Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond (REACTION!!!) 

Dave Mustaine: “David Gilmour can do more with one note than most other guitar players can do with the whole fretboard." 'Nuff said.

You guys should look up the backstory to this song. It’s essentially about their original singer and primary songwriter, Syd Barrett, who had to leave the band before they really blew up due to severe mental health issues. It’s a tragic, but fascinating, story. And this is only half the song. This opens the album and the other half closes the album.

I am a African American woman who traveled with the Grateful Dead. Total Psychonaut. I am rare. I was often the only black woman at shows with 1000s of attendees mostly white men. My music knowledge is deep. I have to say that I am so incredibly honored to witness my fellow black brothers exploring sound without prejudice. To watch the opening of the mind is .... I can’t find a word for it. Exquisite. It brings tears to my eyes. I love my black brothers and I have so much respect for the willingness to expand your being. Something I never thought I would be able to witness. And yes seeing Pink Floyd live is ... man, it’s a travel through the galaxy without leaving the earth. Rx Headphones. Plant medicine. And you will hear the layers of the mind. Btw: it was improv... yep this song was improvised. If you ever want some recommendations on music that will blow your mind. I’m happy to share what I know. The wall by Pink Floyd is a very serious insight to what is currently happening to us. Thank you for this . I don’t know if anyone will read this comment or care however this episode has healed my heart. I am so proud of my black brethren. Free your mind and your ass will follow

It really hit me when you said that you could just be hanging out with your Dad listening to this, with no conversation. I drove my Dad to the airport, maybe 10 years ago+ with this playing in the car. Not a word was spoken until the lyrics, and Dad asked who this was and that he liked it. He is a Vietnam vet and of an age that I assumed he would have heard Pink Floyd. It remains to this day the only song that I know we like together.

You guys are wrong. We would actually love to watch you do a whole album even with all the stops and cuts and breaking it down.

“It’s like the guitar is singing to me.” Yep. You just described David Gilmour’s playing style. Great video, guys!

The older I get, the more I realise just how phenomenal these guys were/are.... Dave Gilmour is a pure guitar genius.

I've always been convinced that Pink Floyd creates long intros to allow the listeners imagination to begin creating their own setting and interpretation

Pink Floyd fans know every note in this entire album by heart ❤️

This song is a requiem for Syd Barrett. A fitting tribute and farewell to a lost hero.

You can tell this really touched Ryan. Interesting how it reminded him of his father who passed. I’d imagine he’d shed a tear if he was alone. It’s an extremely powerful piece of art.

Listen to the whole album Gentlemen. And "The Dark Side of the Moon". Those albums are timeless works of art. Mind boggling and life changing.

Gilmore gets the love but the keyboardist, Wright, is the unsung hero.

Everyone talks about Gilmour’s guitar work, but for me this track (and indeed the whole album) is a testament to Rick Wright’s genius on keyboards. His finest work in Floyd, in my opinion

My mom (who is now 81), in her 30's took me as a kid to the Planetarium in the Bay Area in the 70's. The light show was streamed on the ceiling to this album. Cool for a 12 year old kid. Good times!

When Gilmour went to Pompei few years ago, this song was a HUGE request from the audience. Gilmour apologised and he said that he cannot perform this song, because it's a dialogue between keyboards and guitar, making clear that without Wright it was impossible. This give me a new key in listening this song. Good job guys.

Ryan you're incredible: you didn't know the backstory but you summarized it perfectly: "sounds like a dedication to somebody", that's exactly what it is.

Correct, it is dedicated to a person, whose name is hidden in the title: (S)hine On (Y)ou Crazy (D)iamond Syd Barrett was a founding member of the band and was considered by his bandmates to be the most talented musician among them. They were forced to kick him out of the band when he began suffering from severe mental illness brought on by his overindulgence in LSD. A very tragic story. This song has 9 parts, comparable to "movements" in a classical music composition. You just listened to Part 1 through Part 5. I highly recommend that you also listen to Part 6 - 9, which IMHO surpasses 1 - 5. I think that if Mozart were alive today, this is the type of music he would produce.

