Inspired by his visit to Syd Barrett’s grave and his conversation with Roger Waters, Rebel returned home with a fresh sense of purpose. As much as he loved guitar, he found himself drawn to the haunting, ethereal sound of Pink Floyd's keyboards. Rick Wright’s melodies seemed to capture the mystery and otherworldliness Rebel felt connected to, especially in the albums from Pink Floyd’s earlier years with Syd. Determined to explore this new path, he decided to take a chance and reach out to Rick Wright himself.
That evening, Rebel sat down with a notebook and a pen. He wanted this letter to come from the heart, a true reflection of what he was hoping to achieve. With a deep breath, he began to write:
Dear Mr. Wright,
My name is Rebel Thunders. I recently had the privilege of meeting Roger Waters and sharing with him my fascination with the universe and how much Syd Barrett’s music has inspired me. I’m reaching out because I’ve been finding a deep connection to Pink Floyd’s early sound, especially the way your keyboards seem to tap into something that feels truly cosmic.
Syd’s music, and your band’s music as a whole, opened my eyes to a world I didn’t know existed. I’m now on a journey to understand the stars and the hidden parts of the universe through my own music, and I feel that learning to play the keyboard would help me find a way to bring that vision to life.
I know it’s a lot to ask, but I wondered if you’d consider giving me some lessons—or even just some guidance—so I can learn to create music that reflects this cosmic side of me. I want to honor Syd’s legacy in a way that speaks to the universe, but I also want to make it my own, and I believe you could help me get there.
Thank you for considering my request. Whether or not you’re able to teach me, your music has already helped me see a whole new part of life, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
With sincere admiration,
Rebel Thunders
He read the letter over twice, feeling both nervous and excited about the prospect of sending it. There was a part of him that feared Rick might be too busy, or even uninterested, but Rebel felt that he had to at least try. Even if it was a long shot, the idea of learning from someone who’d played such a crucial role in Pink Floyd’s sound was too important to pass up.
The next day, he mailed the letter, and then it was a waiting game. Weeks went by, and while Rebel continued working on his own music and studies, he kept the hope alive that he’d hear something back. Johnny noticed his son’s eagerness and even encouraged him to keep practicing on their old keyboard at home.
One day, just as Rebel was beginning to think it might never happen, an envelope arrived in the mail with a return address he didn’t recognize. When he tore it open, his heart skipped a beat. Inside was a letter from Rick Wright himself:
Dear Rebel,
Thank you for your thoughtful letter. I was moved to hear how much Pink Floyd’s music—and especially Syd’s—has inspired you. It’s rare to meet someone so young with such a deep understanding of the mystical, cosmic nature of music.
While I don’t teach formally anymore, I’d be happy to help guide you in any way I can. Creating music that reaches for the stars isn’t something that can be taught conventionally, but I can show you how to feel the keys, to let the music carry you somewhere beyond. Syd had that natural gift, and while he was one of a kind, I believe anyone with the same openness can tap into that same creative energy.
If you’re willing to meet up in London for a few lessons, I’d be honored to help you begin your journey. I’ll share what I can and teach you some of the techniques that helped me channel that energy into my music.
Looking forward to meeting you,
Rick Wright
Rebel could hardly believe it. Rick Wright had not only replied but agreed to help him learn the craft. It was as though the universe was giving him a sign, opening doors for him to step further into this cosmic journey.
When he shared the news with Johnny, his dad was thrilled, giving Rebel a hug that was equal parts pride and encouragement. "You see, kid? You’ve got something special in you. Syd, Roger, and now Rick—all of this is leading you somewhere.”
Rebel was ready. He prepared his gear, brushed up on what little he already knew of keyboard basics, and counted down the days until he would be sitting in the same room as Rick Wright. And as he lay in bed that night, he could almost feel the stars aligning, as if they were lighting the path for the next steps on his journey, with the legacy of Syd Barrett guiding him from beyond.
