He didn’t have an easy life, so we hope he will rest in peace. Roky Erickson was a songwriter extraordinaire, an innovator, and an influencer. He impacted a young Dave Grohl and befriended ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons. He was a founder of the psychedelic rock movement with the 13th Floor Elevators. He also suffered from schizophrenia and endured horrific electro-shock therapy.
Roky Erickson eventually got the right treatment and made a return to recording and touring. Yet it’s his 60s and 70s material that remains immortal.
Recommended listening: The Evil One on CD, which is essentially two albums combined into one. Every single song is amazing, but here’s “Mine Mine Mind” (produced by Stu Cook of CCR). You can tell he was haunted. Rest in peace, Roky.
I honestly thought he died years ago. Sometimes the most troubled humans are the most creative.
It’s a very fine line.
I have some of his early 13th floor stuff and some solo stuff, but this post will remind me that I need more.
R.I.P Roky.
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The tragic line of great people in music departing our world sadly continues. Rest in Peace Roky
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He was a special one… certainly made his mark and influenced many.
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