The Madcap's Last Laugh: 2007 Syd Barrett Tribute at the Barbican

On May 10, 2007, the Barbican Centre in London hosted “The Madcap’s Last Laugh,” a tribute concert for Syd Barrett, the original Pink Floyd frontman who died the previous year. The biggest draw was a rare reunion of three Pink Floyd members—David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright—who hadn’t played together since the Pulse tour in 1994. Roger Waters was notably absent.

The trio performed two songs: “Arnold Layne” (with Gilmour on vocals) and “The Great Gig in the Sky” (featuring guest vocalist Martha Wainwright). The set was tight and emotional, with Gilmour later admitting it felt right to honor Syd that way. Other acts included Chrissie Hynde, Kate Nash, and Robyn Hitchcock, all covering Barrett’s solo work or early Floyd songs. The concert