This is a Masterpiece. It's one of the greatest songs ever recorded and was written about Syd Barrett the founder of Pink Floyd. Syd took to much LSD in the late 60's and lost his marbles. I attended TWO nights of the Pulse tour in April 1994 at the Rose Bowl 20th row dead center both nights, It was the best concerts of my life and I've seen over 600. Two of my top ten concerts, the other eight were Pink Floyd "The Wall" Tour 1980 at the LA Sports Arena, Roger Waters and David Gilmore on solo tours! Pink Floyd is the GREATEST BAND EVER!!! GOATS!!!!

This song is dedicated to Syd Barrett S - (shine) on Y- (you) crazy D - (diamond) Break down every other word it spells out his name. It's dedicated to him going insane or already become insane. Truly a masterpiece with so much depth, thought, meaning and emotional behind what I truly feel is on Pink Floyd's top 5 songs of all time. Thank you guys for a great reaction. (Sorry for the late response)!!!

If there's one rock album ever written that deserves a full listen through, it's Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon. I know not everyone would be interested in a 60+ minute video reacting to your first listen, but I can't think of a better way to experience that album for the first time. George mentioned just sitting and listening to a song, and so many Pink Floyd albums work so well for that. Sit and listen and absorb it, without other distractions. You'll appreciate them so much more that way.

“It’s a long intro” Me: Smiling knowing the lyrics start about 9 min. into the song 😊

my father was buried in the sea and i have never seen the water so calm. while this song was playing. an incredibly moving moment

Listening to Pink Floyd is a journey that every person should take in there life

My band has been working on this song for a few months now for an upcoming Christmas show. Our drummer is fighting lung cancer and feels this will be a our last show with him. It has been quite the emotional journey for all of us.

Poor Syd. “Remember when you were young? You’d shine like the sun. Shine on you crazy diamond. Now there’s a look in your eyes. Like black holes in the sky…”

what Pink Floyd does and has mastered...is the art of taking your time. They are in no hurry. They feel and produce each and every sound with a depth and clarity unmatched by any other artist. It's magic.

As a musician, "pacing" is entirely based on feel. Regardless of what a label says, if it feels wrong it's probably wrong. Pink Floyd were/are world class musicians that knew EXACTLY what they were doing and how to make it happen. Masters of their craft on a level few reach. They felt/feel the song first and foremost, and their blues roots are proudly worn and displayed at a high level, composed from their hearts and souls, not a guideline or anything like that. This whole record is composed in a way that lets you feel what they felt, to a degree at the least, and understand what they felt about the world as well as being a tribute to one of their own.

David Gilmour DEFINITELY makes the guitar "sing"! He is a genius with his tone and spacing and atmosphere

My father has passed away a few days ago. This song to me express the feeling of missing him (in Portuguese: saudade) specially with the melodies, and solos.

This is not a song, this is an art masterpiece!

Prog rock geniuses. Art rock, blues and deeply meaningful music. A reflective, introspective trip. Hypnotize, deeply relax with the live concert from the Pulse DVD -- incredible!!

The entire album is about Syd Barrett, the band literally wishing he was there. The songs between the two halves of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" (which has "SYD" hidden in the title) are about the soul-crushing nature of the music industry ("Welcome to the Machine" and "Have a Cigar") and someone missing a friend presumably consumed by it ("Wish You Were Here"). The wild thing is that Barrett actually showed up at the studio while Pink Floyd was recording the album. This bald, disheveled middle-aged man wandered into the studio, and it took the band several minutes to realize it was him. He stayed for a bit then left, and it was the last time the band saw him before his death.

This whole album needs to be listened in its entirety in a darkened room with headphones and a joint....you'll be transported

Definitely, pink floyd makes you feel the music. I had an older friend that saw them live in old miami orange bowl. How incredible that must have been.

This song is homage to Syd. The story of Syd showing up during a mixing session for this song is amazing. Nobody recognized him until Gilmour eventually identified him. Waters broke down in tears at the sight of his former band leader and friend. Syd was overweight and had a shaved head and eyebrows. Sad and beautiful at the same time.

David Gilmour is my favorite guitarist of all time. It’s not just about the notes he choses, but the space he leaves between them. He proves that you don’t have to cram a hundrd notes in a few measures to be a master gutarist. All his solos are about feeling, not showing off his skill.

