David Bowie Leads Tributes To Syd Barrett

David Bowie has led the tribute to Syd Barrett, calling the late Pink Floyd legend ?a diamond.?

The pop chameleon says that Barrett was an inspiration to him and his only regret is that he never got to know the star.

Bowie said: "I can't tell you how sad I feel. The few times I saw him perform in London at UFO and the Marquee clubs during the '60s will forever be etched in my mind.

"He was so charismatic and such a startlingly original songwriter. Also, along with Anthony Newley, he was the first guy I'd heard to sing pop or rock with a British accent.

?His impact on my thinking was enormous. A major regret is that I never got to know him. A diamond indeed."

Graham Coxon also released a statement, saying: "Lost him again... for bang on 20 years Syd led me to better places."

"From my agape 17-year-old first listen to Bike to, just the other day, Jugband Blues.

"Languished in his noise... dreamt in his night... stared at his eyes for answers..."