News
The Strange Tale Of Iggy The Eskimo Pt. 2
4:54 PM GMT 20/01/2011
While there are many reports of Barrett being withdrawn and even aggressive at this time, Iggy remembers it differently. "People talk about Syd's madness and his dark side, but I never saw it," she states. "We had a wonderful giggly time. There were no sinister moments." Only briefly did she glimpse a more troubled side to his personality. "One day, he said to me, 'How do you feel? Are you sad?' I was naked, and he went and got some paint and painted two great big eyes on my breasts with two tears coming down, and on my belly button he painted an arrow and underneath that a picture of me with a big belly, and said, 'There could be life in there. I could give you life.' But I didn't want that at all. So I panicked, and scrubbed it off." He was also uncomfortable with some aspects of fame, as Iggy discovered on a night out with Syd to The Speakeasy, a music-biz haunt in Margaret Street. "We'd persuaded Syd to go, but it was full of posers," she admits. "There were a few of us there. Someone asked the DJ to put on See Emily Play, which was a stupid thing to do." A hit for Pink Floyd more than two years before, the dance-floor cleared. "So I went on and started dancing, but Syd ran off. He was obviously very sensitive about it all."
"We had a wonderful giggly time. There were no sinister moments."
In March '69, Barrett began recording The Madcap Laughs at Abbey Road, but his erratic behaviour in the studio resulted in Roger Waters and David Gilmour helping to oversee the sessions. Gilmour was now living in Richmond Mansions, a block so close to Wetherby Mansions that he could almost see into Syd and Duggie's kitchen window. One evening, Syd announced that he had to go out. Iggy wanted to go with him, but Barrett insisted she remain at the flat. "I think I thought he was seeing another woman," she says. "I got a bit jealous, a bit pouty - very silly. Duggie knew where Syd had gone but wouldn't tell me." With Syd gone, Iggy decided to pay a visit to David Gilmour instead. Fields helped Iggy back-comb her hair, plaster her face with make-up and paint her lips black. "I looked like Medusa. Like a banshee. Duggie then took me round to Dave's place. Dave was very beautiful and very cool, and his flat was nicer than Syd and Duggie's - it was warmer for a start. Dave opened the door, took one look at me, but didn't bat an eyelid."
When Iggy walked in, she saw Syd sat in Gilmour's living room. "I went in, shouting, 'OK, where is she?' thinking there was a woman hiding in one of the rooms. But, of course, the meeting had been with Dave about the record they were making together." Barrett left Iggy with Gilmour, but rather the worse for wear, she knocked the stylus on his record player accidentally scratching his copy of Pink Floyd's brand new album. "I have no idea what album it was, only that it was their new album," Iggy sighs. (The likely candidate seems to be Soundtrack From The Film More) "So Dave threw me out... If he ever reads this I would like to say sorry for scratching his record." Back at Wetherby Mansions, Barrett was unfazed by her planned defection: "Syd just said, 'Come in love, and I'll make you a cup of tea'. How sweet."
By now, Barrett had prepared his bedroom for The Madcap... cover shoot, painting most of the floorboards orange and mauve. On the morning of the shoot, Syd asked Iggy to help finish the job. "He jumped off the mattress and said, 'Quick, grab a paint brush.' He did one stripe and I did another. If you look at Mick Rock's pictures, I have paint on the soles of my feet." When Rock arrived with the Floyd's sleeve designer Storm Thorgerson to take the photos, a naked Iggy went to put some clothes on. "But Syd said, 'No, don't'. That was his wicked sense of humour. I put the kohl around his eyes that day and tousled up his hair: come on Syd, give us a smile, moody, moody, moody! But he knew exactly what he was doing. He was as sharp as anything. He set the tone. He was the manipulator."
"Syd just said, 'Come in love, and I'll make you a cup of tea'. How sweet."
Iggy joined Syd for further photos outside the flat. Later, Rock recalled showing Barrett one of the pictures and Syd mysteriously scratching around Iggy's image; an act that has acquired some significance among Barrett's more earnest devotees. "They're making something out of nothing," she insists. "Later on, Syd showed me one of the pictures and said, 'You like that one, don't you? I know why, because of your cheekbones'. I think I was sucking on a cigarette, and, yes, I was being vain, I liked the way my cheekbones looked. So he tore the pic in half and gave it to me. There was nothing more to it than that." Strangely, Iggy also recalls other photographs being taken that day, which have never appeared since. "I don't think Storm and Mick were very impressed by them. If you've ever seen the cover of the Rod Stewart album, Blondes Have More Fun, they were a bit like that... Of me and Syd. There were others of me and Syd, as well, which remind me of the picture of John and Yoko [on Two Virgins] which came out later. I'd love to see those pictures now."
Before long, Iggy had drifted out of Wetherby Mansions and out of Syd's life as quickly as she had drifted in. When she returned later, Duggie told her: "Syd's not here. He's gone back to Cambridge. Don't bother trying to find him." She never saw him again, and is adamant she only became aware of her presence on the cover of The Madcap Laughs after being phoned by the Croydon Guardian: "I went to a boot sale with my husband... When I saw the cover, I thought, Oh yes, that is my bottom."
