Pink Floyd saxophonist Dick Parry dead at 83
“Since I was seventeen, I have played in bands with Dick on saxophone,” David Gilmour wrote about his friend, who performed the iconic “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” and “Us & Them” solos, on Instagram.
Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images
When it comes to saxophone solos in rock and roll, a few immediately come to mind: Clarence Clemons in Bruce Springsteen’s “Jungleland,” Raphael Ravenscroft in Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street,” and Dick Parry in Pink Floyd’s “Us and Them.” Or Dick Parry in Pink Floyd’s “Money.” Or Dick Parry in Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” Take your pick. The guy was a session legend. “My dear friend Dick Parry died [on May 22, 2026],” David Gilmour wrote on Instagram. “Since I was seventeen, I have played in bands with Dick on saxophone, including Pink Floyd.” Parry was 83 years old.
Parry and Gilmour were lifelong friends, and the saxophonist was invited to play on three different Pink Floyd studio albums: The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Division Bell. He was also a featured member of the Pink Floyd touring band in 1973, 1977, and 1994. According to reports, he played in The Who’s touring brass section from 1979-80. Parry later toured with Gilmour in the early Aughts before touring with the Violent Femmes in Europe and South Africa. When Pink Floyd reunited at Live 8 in 2005, Parry appeared, performing his “Money” saxophone part. Parry’s credits list is extensive. He appeared on records by The Who’s John Entwistle, Procol Harum’s Mick Grabham, Quiver, J.J. Jackson, Bloodstone, Rory Gallagher, and Banco de Gaia.
Listen to Dick Parry perform the “Us and Them” saxophone solo at Oakland Coliseum Arena in 1977 below.
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