Dick Parry, Saxophonist for Pink Floyd, Dies at 83
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Dick Parry, the saxophonist who performed iconic solos on Pink Floyd albums including 'The Dark Side of the Moon' and 'Wish You Were Here', died on Friday. His lifelong friend and bandmate David Gilmour announced the death, noting their musical partnership began when Gilmour was seventeen. Parry's contributions spanned decades, from tours in the 1970s to the band's 2005 Live 8 reunion.
Facts First
- Dick Parry died on Friday at the age of 83
- David Gilmour announced the death, calling Parry 'one of my oldest friends'
- Parry performed saxophone solos on Pink Floyd albums including 'The Dark Side of the Moon' and 'Wish You Were Here'
- His solos featured on songs 'Money' and 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond'
- Parry toured with Pink Floyd from 1973 through 1977 and again in 1994
What Happened
Dick Parry, a saxophonist closely associated with Pink Floyd, died on Friday at the age of 83. David Gilmour, Pink Floyd guitarist and Parry's lifelong friend, announced the death on social media. Parry's musical partnership with Gilmour began when they were teenagers, playing together for the ABC Minors at the Victoria Cinema in Cambridge in 1963. Parry performed saxophone solos on Pink Floyd's landmark albums 'The Dark Side of the Moon' and 'Wish You Were Here', notably on the tracks 'Money' and 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond'. He toured with the band from 1973 through 1977 and later appeared on the 1994 album 'The Division Bell' and toured with the reconstituted lineup that year. Parry also performed with Gilmour and former Pink Floyd keyboardist Rick Wright on the 2006 On An Island Tour and with Pink Floyd at the 2005 Live 8 reunion show.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a fan of Pink Floyd's music, you have likely heard Dick Parry's work. His saxophone solos are integral parts of some of the band's most famous songs, contributing to the atmosphere of albums that have defined a genre for generations. The loss of such a collaborator marks the closing of a chapter in the band's history. For musicians and artists, Parry's career path—from being a farrier shoeing horses to joining one of the world's most iconic rock bands—serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways talent can find its audience.
What's Next
David Gilmour's announcement has prompted public condolences from figures like Graham Nash and Merck Mercuriadis. Fans of Pink Floyd may revisit the albums featuring Parry's contributions to appreciate his role in the band's sound. His passing is likely to be noted in broader reflections on the legacy of Pink Floyd and its collaborators.