Syd Barrett /Pink Floyd - “See Emily Play

Nov 1967 released as their second single in “See Emily Play“ is included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll Barrett, reportedly, was not happy with the final studio cut, and he protested against its release, which producer Norman Smith speculated was based on his fear of commercialism. It was during sessions for the song that David Gilmour visited the studio, and although being invited by Barrett, was shocked by the perceived changes in Barrett’s personality when he did not appear to recognise him. For many years Gilmour would recall this, saying, “I’ll go on record as saying, that was when he changed“. Pink Floyd performed the song three times on BBC TV’s Top of the Pops. On each occasion, they mimed to the single, over which Barrett sang a live vocal. The BBC wiped the shows all of which were “live“ transmissions. In late 2009 a badly damaged home video recording was recovered by the British Film Institute containing the first and third show the song was performed on, though only the first appearance was recoverable in part. The first performance was on the 6 July 1967 edition hosted by Alan Freeman. Parts of this performance have been recovered from the damaged video recording.