated compositions were key elements in the evolution of Pink Floyd’s music from their psychedelic beginnings to the expansive soundscapes of their later albums. Despite his reserved personality, Wright’s legacy remains profound and enduring.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Rick Wright was born on July 28, 1943, in Hatch End, Middlesex, England. His musical journey began at an early age, learning piano and then moving on to classical training on the trombone and trumpet. Wright attended the Regent Street Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster), where he met his future Pink Floyd bandmates Roger Waters and Nick Mason. Initially, the group was part of a band called Sigma 6, but they would soon evolve into what became one of the most legendary bands in rock history.
Wright was initially a guitarist but switched to the keyboards when it became clear that his talents were more suited to the instrument. His early influences included jazz and classical music, and these would inform his unique approach to composing and arranging music.
Joining Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd was formed in 1965, and from the very beginning, Rick Wright played an essential role in developing the band’s signature sound. Alongside Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, and Nick Mason, Wright was part of the original lineup. However, as Barrett’s mental health deteriorated and he eventually left the band, the dynamic of the group shifted. Wright’s input became even more critical, particularly during the band’s experimental phase in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
In the band’s early years, Wright’s keyboards were integral to their sonic experiments, contributing to their early psychedelic sound. His atmospheric playing was featured prominently on albums like The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967), A Saucerful of Secrets (1968), and Ummagumma (1969). Wright’s contributions weren’t limited to just his playing; he also provided vocals and wrote some of Pink Floyd’s material.
Key Contributions to Pink Floyd’s Albums
Rick Wright’s contributions to Pink Floyd can often be overlooked due to the more public personas of his bandmates, particularly Roger Waters and David Gilmour. However, his work behind the scenes was crucial in shaping the band’s sound.
The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Wright’s finest hour arguably came with The Dark Side of the Moon, where his lush keyboards created the album’s signature soundscapes. His composition “The Great Gig in the Sky” became one of the album’s highlights, featuring a haunting piano arrangement paired with Clare Torry’s soaring vocals. Wright also co-wrote “Us and Them,” a somber track that features his jazz-influenced chord progressions and atmospheric sound.
The Dark Side of the Moon was a monumental success and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. Wright’s understated yet vital contributions were key to its innovative sound, and the album solidified Pink Floyd as one of the premier acts in rock music.
Wish You Were Here (1975)
Following the success of The Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd released Wish You Were Here, which is often considered one of the band’s best works. Wright’s keyboards play a crucial role in creating the album’s melancholic and reflective tone. He composed and performed the famous synthesizer and piano parts on the epic track “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” a tribute to their former bandmate Syd Barrett. Wright’s shimmering textures helped give the song its emotional depth, and his performance remains a standout moment in the band’s catalog.
Animals (1977) and The Wall (1979)
By the time Pink Floyd released Animals in 1977, Wright’s influence had begun to wane, partly due to Roger Waters’ growing control over the band’s creative direction. While Wright contributed keyboards and atmospherics to the album, his role had diminished compared to previous records.
During the making of The Wall in 1979, tensions within the band were at an all-time high. Roger Waters took near-total control over the project, and Wright’s contributions were minimal. He was eventually fired from the band by Waters during the album’s recording sessions but continued to perform with Pink Floyd during the Wall tour as a salaried musician. Ironically, he was the only band member to profit from the financially disastrous tour because of his status as a hired hand.
Post-Pink Floyd Career and Reunions
After The Wall, Wright was absent from Pink Floyd’s next album, The Final Cut (1983). However, when Roger Waters left the band in 1985, David Gilmour reformed Pink Floyd, bringing Wright back into the fold for the recording of A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987) and the accompanying tour.
Wright also contributed significantly to the band’s final studio album, The Division Bell (1994), co-writing several tracks, including “Wearing the Inside Out,” where he also took on lead vocal duties. By this time, Wright had been fully reinstated as an official member of Pink Floyd.
In 2005, Wright joined his former bandmates for a one-off reunion performance at Live 8, marking the first time the classic lineup of Waters, Gilmour, Mason, and Wright had performed together since 1981. The emotional reunion was a highlight of the event and a fitting end to Wright’s long association with Pink Floyd.
Legacy and Death
Rick Wright passed away on September 15, 2008, at the age of 65, after a battle with cancer. His death marked the end of an era for Pink Floyd, and his contributions to music were celebrated by fans and musicians alike. David Gilmour, in particular, paid tribute to Wright’s immense influence, calling him “a gentle soul and a brilliant musician.”
Wright’s understated style, which focused on enhancing the overall atmosphere rather than showing off technical prowess, set him apart from many of his contemporaries. His work has influenced countless keyboardists and musicians, and his contribution to Pink Floyd’s sound remains a vital part of the band’s legacy.
FAQs
What are Rick Wright’s most famous compositions with Pink Floyd?
Some of Rick Wright’s most notable compositions include “The Great Gig in the Sky” and “Us and Them” from The Dark Side of the Moon, as well as his contributions to “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” from Wish You Were Here. His keyboard work on these tracks helped define Pink Floyd’s sound.
Did Rick Wright leave Pink Floyd?
Yes, Rick Wright was fired from Pink Floyd during the recording of The Wall due to creative differences, particularly with Roger Waters. However, he continued to perform with the band as a session musician during The Wall tour and was later reinstated as a full member when David Gilmour reformed the band in the mid-1980s.
What was Rick Wright’s role in Pink Floyd’s reunion at Live 8?
Rick Wright played keyboards during Pink Floyd’s reunion performance at Live 8 in 2005. This performance marked the first time that the classic lineup of Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Rick Wright had played together in over 24 years.
What other bands or solo projects did Rick Wright work on?
In addition to his work with Pink Floyd, Wright released two solo albums: Wet Dream (1978) and Broken China (1996). He also collaborated with David Gilmour on his solo tours and albums, including Gilmour’s 2006 album On an Island.
What are Rick Wright’s influences?
Rick Wright’s musical influences included jazz, classical, and R&B. His early love for Miles Davis and John Coltrane can be heard in his improvisational style, while his classical training influenced the harmonic structures in Pink Floyd’s music.
Did Rick Wright sing on any Pink Floyd tracks?
Yes, Rick Wright contributed vocals to several Pink Floyd songs, including “Echoes,” “Time,” and “Wearing the Inside Out” from The Division Bell.
Conclusion
Rick Wright’s contributions to Pink Floyd were vital to the band’s success and longevity. While he may have been overshadowed by the more outspoken members of the band, his musical genius was undeniable. Wright’s atmospheric keyboard work, haunting compositions, and subtle vocal contributions left a lasting mark on both Pink Floyd and the broader rock music landscape.
As a founding member of Pink Floyd, Wright helped shape the direction of the band from its psychedelic beginnings to its status as one of the most innovative and successful rock groups in history. Though often content to stay out of the spotlight, Wright’s legacy lives on in the music that continues to inspire generations of fans and musicians alike.
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