Former Pink Floyd singer Syd Barrett has died at the age of 60, according to a spokeswoman for the influential classic Rock band. "He died very peacefully a couple of days ago. There will be a private family funeral," the spokeswoman told the press today.

In an official statement from Pink Floyd, the band said they are "naturally very upset and sad to learn of Syd Barrett's death. Syd was the guiding light of the early band lineup and leaves a legacy which continues to inspire."

Barrett was the original singer for Pink Floyd, helping found the band in 1965 and writing many of their early hits, including much of 1967's The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn. However, due to mental troubles and drug use, he left the band in 1968, with David Gilmour replacing him on vocals.

He released two solo records in 1970: The Madcap Laughs and Barrett, but vanished from the public eye by the mid-1970s. Pink Floyd wrote the 1975 tune "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" as a tribute to their original singer. The band's spokesperson did not reveal the cause of Barrett's death, but said there would be a private, family funeral held soon.