Pink Floyd’s Richard Wright passed away today following a short battle with cancer. Overshadowed by Roger Waters (the songs) and David Gilmour (the voice), I didn’t fully appreciate his contributions until the last time I saw him. I had really wanted to see the Floyd reunion at Live8, but couldn’t justify the cost for such a short set, but when Gilmour announced a North American tour I knew I’d go (I only saw Floyd twice, both post Waters). New York wasn’t on a weeknight, so I chose Toronto – it proved to be a fun weekend, and the show was amazing. Wright wasn’t as noticeable during the first set (all from Gilmour’s new album), but proved very necessary during the second set of Floyd classics. Especially during “Time” and “Echoes”, his voice and keyboard sound were indispensable, and prominent in a way that I never got out of a Floyd stadium show. RIP, Rick, I’ll spin “Wish You Were Here” tonight.