Richard Wright (musician)

Richard William Wright, usually known as Rick Wright (born July 28, 1943 in London, England), is the keyboard player of Pink Floyd. He was a founding member of the band in 1965, as well as being in its previous incarnation, Sigma 6. Though not as prolific a writer as his bandmates Roger Waters and David Gilmour, Wright was an essential contributor to Pink Floyd's long, epic compositions such as "A Saucerful of Secrets," "Echoes," and "Shine on You Crazy Diamond". His most popular commercial contributions were "The Great Gig in the Sky" and "Us and Them" from 1973's Dark Side of the Moon.

Related Topics:
July 28 - 1943 - London, England - Keyboard - Pink Floyd - 1965 - Sigma 6 - Roger Waters - David Gilmour - The Great Gig in the Sky - Us and Them - 1973 - Dark Side of the Moon

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Battling both personal problems and an increasingly rocky relationship with Roger Waters, he was ousted by the latter during recording of The Wall (1979). He was only a salaried session musician during the live shows to promote that album, in 1980 and 1981. Ironically, he was the only band member to profit from the shows — the net loss had to be paid out of pocket by the other members.

Related Topics:
The Wall - 1979 - Session musician - 1980 - 1981

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Wright subsequently worked on the A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987) album, though had not yet officially rejoined the band. He was reinstated as a full member for Delicate Sound of Thunder (1988) from the subsequent tour. He co-wrote five songs and sang the song "Wearing the Inside Out" on the next Pink Floyd album, The Division Bell (1994), which provided the material for the live album/video release P*U*L*S*E. The only Pink Floyd album on which he does not appear is The Final Cut.

Related Topics:
A Momentary Lapse of Reason - 1987 - Delicate Sound of Thunder - 1988 - The Division Bell - 1994 - P*U*L*S*E - The Final Cut

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In July 2005 Wright joined Gilmour, Mason and, for the first time in 24 years, Waters on stage for a four song set at the Live 8 concert in London.

Related Topics:
July - 2005 - Live 8 concert in London

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