On January 12, 1968, "Pink Floyd" made its debut as a five-member band with David Gilmour.
Want to know more about the circumstances that led to the lineup change? Stay with us.
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David Gilmour's acquaintance with Syd Barrett began when Gilmore was 11, at Cambridge School.
The two later developed their friendships, when in 1962 Gilmore began studying at the College of Arts and Technology in Cambridge. Gilmour and Barrett used to play music during school breaks.
In August 1965 Barrett and Gilmour spent their time as street performers in Spain and France. They used to play "The Beatles" songs, and later toured France and living in tents outside Paris.
Gilmour even attended Pink Floyd's recordings of the single "See Emily Play", in May 1967, but even then he felt that something wrong his friend, when Syd Barrett did not really recognize him.
In December 1967, when Syd Barrett's mental state began to deteriorate, Nick Mason turned to Gilmour and offered him to join "Pink Floyd".
Gilmour accepted the invitation and on January 8, 1968, the first rehearsal with him was held. Thus "Pink Floyd" became a five piece band.
Gilmour's first appearance with the band was on January 12, 1968 at "Aston University" in Cambridge. The band played five tracks including: "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun", "Interstellar Overdrive" and "Flaming".
The band continued to perform in the above lineup with Syd Barrett and David Gilmore for an additional number of live shows.
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However, following the worsening of Barrett's mental state, David Gilmour became a permanent member of the band taking his place, making "Pink Floyd" back to a four piece band, including: Nick Mason, Rick Wright, David Gilmour and Roger Waters.
The band's last performance with Syd Barrett as a quintet was held on "Hastings" on January 20, 1968.
On January 26, 1968, on the band's way to a show at Southampton University, the four members simply decided not to pick up Barrett on their way. This was the band's first live appearance as a quartet without Syd Barrett.
The original intention was that Barrett would continue as the band songwriter without taking part on their live shows, just like Brian Wilson from "The Beach Boys". But, even this idea was soon abandoned due to Syd's mental state.
An official announcement of Syd's departure from the band would only be released on April 6, 1968.
Barrett and Gilmour's continued their friendships although Barrett's dismissal from the band. Gilmour even produced and participated in Barrett's albums - "The Madcap Laughs" and "Barrett" from 1970.