"You just don't hear this any more, you don't hear music composed with this much attention to detail, with this much purpose anymore". Boom, nailed it, and you are not even out of the intro. :-)

Been listening to Floyd for best part of 30 years . Never gets old.. classic track

This song has so much meaning to me, but it mostly helps me embody my late brother's spirit. Shine on, brother. RIP

I love that you said Gilmour's guitar playing was "singing". His tone is famous for its vocal quality.

5:50 "I think this would be crazy live." Brother... you have no idea. God bless you for listening.

This is my favorite pink floyd songs. Actually its one of the best songs ever written.

I grew up in thd 60s, the best era ever for the best music. I played all of the best, Led Zep, Cream, Animals, Pink Floyd, Beatles, Stones, Doors, Turtles, just to name a few of the many suoerlative bands gosh, Mamas and the Papas, Beach Boys, and my kids had that music ingrained in them. How proud I am, that they both listen to this music today. And they love it

One of the things I love the most about Pink Floyd is their patience. They don't hurry or rush to get to the point, they give each part it's due, however long that may be. In the age of the "3-4" minutes rule, I love it.

The word you’re looking for is “timeless”. Doesn’t matter how many years go by, this song will always sound fresh and feel impactful and emotional. Musical brilliance.

When Mozart was composing, he had his entire orchestral composition in his head, and when he was ready, he just transcribed it on paper, without editing. That was genius at work and I think Pink Floyd comes as close to that level as anyone has in the modern era.

I've been watching and following you guys since the pandemic and I'm a huge fan of some of the rock bands that you are reacting to, but I am so so happy that ypu got the chance to listen to this one. Pink Floyd and particularly Gilmour at the guitar are just something else. I love the way you appreciate great music and the way you talk about all of my favorites, Metallica, Tool, Alice in Chains, Fairh no More, Megadeath, Pearl Jam etc etc, all so different so great and so unique.

According to all interviews, books and documentaries I've seen on the band: Roger Waters was a master of timing; David Gilmour was able to come up with unique melodies, in the case of this song, he said "the riff just 'fell' out of my guitar when just messing around"; Richard Wright had a jazz musician's background and ear and knew how to choose those moving and emotional chords; and Nick Mason had the feel for when to fill in with drums/percussion. Together they were a very special combination.

