Syd Barrett Photo Auction

A series of images capturing the decline of psychedelic icon Syd Barrett are set to be sold at a special auction.

Syd Barrett died in 2006, although to his fans he had been missing for almost forty years. The lead singer with The Pink Floyd he led to group to fame before disintegrating amid mounting pressure and increasing drug use.

Perhaps the most notorious acid casualty in British music, the singer's effortless blend of Victorian whimsy, Oriental mysticism, free jazz and rock carved out the template for psychedelic rock.

However after leaving Pink Floyd the singer did attempt to focus on a shortlived solo career. Two albums followed, in which his talent and troubles were laid bare for all the world to see.

Syd Barrett struggled to function in the studio, with his unkempt hair and wide open star becoming an iconic trademark of his withdrawal from the world of music. 'Barrett' and 'The Madcap Laughs' have now become celebrated works, adorned with the classic photography of Mick Rock.

The photographer shot Syd Barrett in his London flat, capturing the tragic songwriter in the midst of his illness. Set to vanish from the London society for ever shortly afterwards, Mick Rock's images have become almost as well known as Barrett's music.

Now fans can own three photos taken at those sessions. Mick Rock is selling the images as part of the music sale at Phillips de Pury in London on November 21st.

Stunningly evocative, these photographs seem to convey something of the eternal mystery and ultimate tragedy that surrounds Syd Barrett.