Richard William Wright was a self taught pianist and keyboardist, best known for his long career with Pink Floyd. He wrote significant parts of the music for classic albums such as Meddle, Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here. His bandmates included Syd Barrett, Roger Waters and David Gilmour.
Wright’s keyboard was a vital ingredient and distinctive characteristic of Pink Floyd’s sound. Wright frequently sang background and occasionally lead vocals onstage and in the studio – most notably on songs Time, Echoes and Astronomy Domine. He was active in music from 1964 until his recent illness.
Wright kept the lowest profile of the band members. He was very rarely seen in any of the live footage from the Live 8 Reunion performance – preferring not to seek individual attention.
Wright died on September 15, 2008 of cancer at age 65. He is survived by his third wife Millie Wright and their son Ben. He is also survived by two children from his first marriage to Juliette Gale.