Richard Wright

Genius is not always a flashy solo. Sometimes it's knowing exactly what to play to compliment the songwriter, even if it's just chords. I'm thinking of the keyboard parts in "Wish You Were Here"...simple, but very defining and memorable.

There was rumour around the time of his death that he had another solo work almost completed. Wouldn't it be great if DG could help get that to the fans if it were true.

I think it depends on the perspective taken. If it is about who wrote which songs, then he didn't participate very much; though some of his contribution are really important for Pink Floyd. But, surely the keyboard arrangements and soundscapes created by him all along Pink Floyd's carrer were essential for the Pink Floyd sound. So, according to the first perspective, I would go for option 3; according to the second perspective, I would go for option 4.

I would say that option 3 is the best fit. To claim that he influenced all Floyd music is ludicrous, however his contributions were great. Welcome to the Machine, Us and Them, Great Gig in the Sky, would all be considerably different had Rick not been there.

His contributions were definitely pretty important.  I'd dare say more so than Gilmour, while Gilmous was a sick guitarist, a nice guitar solo really doesn't benefit the song as much as the structure and chords behind the song, which is where Rick wright often shined. 

I think he was very important as a member of the band, definitely in their early psychedelic years. I can't imagine songs like A Saucerful Of Secrets, Careful With That Axe or Let There Be More Light without Richard Wright's organs and keys. In the 70's he was a bit less important I think, but Shine On would definitely be a dull piece without Rick's contribution to it. 

Option 4 Vital Definitely.  It wasn't Waters words that first got me into Floyd or Gilmours guitars.  It was Wrights keyboards.  Before Animals, he was all over everything.  Tasteful and original.  With Animals, his playing was great although Waters wasn't giving too many writing credits at the time to anyone.  The Wall he was relegated to the background and word has it that he wouldn't / couldn't contribute.  The Final Cut is a piece onto itself and Wright isn't there.  A good example of what is missing if he wasn't around is Momentary Lapse.  The balance is gone.  I like the album but it could have been much better without the Gilmour soloing all over the place.  Division Bell restores that balance.   

R.I.P. genius.

R. Wright  a genious now????? it's a little bit stretched to me!

ten years after wrote: Walker wrote: RoyFairbank wrote: I think Roger would pick either 1 or 2, Dave would pick between 2 and 3 Nick would pick between 2 and 3 A stereotypical RIck would pick between 1 and 2. Happy progging!   I think some of you are misunderstanding this post. He's not saying Roger's contributions would be a 1 or 2, he's saying Roger would choose 1 or 2 to describe Rick's contribution's, etc.     This is clearly what was intended.  I think it is wrong though. Waters is on record as giving very high proace to Wright's contribution - particularly with regard to Dark Side of the Moon.  His problem with Wright later on was that he simply stopped contributing and, in particular, showed very little interest in getting the Wall out according to Waters' tight schedule.