Thanks for this epic song guys. ((Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun Shine on you crazy diamond)) This song is dedicated to Syd Barret, notice the title, (S)hine On (Y)ou Crazy (D)iamond. one of the original founders of the band. He wrote most of Pink Floyd’s debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn and appeared on their second album, A Saucerful of Secrets. In this lines the band remember the big influence that he have on the music that they play. His demons was drugs, fame and mental illness. And before them, Syd really shine and the vision that he put inside the band, is the foundation of the incredible sound of Pink Floyd. __________ ((Now there’s a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky Shine on you crazy diamond)) This look in his eyes that seem black holes in the sky refers to the large dilation of the pupils that people have while tripping under the effects of LSD. Blackened eyes filled completely with the silent madness of an individual that is tortured inside himself. Many of the members noted him having such this strange look in his eyes that reflect the declining of mental health of Syd. But at the end of all Syd Barrett was a big giant Diamond, that will continue to shine in the legacy he left as a great innovator in music. __________ ((You were caught on the crossfire of childhood and stardom, Blown on the steel breeze)) The description of his character is all here. A crossfire between a children, that don’t have self discipline, and a big star of music, that can have any thing he want. Like big quantities of LSD. Blown on the steel breeze is an implicit reference to Syd being symbolised by the leaf in the song Dark Globe. In this song the band, represented by the willow tree, drops the leaf Syd, leaving him to the steel (cold) breeze (wind). Leaving someone out in the cold means excluding someone. Blowing off someone means to ignore it. Syd was blown off by the band, as their parting occurred with the band simply not picking up Syd one day. __________ ((Come on you target for faraway laughter, Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!)) Sometime when Sid is on the stage, he start playing different tunes or strumming on one chord the whole show. And people from the audience, make laughters for this behaviours, that happen with spotlight that show Syd in this weak way. The lights show the nudity of Syd, and his soul and his mind. But the laughters maybe can meaning the auditory hallucinations that he can heard when he use LSD. The drugs turn Syd from an happy individual to a stranger. An inaccessible person alone inside his shell. defining Syd a martyr, the band maybe blamed theme-selves for trying to convince he to write some great song. Another big hit. But Syd was more interested in exploring different way to do his art. This was one of the major factors with LSD that lead to the deterioration of the personality and the mental health of this great artist. __________ ((You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon. Shine on you crazy diamond.)) The big goal of Syd was to discover all the secrets of the true meaning of life and all the big mysteries behind it. And he use drugs to achieve that goal. But along the way, he get a mental illness. And some really great music. We can see a reference to Dark side of the moon in this words, whose themes about madness were inspired dy Syd too. But i think that this is a strong reference to the Syd’s last Pink Floyd song Jugband Blues : “And I never knew the moon could be so big And I never knew the moon could be so blue And I’m grateful that you threw away my old shoes And brought me here instead dressed in red”. In this song Syd use the moon as a metaphor for madness. __________ ((Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light. Shine on you crazy diamond.)) Children will perceive the shadows of furniture as a monster , like we see featured in a scene in the film The Wall. As Syd was thought to be a schizophrenic, the lines communicate the idea of being afraid of what is not actually there with hallucinations. Or this shadows can be the shadows of his past, that can’t leave him. Another time the spotlight during the show appear. This light reveal all the weakness of Syd. And show his mental illness to the world. This words end with a great guitar solo, where seems like if he scream, trying to tell us the torture of his soul. Between panic for shadows and humiliation showed by lights. __________ ((Well you wore out your welcome with random precision, Rode on the steel breeze.)) A dedication to Syd like guitar player. A great innovator for this instrument. Gilmour came up with 4 notes that became the basis for this. Roger Waters thought they conveyed emotions Barrett must have been feeling, and wrote lyrics about him. This was a song very difficult to record. They redid it a few times before getting a version they liked. Come on you raver, you seer of visions, Come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine! Here we can see the clear dedication of this song to a big artist. A man with a clear vision of his art, that build the foundations for a band that make the history of music. Syd was a painter too, and was the real piper, that write most of the first album Piper at the gates of dawns. But he was a prisoner too, a prisoner of the drugs that have destroyed his life.

A Fender Stratocaster in the hands of the right person can showcase more emotion and melody than any words or vocal performance.

Think of this song as a group of amazing musicians going through all the stages of grief together, and sharing that grief with the world. The length means nothing, as long as you say everything you mean to express. Think of the tears at a funeral for a young person full of potential that had it cut short. The memories you have of that person. The deepest wish of your heart that that person was still here - hence the title of the album. It's all of that - except that Syd was not dead. The lyrics are mourning his loss, yet inspiring him to come back and shine on. It's a masterpiece.

The thing I love about Floyd is every note has a purpose, but more importantly, every space between the notes have a purpose. There's a reason why so many hard core metal fans like myself are also massive Floyd fans.

Floyd didn't care how long their songs were. I like the fact that you guys did the same with your reaction. You're my favorite reaction channel. Keep it up please and listen to the second half of Shine that ends the album. It's a bit funky, full of R&B, Gilmore guitar and that space cadet vibe that we love.

This album was my introduction to rock music in 1976, when my neighbour shoved it in my hand said 'Listen to this!' It changed my life. Music has been part of me ever since. David Gilmore is one of the few guitarists who has feeling in his playing. Playing fast is technically proficient but playing with feeling is divine.

Love you guys… the thing I like about you boys is when you give your take on songs that I’m very familiar with it’s like hearing it with new ears and I find a new reason to live songs that I already love.. keep doing what your doing and I’ll keep watching.

So cool that Ryan says the guitar is singing. In an interview many years ago, guitarist Gilmour said he'd never had very fast fingers. So instead of playing fast/ fancy, he just tries to "make the guitar sing." 💙

For me Pink Floyd is the greatest band of all time

"The guitar is singing to me" Love this. Cheers everyone from Massachusetts, U.S.

Ryan it's OK to cry to these songs man....I've listened to it 1,000 times and listening to it with you guys made me teary eyed too. You said it perfectly, it stirred up a lot of emotions with the instruments

Man, David Gilmour was, is, and will always be one of the most expressive guitarists in rock history. His playing is, certainly as you said, beautiful.

