Richard Wright Shines On

A founding member of Pink Floyd, Richard Wright, died Monday. He was 65.


According to the rock group's spokesman Wright died after a battle with cancer at his home in Britain. The band member's family did not want to give more details about his death..

Wright was a keyboardist and was along with former school friends Roger Waters and Nick Mason, a founding member of Pink Floyd. Wright was a self-taught keyboardist and pianist. He met fellow band members Roger Waters and Nick Mason while at architecture school. He was a founder member of The Pink Floyd Sound in 1965, and the group's previous incarnations, such as Sigma 6.

In the early days of Pink Floyd, Wright, along with Syd Barrett, was seen as the group's dominant musical force. The London-born musician and son of a biochemist wrote and sang several songs of his own.

Wright left the group in 1981 following a disagreement with Waters. After an unsuccessful attempt at a solo career, he rejoined Pink Floyd six years later, after Waters had left. He continued to perform and record with Mason and new frontman David Gilmour.

In 2005 Wright reunited with Waters onstage when the group performed at the Live 8 charity concert in London.

Wright is survived by his third wife Millie, their son Ben, and his two children from his marriage to first wife Juliette Gale.

Gilmour paid tribute to Wright on Monday, saying his input was often forgotten.

"He was gentle, unassuming and private but his soulful voice and playing were vital, magical components of our most recognized Pink Floyd sound," he said. "I have never played with anyone quite like him."