For many of us, Syd Barrett has always been an enigma. He left Pink Floyd before a large part of their fan-base was even born (1968). He was the inspiration to the band’s massively successful Wish You Where Here and tracks like “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”. But other than some haunting, iconic images what do we really know about him as a person? The 2023 film Have You Got It Yet? The Story Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd takes you behind the man and the mystery. Mercury Studios released on home video and streaming on June 24, 2024.
Through conversations with his school mates, girlfriends, and band mates, the film takes you back to his childhood and walks you through what led him to start Pink Floyd. The film is narrated by actor Jason Isaacs (The Patriot and Harry Potter). Interviews include Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason & Pete Townshend.
The film delves into the inspirations that Syd combines with LSD to product music that was at a minimum, unique and some would argue was revolutionary. The directory takes you through the impact of Acid and LSD had on the band’s early sound. It does a really nice job of explaining some of the science of how these hallucinogenic drugs impacted how the music sounds to those under their influence.
The director tells the story of what happened to Sid after leaving Pink Floyd. Although rather recluse there were several photographs of him. There were attempts at a solo career and even live performances. Much of that history is lesser know.
Have You Got It Yet? The Story Of Syd Barrett And Pink Floyd is available now on DVD, Blu-Ray and Streaming.