Saxophonist Dick Parry, who played on a number of Pink Floyd’s most beloved songs and albums, as well as toured with the legendary band, has died at the age of 83.
His death was announced by Pink Floyd singer-guitarist David Gilmour, who wrote on Instagram, “My dear friend Dick Parry died this morning. Since I was seventeen, I have played in bands with Dick on saxophone, including Pink Floyd.”
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Gilmour continued, “His feel and tone make his saxophone playing unmistakable, a signature of enormous beauty that is known to millions and is such a big part of songs such as ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond,’ ‘Wish You Were Here,’ ‘Us and Them’ and ‘Money.’ He played in the last band I had that included Rick Wright for the On An Island Tour and at Live 8 with Pink Floyd.”
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In addition to the songs Gilmour mentioned from the albums The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) and Wish You Were Here (1975), Parry also played on the track “Wearing the Inside Out” from 1994’s The Division Bell, and on the 1995 live album Pulse, as well as select Gilmour concert releases
Outside of Pink Floyd, Parry also performed with The Who, as part of the band’s brass section during their 1979-1980 tour. And in 2009, he toured with the Violent Femmes in Europe and South Africa.
Parry also appeared on the 1975 album Riddle of the Sphinx by the funk/R&B band Bloodstone.
Our condolences go out to Dick Parry’s family, friends, and musical colleagues during this difficult time. Revisit a couple of his performances in the clips below.