David Gilmour stated in an interview that Roger Waters was very good at determining timing and instinctively knew how long each section of music should be.

Pink Floyd was always the band that made you wait for it. As far as how they paced their songs, I think they really just did that how they wanted and to hell with how the label wanted them to do it. No instant gratification here, you're gonna get what we give. And enjoy the hell out of it.

I love how you guys are slowly pulled into the Pink Floyd universe..... Timeless music......thank you.

As a formally trained retired performer with composer and arranger friends... You write for the gig and the audience. This audience is laying on the couch with headphones on, ready to be somewhere else. Floyd is precise and intentional with the addition of every color and texture. And under it all is the groove that gets a little faster and or harder. Build it up to your "shout chorus" as we call it in the jazz tradition. I hadn't listened to this in ages, and I was struck again at Gilmore's bluesy finesse. Shaping each phrase. The way he backs off the volume in the screaming range of the instrument, and makes it cry instead. Like he's channeling BB King. Just a masterpiece.

Imagine being a stoned out 17 year old and listening to this for the first time...holy shit, how amazing. That's why it continues to be my favorite album ever.

I was fortunate enough to see Pink Floyd in Concert in London in '94. One of the best shows I've ever seen. They opened with SOYCD. It was out lof this world.

Guys. Watch the whole movie for the Pulse Tour. You will see how crazy a Pink Floyd concert is visually. Not only do they play this song, but I believe it was the first time they played Dark Side of the Moon, front to back. One of my favorite concerts to watch. Ever.

Ryan, your story about enjoying music in silence with your dad brought tears to my eyes. My mom passed away and I would do the same thing with her. I'm a bit on the spectrum and it was my way of communicating my thoughts and emotions to her. I watched the entire Pink Floyd the Wall movie with her. Only now am I realizing how cool it is that she would watch such a film with her teenage son. Love you guys and all that you do. Been a fan since you first reacted to Rush YYZ!

I fell in love with Pink Floyd when I was thirteen years old! I’m sixty two now and they are still my favorite band ever. Watch the Pulse Tour and Gilmour’’s magic and gain a whole new level in musical appreciation!

This is when you've smoked it up a bit, ate some shrooms in the early 70's and put on headphones sat in a recliner and chilled. Pink Floyd is not a sitting on a Stool Band. I saw then in 1977 and it's a huge production. David Gilmore's Guitar playing is pure emotion. Music is feeling definitely. All of it depends on the story you're trying to tell in my opinion. Music is a story and it contains the feelings of the creators to convey it the best they know how to their audience. It also allows the listener to take it in and interpret it how they want. That what makes all of us come together and that is why music is powerful. Syd Barrett is who the song is about. He dropped a lot of LSD and finally went out of his mind. He was co-founder of Pink Floyd.

I absolutely love seeing new fans of Pink Floyd. Their music will be eternal. They are LEGENDS !!!!!

Possibly the most musically talented band to ever grace a stage

legend of a song. A lot of people dont have enough patience to listen this long song, but I love how you guys appreciate music you don't normally listen to.

Pink Floyd is a Journey trough you'r Soul and Heart

I’m so amazed you said that about your dad. My dad came to me & said lay down & listen to this song I fell in love with it. We used to listen to Pink Floyd all the time. Anytime I hear them I think of my dad. He past away when I was 19. He loved music played the guitar harmonica and we used to sing together. He taught me to whistle & we would whistle everything lol. Sorry just reminiscing 🥰

Pink Floyd has always been about experiencing the journey their music takes us on. I could see by your reactions that you experienced it as well. You guys do a great job, my vote is to leave the full length reaction

Yes this song is definitely about Syd Barrett who was the principal songwriter for the first album the Piper At the Gates of Dawn album and was a great guitar player and out for that first album and subsequent tour he slowly started to kind of vanish before their eyes through madness and within less than a year so they had to hire David Gilmour to kind of come in and help rebuild the band and do Syd Barrett guitar parts but this song is for Syd and it’s a brilliant song and a sad song about someone who was so talented and as talented as the Beatles But really has not got much recognition because he only put out one album With Pink Floyd and then he put out two solo albums that which is very interesting David Gilmour actually helped produce because he still cared about his dear friend ,,,,, people that know Pink Floyd know how important Syd Barrett is and this song is kind of a love letter to Barrett and how incredible he was and could’ve been. RIP Syd. You crazy diamond

One of the best songs ever! Nobody evokes emotion like they did

Pink floyd has been my favorite band since childhood. I lost both my parents recently within 2 years. I feel you. This music means more to me now then it ever did. Great reaction. Wish You Were Here has been my favorite song since I've learned to appreciate music. This song isn't far off.

