By Chris Willman, Variety | Dick Parry, who created some of the most indelible saxophone solos in rock music history through his association with Pink Floyd and lifelong friend David Gilmour, died Friday at age 83.
Parry was particularly lionized for his unforgettable solos on the albums “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “Wish You Were Here,” including parts on such signature songs as “Money” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” He continued to appear on albums and tours that David Gilmour did as a solo artist or Floyd frontman in later years.
The death was announced by Gilmour on social media Friday afternoon.
“My dear friend Dick Parry died this morning,” the singer-guitarist wrote. “Since I was seventeen, I have played in bands with Dick on saxophone, including Pink Floyd.”
Gilmour continued, “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’… ‘Us and Them’ and ‘Money.’”
“He played in the last band I had that included [former Floyd keyboardist] Rick Wright for the On An Island Tour [in 2006] and at Live 8 with Pink Floyd [the band’s one and only full reunion show, in 2005].”
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Read more of Mr. Parry’s bio here along with a tribute from David Gilmour:
https://variety.com/2026/music/obituaries-people-news/dick-parry-dead-pink-floyd-saxophonist-dark-side-moon-1236757358/
