Dick Parry, the renowned saxophonist who contributed to some of Pink Floyd's most iconic songs, has passed away at the age of 83. The news was announced by David Gilmour, the band's core member, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media.
David Gilmour Bids Farewell to Dick Parry
Recalling their decades-long friendship, Gilmour wrote on X: "My dear friend Dick Parry died this morning. Since I was seventeen, I have played in bands with Dick on saxophone, including Pink Floyd." He added, "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."
Gilmour also remembered their last performance together, noting that they played during the On An Island Tour and at Live 8 with Pink Floyd, which included Rick Wright. He shared several photographs, including one from 1963 at the Victoria Cinema in Cambridge. However, Gilmour did not disclose the cause of Parry's death on May 22, 2026.
David Gilmour's Reflections on Reconnecting with Parry
In a 1994 interview with Variety, Gilmour spoke about reconnecting with Parry after years apart. "I got a Christmas card from Dick, who I hadn't seen for years, and who'd given up the saxophone entirely and, I think, was unemployed, living in a village near Cambridge, doing nothing," Gilmour recalled. Despite this, Gilmour auditioned Parry for a tour and was immensely impressed, leading to Parry joining both the album and the tour that year.
About Dick Parry
Dick Parry played saxophone for Pink Floyd, notably from 1973 to 1977. He performed solos on the band's landmark albums The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) and Wish You Were Here (1975), according to People Magazine. His contributions to songs like "Money" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" remain iconic in rock history.
