Syd Barrett was fired because he stopped being able to function.

His severe LSD-induced psychosis made it impossible for him to play or even show up properly.

The band—now known as Pink Floyd—gave him chances. But when he’d stand on stage and play one chord for an entire concert, stare blankly, or just not move, it wasn’t a creative choice. It was a breakdown. They brought in David Gilmour as backup, hoping Syd would snap out of it. He didn’t.

They made the call after a 1968 car ride where Syd supposedly asked, “Who’s going to do the songs now?” — a sign he didn’t even realize he’d been replaced. They weren’t cruel; they were drowning.

Tragic, but the band wouldn’t have survived otherwise.