Psychedelic Rock Icon Roky Erickson Passes

Roky Erickson (Facebook)

Psychedelic rock ROKY ERICKSON, lead vocalist and songwriter for THE 13TH FLOOR ELEVATORS, died FRIDAY in AUSTIN, at 71. "My brother ROKY passed away peaceably today," MIKAL ERICKSON posted on FACEBOOK. "Please allow us time. Music and laughter forever."

ERICKSON and his band first made their name in the 1960s right when the psychedelic rock era hit. Major success eluded them, as ERICKSON was plagued by schizophrenia and drug use. His music enjoyed a revival when his song, “You’re Gonna Miss Me” was used in the opening scene of the 2000 film, “High Fidelity,” which starred JOHN CUSACK.

ERICKSON tried to maintain a solo career when he wasn't encumbered by mental issues, his illness was the focus of a 2007 documentary “You’re Gonna Miss Me.” Nonetheless, he continued to tour and even took part in a 13TH FLOOR ELEVATORS reunion in 2015.

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