Pink Floyd's drummer and archivist, Nick Mason, once likened Wyatt to the rock 'n' roll equivalent of Lenin. In this edition, Robert Wyatt, whose last name is actually Ellidge, is mentioned multiple times, particularly in the sections related to the Daevid Allen Trio, Wilde Flowers, Soft Machine, and Matching Mole. His undeniable influence on many other artists of the so-called Canterbury School, including Hatfield and the North, Caravan, Kevin Ayers, and Gong, is highlighted. Wyatt was an artist of vigorous and surreal talent who led two very separate lives due to a tragic accident on the night of June 1st, 1973. After a party, he fell out of a window while drunk, resulting in the loss of the use of his legs and forcing him to abandon drumming forever. However, this tragedy did not diminish the quality of his career; he adapted to his new reality and emerged stronger than ever, both as a singer and an author.

In 1970, with "The End of an Ear," Wyatt began to refine his avant-garde concept, which had already been hinted at in "Moon in June" from the album "Soft Machine III." He reached the pinnacle of his second life in 1974 with the masterpiece "Rock Bottom," produced by Nick Mason, which contained marvelous songs such as "Sea Song," as well as the love anagrams "Alifib" and "Alife," dedicated to his life partner Alfreda Benge. Wyatt's songs were deeply rooted in his love for jazz, and his albums featured some of the best jazz players of the time, including Fred Frith, Gary Windo, Hugh Hopper, David Sinclair, Mark Charig, and Mike Oldfield. Despite his affinity for jazz, Wyatt also covered Neil Diamond's "I'm a Believer," which became a chart success in 1975 (notably covered by The Monkees).

His exceptionally melodious and unique voice even captured the attention of Elvis Costello, who wrote "Shipbuilding" especially for him in 1983, a poignant song about British navy shipyards during the Falklands War. Wyatt also offered a personal cover of "Biko" by Peter Gabriel, showcasing his distinctive style and artistic independence. His outspoken political commitment to the left wing and his advocacy for the marginalized confined him to a small but artistically rich universe.

While Wyatt's output became less frequent towards the end of the 1970s, his albums remained full of inventiveness and charm, though not exclusively of a progressive nature. Notable works include "Old Rottenhat," "Dondestan," and the more recent "Shleep," recorded with the invaluable assistance of Phil Manzanera. In 1998, a tribute album featuring various Italian artists covering Wyatt's songs, titled "The Different You," was released. Wyatt presented the album during the Turin Music Fair, which included remarkable tracks sung by Max Gazzè, Cristina Donà, Battiato, and one performed by Wyatt himself. Following two more commendable albums, Wyatt eventually retired from the music scene.

Discography (participations and singles not included)

  • "The End of an Ear" (1970, CBS).

  • "Rock Bottom" (1974, Virgin).

  • "The Peel Sessions" (1974, Strange Fruit).

  • "Ruth Is Stranger Than Richard" (1975, Virgin).

  • "The Animals Film" (1982, Rough Trade EP).

  • "Nothing Can Stop Us" (1982, Rough Trade).

  • "Work In Progress" (1984, Rough Trade EP).

  • "Old Rottenhat" (1985, Rough Trade).

  • "Dondestan" (1991, Rough Trade).

  • "A Short Break" (1992, Voiceprint).

  • "Shleep" (1997, Hannibal).

  • "Dondestan (Revisited)" (1998, Hannibal).

  • "Solar Flares Burn For You" (BBC archive recordings, 2003, Cuneiform).

  • "Cuckooland" (2003, Hannibal/Rikodisc).

  • "Theatre Royal Drury Lane" (Robert Wyatt & Friends in Concert - 8/9/1974) (2005, Hannibal/Rikodisc).

  • "Comicopera" (2007, Domino Records).

In conclusion, Robert Wyatt's musical journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and unwavering integrity. Despite a life-altering tragedy, Wyatt transitioned from a renowned drummer to a celebrated singer and songwriter, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His influence on the Canterbury School and beyond is undeniable, with albums like "Rock Bottom" and "Shleep" pushing boundaries and delivering socially conscious lyrics. Wyatt's legacy transcends genre, reflecting the human experience with honesty and empathy. Ultimately, his story is a celebration of the enduring power of artistic expression.