The reason I like and follow this channel is because Ryan and George both have great personalities that shine through in the videos. They're the kind of people you'd like to hang out with. I also find their comments to be insightful and entertaining. But for "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," they mostly sat there quietly and drank it in. I understand that. It is a masterpiece.

One of the most beautiful songs ever made.

I'm upbeat mostly. Sometimes I'm down. Pink Floyd are a tonic for the downtimes. You don't talk, you just experience. I'm so proud of English musicians taking on blues and just doing our thing with it. I love blues and jazz. It took time for me to adjust to English blues rock but it grows on you so strong.

Saw Pink Floyd LIVE 3 times! The BEST SHOWS EVER!! You should react to TIME, COMFORTABLY NUMB & Us and Them. Also DOGS on the Animals album. Of course this list could go on and on forever!

The live pulse performance of this is incredible a must watch. Shine on you, comfortably numb, time, and brain damage, are my favorite Pink Floyd songs.

Cool reaction, Pink Floyd were masters at constructing music , never in a rush , drawing you in , making you contemplate life. They knew when to transition , when to pause , then layer in another sound you never expected. Not to mention waiting 8 minutes for lyrics , but never annoying you if those vocals don't arrive. Absolute legends

Began to listen to these guys as an early teen in the late 80's early 90's. THis band changes the lives of those who dive deep. Music that touches the soul and takes you on a journey. I still hold a vivid memory of a long car ride with a friend (we were going skiing). He was driving and offered me a small joint to myself. Finished the smoke and he popped in DSOTM for my first time hearing it. I was literally blown away with the depth and emotion I felt and committed to this band from that day on. Its been a long journey of highs and lows through my life and this band is a continual anchor when the waters of life get choppy

My absolute favorite Pink Floyd!

When they’d play this live, in the beginning when those first four guitar notes rang out, it sent chills and ecstasy through the crowd and air.

Whenever a new Pink Floyd album would come out and I would be listening to a new song I just remember it was always so exciting to wonder just what was going to come next! They still are the most unique band but back in the 70s we're almost magical!! We had very few electronic distractions back then and long songs were really enjoyed by groups of people! There was a lot of laying on the floor or a couch with eyes closed just listening to this which is the way to enjoy it! They truly are the Mozart of the twentieth century!!

They talking about Syd Barret... the firs Singer of Pink Floyd. He went crazy and mad on psychedelic drugs in the 70's... and spent most of his life after that in a mental hospital. And he died there... He was the brain of the early band Pink Floyd. He had that special sounds in his mind and he brought the early Pink Floyd to it's fame... So Syd, is the crazy diamond!!

I saw Pink Floyd live in my home town Manchester UK, I was completely blown away. Incredible.

I have never clicked so fast. Why did i have to wait so long for this! This song is pure genius and soul.

I was a bit apprehensive about such a long and slow song (even though I voted for it) but it looks like my worries were unfounded. I'm so glad you guys enjoyed this.

wish you were here was my first pink floyd album i ever heard. and this song is my fav song from them. the slow build-up still gives me goosebumps everytime and the saxophone outro is just chef's kiss. the lyrics are also so good

Yes! It was incredible live! Great sound. Great musicians. Great show. So powerful - I love David Gilmore's approach to the guitar. Every note is a poem. I'm overjoyed that you liked this. Pink Floyd helped me get through my teens!

"...pulling emotion out of the guitar ..." . Yup, that's David Gilmour.

Personally one of my favourite of Floyds songs is “Time”, the lyrics are just something else.

Ryan's insight at the end of the video is so perfect! You guys really have a rare sensibility to MUSIC itself. Shine on!

may boys almost started crying a little :D love you guys, keep doing what you do!