Rebel Thunders had been feeling restless lately, struggling with school and his usual routine. He was finding comfort and fascination in something new: astrology. Nights spent stargazing and researching astrological signs had become his escape, and he’d begun to feel a deep connection with the cosmic energy that the stars seemed to carry. It was as if there was something unspoken up there, calling to him.
But what really caught his interest was discovering Syd Barrett, the enigmatic, almost mythic figure from Pink Floyd who seemed to live in another world entirely. Syd's lyrics, his otherworldly persona, and his connection to what Rebel called “the cosmic scene” intrigued him. It was like Syd had tapped into a part of the universe that most people couldn’t see. Rebel couldn’t help but wonder if astrology had guided Syd’s vision in some way. And he wanted to know more, to understand this mysterious artist and how the stars might have shaped his music.
One evening, he decided to approach his dad about it. Johnny Thunders was seated on their back porch, guitar in hand, strumming absentmindedly as he stared at the fading sunset. Rebel walked over, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. He knew his dad would listen, but he also wondered if he’d think it was a crazy idea.
“Hey, Dad?” Rebel asked, breaking Johnny out of his reverie.
Johnny looked up with a smile. “What’s up, kiddo?”
Rebel took a deep breath. “I… I’ve been getting really into astrology, you know, reading about the stars, the planets, and how it all connects to people and… I don’t know, to everything. And I started reading about Syd Barrett from Pink Floyd. I think he had some kind of connection to that stuff. Like, maybe he understood something about the universe that most people don’t.”
Johnny raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Syd Barrett, huh? Yeah, he was… he was one of a kind. A little out there, but in a way that most people can’t even begin to understand. What made you interested in him?”
“I guess I just… I feel like he understood things in a different way, like he could tap into something cosmic, you know? I want to go see his grave, to feel that energy, maybe even get some kind of understanding from it. And… I know it’s a long shot, but I was wondering if I could meet Roger Waters and David Gilmour someday. I want to know if they ever thought Syd had that cosmic connection,” Rebel explained, his voice filled with both hesitation and hope.
Johnny set his guitar aside and looked at his son thoughtfully. “That’s a deep thought, Rebel. I think there was definitely something about Syd. People like him, they’re tuned into a different frequency, almost like they’re seeing the world through a cosmic lens. And astrology, the way you’re talking about it… that makes a lot of sense. Syd always had that wild look in his eyes, like he was somewhere far off in the stars. I think you’re onto something, kid.”
Rebel’s face lit up. “Really? So… would you take me? To see his grave?”
Johnny nodded, a gentle smile on his face. “Sure. We could make a trip out of it. I’ve got some friends in the UK who could help us find it. And who knows? Maybe we could get in touch with Roger or David. It wouldn’t be easy, but with the connections I’ve got, it’s not impossible.”
Rebel’s eyes widened with excitement. “You mean it? That would be amazing!”
Johnny chuckled, resting a hand on Rebel’s shoulder. “Of course, I mean it. You’re my son, Rebel. If something’s important to you, it’s important to me. And you never know, Syd might just leave you with some of his cosmic wisdom from beyond the grave.”
Rebel laughed, feeling a new kind of hope swell within him. He couldn’t wait to get started, to explore this other side of music and art that went beyond just sound. To him, it was about understanding the cosmos and finding a way to connect with it, just like Syd had.
That night, Rebel couldn’t sleep. His mind was buzzing with thoughts of the trip to England, of meeting the legends of Pink Floyd, and of connecting with the spirit of Syd Barrett. He lay awake, gazing at the stars from his bedroom window, feeling as if they were guiding him toward something big.
