Photo Credit: Storm Thorgerson, Sony Music Entertainment

In 1975, Pink Floyd released their pinnacle, certified gold record, Wish You Were Here. Five decades later, the spellbinding set is receiving special attention through the arrival of Shine On You Crazy Diamond (pts. 1-9, New Stereo Mix). Out now, the set presents all nine parts of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” as a singular, extended listening experience that clocks in at 25 minutes and builds on the original atmospheric soundscape, presented today with a new music video featuring Syd Barrett tribute art by Noel Fielding. 

Backing the nine-part release is the storyline that informed the song’s creation, parsed for authenticity and presented as a culmination of moves that made for one of the most prized numbers in rock history. “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” serves as a tribute to the British band’s co-founder and childhood friend, Syd Barrett, at a time when his health was in limbo, and societal pressures over modern life, on the brink of societal collapse, bred frustration, guilt, and sadness.  

While working toward the original album, Barrett arrived at the famed Abbey Road Studios unannounced, just as the ensemble was beginning the final mixes of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” Recognized as a tribute track for their bandmate, Barrett’s influence is also being recognized by comedian, artist, and co-host of The Great British Bake Off, Fielding, who has created a unique series of original paintings to complement the arrival of You Crazy Diamond (pts. 1-9, New Stereo Mix).

The commissioned art presents Barrett’s iconic image coming together over time, as captured in the official music video for Pts. 1-9, displaying Fielding’s understanding of light and color and its ability to convey a feeling and the artist’s own response to the music. Commenting on his contributions, Fielding says, “I was pretty young when my affinity with Pink Floyd and Syd started. I remember going to the library and hiring the tape of The Piper at the Gates of Dawn when I was 12. And I just was like, ‘What’s this?’ It blew my mind. I couldn’t believe it.”

He continues, “When I started doing stand up it was all very whimsical. I was always trying to write like I was Syd Barrett. I liked his style, I liked his walk, I liked the way he talked. ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ is such a beautiful tribute to him.

What’s amazing about Pink Floyd, especially with Wish You Were Here, is that the artwork was as good as the music. When you’re 12 and you’re seeing two guys shaking hands, one of them’s on fire, you’re thinking ‘what?!’ And the music goes exactly with that as well; it’s perfectly in sync with the visuals, with the weird surrealism. And that’s all very Syd Barrett. It could be the 70s, but it could be 2040. It’s the future and the past at the same time. It is a masterpiece, that album cover, and that album. It’s a masterpiece. And it’s based on Syd Barrett, who is a walking masterpiece.”

Wish You Were Here, the anniversary collection, is due on December 12 via Sony Music, in multiple formats, including 3LP, 2CD, Blu-ray, digital, and a Deluxe Box Set. Pre-order here.