Roky Erickson, R.I.P.

Roky Erickson, lead singer and guitarist for the 1960's psychedelic band 13th Floor Elevators, has passed away at the age of 71. A cause of death has not been released.

While psychedelic music is often associated with London and San Francisco, there was also quite a psychedelic scene in Austin, Texas and a teenaged Roky Erickson was at the forefront of it with his group 13th Floor Elevators. Indeed, their 1966 debut album The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators was the first instance in which the term was used to describe a band's sound. The centerpiece of the album was "You're Gonna Miss Me" which showcased Erickson's intense vocals, guitar and harmonica playing. Although it peaked at #55 on the Billboard charts, the song would influence hundreds of bands in decades to come.

The group's success proved short-lived largely due to Erickson's excessive drug use and battles with schizophrenia. It would take nearly four decades, but Erickson's drug use would be curbed and his mental health stabilized to the point where he could live independently. His redemption was documented in the 2005 film You're Gonna Miss Me. The film was well received enough that Erickson resumed recording and performing all over North America and Europe and became a regular at his hometown SXSW Festival. Few among us get a chance at a second act much less have a second act which tops our first. R.I.P.