Although the stories of her marrying a rich banker and joining a religious cult are untrue, there is a kernel of truth: after Syd, Iggy began seeing a wealthy businessman who was also a scientologist. However Duggie Fields' recollection of spotting Iggy climbing off a bus in a gold lamé dress is not in dispute: "It was a beautiful dress that cost £50." Still a fixture on the music scene, Iggy recalls accompanying Pink Fairies' drummer Twink to the Isle Of Wight Festival and turning up "for the very first Glastonbury... ". But in 1978 Iggy married her husband, Andrew, and "left that life behind me".
"I heard on the radio that Syd died, and I felt sad, but it was so long ago," she says. Since reading about those times in MOJO, the memories of the people and the places have slowly come back to her. "Mick Rock took some beautiful picture of me," she smiles. "But, of course, I wish I'd been paid some money for them. Still, it is amazing that people have been looking for me... and that someone has even set up a website. I still don't know what to make of all this." The fascination continues. Last week, Iggy called to tell me she had found a poem online written about her by a professor at a university in Missouri. "And it's in French," she said, sounding astonished. "'Iggy l'esquimo, Fille De Le Space'...it goes. I never believed anyone would ever write a poem for me."
by Mark Blake (www.markrblake.com)
Thanks to: Felix Atagong, Jeff Dexter and Anthony Stern
Posted by Ross_Bennett at 4:54 PM GMT 20/01/2011
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A brilliant article, thankyou!
Posted by Perry at 2:58 PM GMT 21/01/2011 Report Abuse
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Excellent information. Thank goodness somebody has finally tracked her down and got her story at last.
Posted by a fan at 9:44 PM GMT 21/01/2011 Report Abuse
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Always fascinating to hear any stories associated with Barrett. What an artist. Glad this Iggy lady shared what she remembers. Good stuff.
Posted by Rob K. at 10:20 PM GMT 21/01/2011 Report Abuse
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Fantastic investigation, very good job.
Posted by Gon Munoz at 3:27 PM GMT 25/01/2011 Report Abuse
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It's not that strange a tale really is it? I mean she just happend to be part of the 60's scene ended up with Syd had a photo taken then spent 30 yrs working on a stables. Hardly the 1001 Arabian nights.
Posted by Cyncial sid at 11:18 PM GMT 26/01/2011 Report Abuse
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It's not that strange a tale really is it? I mean she just happend to be part of the 60's scene ended up with Syd had a photo taken then spent 30 yrs working on a stables. Hardly the 1001 Arabian nights.
Posted by Cyncial sid at 11:19 PM GMT 26/01/2011 Report Abuse
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A really enlightening tale, and sad too. Thanks, Evelyn, for casting more light at a Diamond named Roger Barrett.
Posted by Vega at 10:04 AM GMT 27/01/2011 Report Abuse
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RE: Cyncial sid
Nobody is saying it's the 1001 Arabian Nights. It is just an interesting story. I think its funny that people were looking for this woman and setting up websites and contacting local papers. It is a human interest story no more no less. unless you are one of Syd's old GFs and you are pissed that no body is looking for you???
Posted by Mad at 12:32 PM GMT 27/01/2011 Report Abuse
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RE: Anonymous
Is that you SYd???
Posted by jimmyjam at 4:35 PM GMT 27/01/2011 Report Abuse
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I really enjoyed reading 'Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd' and I too wandered about the whereabouts of Iggy. The MOJO story was a revelation of sorts but this article throws real light on Iggy, girl of the 60s Underground scene.
I hope her 'rediscovery' has a beneficial effect on her life...
Posted by William J Booker at 1:03 PM GMT 28/01/2011 Report Abuse
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It should be pointed out that the trashcan sinatras allude to iggy in the song "oranges and apples" off their "into the music".I think it is the album of the year by the way!I thought this song alluded too the zombies-silly me!cheers sebastian saglimbeni-new york U.S.A
Posted by sebastian saglimbeni at 1:13 PM GMT 28/01/2011 Report Abuse
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It should be pointed out that the trashcan sinatras allude to iggy in the song "oranges and apples" off their "into the music".I think it is the album of the year by the way!I thought this song alluded too the zombies-silly me!cheers sebastian saglimbeni-new york U.S.A
Posted by sebastian saglimbeni at 1:14 PM GMT 28/01/2011 Report Abuse
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I'm always curious about what becomes of people like Iggy the Eskimo, and it's nice to know she just got on with her normal ol' life. Good for her. I hope she'll write a memoir of all her memories of 'the scene' for all those Sad Old Hippies who'd enjoy such a thing.
Posted by D. M. Centifanti at 4:34 PM GMT 28/01/2011 Report Abuse
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Great article. Thanks for posting it and a big thanks to Iggy/Evelyn for sharing some of her stories.
