Richard Wright and the Pink Floyd Brand
Pink Floyd pianist/keyboardist Richard Wright passed away today. Apparently he had a short bout with cancer.
Richard Wright was one of the original founding four members of the Pink Floyd in 1965 and aside from a brief period as only a “session” musician when Roger Waters essentially ousted him, Wright has been with Pink Floyd through its entirety from Piper at the Gates of Dawn to the Division Bell.
The Pink Floyd brand is an awesome example of residual equity where the investments you made long ago continue to pay off. Not just monetarily but in all fashions. People know Richard Wright. Maybe not by first name but certainly by association with one of the world’s more popular rock bands of all time. Wright exemplifies the power of a lasting brand and the character necessary to succeed.
When Floyd originally set out to play music, they were categorized as a blues band but with some psychedelic flavor. But it was Floyd’s breakaway from the Blues resemblance that ultimately helped push the envelope of Pop Rock at the time and set themselves apart from the British Invasion of which several other bands of longevity such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones were formed.
So shouts out to Richard Wright, his family, and remaining members of the Pink Floyd. Your influence on Art, Pop Music, Rock-n-Roll, and society all together is one of extraordinary force. Wright’s passing should be one of celebration and acknowledgment for a true contribution.
Peace be with you, Richard. You were Pink Floyd as much as Pink Floyd was you.
September 16th, 2008 at 1:11 am
The brand concept is right on. In fact, that is why Waters sued the others in the 80s - he said the band was dead creatively but they were out touring without him because the brand was alive and well.
Wright was certainly a huge piece of the Floyd sound. Without him, you would not have much of the band’s sound (vocally as well), and even some of its best songs (Us and Them, Great Gig In The Sky). He will be missed, but you are right - through the brand he’ll live on.
I posted a tribute at my blog too, at http://isorski.blogspot.com/2008/09/pink-floyds-richard-wright-passes-at-65.html.