Posted by Anonymous at 12:22 AM GMT 29/01/2011 Report Abuse
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AIRE: Anonymous I am shocked and disgusted by this sickening comment betrayed Iggy .
Posted by Anonymous at 10:41 AM GMT 31/01/2011 Report Abuse
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TRE: Anonymous to magnificent mark blake and fantastic felix atagong best wishes Iggy love xxxx
Posted by Anonymous at 11:23 AM GMT 31/01/2011 Report Abuse
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Now that i am almost achieving the hang of sending messages I would love to take this opportunity, to personally give my love and devotion espeacially to all the true believers of pure beauty ethereal thoughts and magical ways . I am truly humbled and estatic by your overwhelming kind words about me.thank you so much or even muchios gracieus pleasese excuse all bad spelling and also to everyone on this amazing planet , who contributed in making me feel so speacial. Xxxxx xxxxxxx and my heart goes out to felix atagong,s supesonic bretherens on his late night discussion, I o oam indeboted to ech and everyone of you wonderfull people. Saving all my lovefor you w.h. thank for belIeving that I am worthwhile .all these ords and the space between, I am chuffed to bits yippee, dont bother analysing that word just a silly joke, I have pins and needles in my rights.s. s io
Posted by Anonymous at 1:05 PM GMT 31/01/2011 Report Abuse
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So very sorry Ididnt put my name Ignascious silly Iggy beg your pardon , somany songs. X x
Posted by Anonymous at 1:17 PM GMT 31/01/2011 Report Abuse
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So very sorry Ididnt put my name Ignascious silly Iggy beg your pardon , somany songs. X x
Posted by Anonymous at 1:19 PM GMT 31/01/2011 Report Abuse
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So very sorry Ididnt put my name Ignascious silly Iggy beg your pardon , somany songs. X x
Posted by Anonymous at 1:29 PM GMT 31/01/2011 Report Abuse
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So very sorry Ididnt put my name Ignascious silly Iggy beg your pardon , somany songs. X x
Posted by Iggy at 1:31 PM GMT 31/01/2011 Report Abuse
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Nice story! Someone should make a documentary about this woman. I always wanted to know what happened to 'Iggy' and Mick rock's pictures of her are beautiful. Welcome back!!
Posted by BB at 9:00 AM GMT 01/02/2011 Report Abuse
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What a great story!! Someone should do a documentary about this woman's life in the sixties. I always wanted to know where 'Iggy' on The Madcap went. Love to Iggy and welcome back to the world
Posted by CB at 9:03 AM GMT 01/02/2011 Report Abuse
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Excellent article, thank you :-)
Posted by Anonymous at 3:21 PM GMT 01/02/2011 Report Abuse
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RE: CB thank you so much i truely wish someone would take you up on your idea iggyx
Posted by Anonymous at 6:43 AM GMT 20/02/2011 Report Abuse
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RE: BB thank you for your comment it is exactly what i am wishing for iggyx
Posted by igglooiggyx at 6:52 AM GMT 20/02/2011 Report Abuse
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RE: BB if at first i dont succeed i am trying to thank you also hoping that someone will take you up iggyx
Posted by igglooiggyx at 7:01 AM GMT 20/02/2011 Report Abuse
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RE: William J Booker at last some who realistically wishes me well hope a true benefacter will appear i really do appreciate all the genuine heartfelt messages they certainly get me through the lots of love iggyxxx
Posted by Anonymous at 8:00 AM GMT 20/02/2011 Report Abuse
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RE: William J Booker thank you so much iggyx
Posted by iggyx at 8:08 AM GMT 20/02/2011 Report Abuse
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RE: William J Booker
Posted by iggyx at 8:11 AM GMT 20/02/2011 Report Abuse
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RE: William J Booker
Posted by iggyx at 8:11 AM GMT 20/02/2011 Report Abuse
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i know iggy and she is a very kind caring woman who didnt make a big deal about her past so cause people have been looking for her and she has made a comment plz dont knock her until u know her u dont know her her past is her past and she has a heart of gold
Posted by iggy friend at 12:53 AM GMT 13/04/2011 Report Abuse
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Again another person to say Syd was not the total nut case all the old stories suggest. I still have the feeling the rest of the PF have kept these going for their own interests and hopefully more truths will emerge. I wonder how interested they really were in helping him with his solo projects... but then again Syd was probably too delicate/insecure/tired of it all by then. Great article thanks!
Posted by Anonymous at 5:45 AM GMT 26/11/2011 Report Abuse
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Again another person to say Syd was not the total nut case all the old stories suggest. I still have the feeling the rest of the PF have kept these going for their own interests and hopefully more truths will emerge. I wonder how interested they really were in helping him with his solo projects... but then again Syd was probably too delicate/insecure/tired of it all by then. Great article thanks!
Posted by Fan at 5:53 AM GMT 26/11/2011 Report Abuse
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Very sad story but interesting. Iggi could be mother of Syd''s son maybe.Time have no mercy.
Posted by Anonymous at 9:53 PM GMT 18/01/2012 Report Abuse
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