http://www.hyperweb.com/roky/roky.html (World Wide Web Directory, 06/1995)
Roky Erickson first came onto the music scene 1n 1965 playing and singing lead with the 13th Floor Elevators. The 13th Floor Elevators where one of Texas's finest psychedelic bands of the sixties and Roky added his own unique blend of genius. Roky was only 17 when he joined the band but quickly became the front man for the group, with his powerful vocals and song writing ability. A second pot bust in late 1968 when possession laws were even stiffer than they are now, ended with Roky pleading insanity. This was supposed to be a better choice than going to jail. However that time period was during the height of experimentation on treating the criminally insane. Roky was never quite the same after his three and a half year stint in the Hospital for Criminally Insane in Rusk, TX. Roky received shock treatments while at Rusk and upon his release 1n 1972, was convinced that he was a Martian. In the mid 70's he started recording and performing again with his new band named Bleid Alien which later became The Aliens. His recordings in this period included the albums Evil One and Creature With The Atom Brain. His personal and mental demons took control over the direction of his music and his life. He had another arrest over a U.S. postal mail issue in 1989 and was briefly institutionalized in the early 1990's.
Roky's recent appearances have been cautious. He's been steadily coming out of his reclusive lifestyle with four year's of straight performances at his annual birthday party in Austin, TX. He's also made appearances at The Austin Chronicle's Music awards show in 1993 and 1994. Each show has been a bigger step out in the public, but Roky is a shadow of his former self. Gone is the confident and self aware young man of the 60's. He's now been replaced by a timid and childlike man in his late 40's, who is coached at every show by his musician friends. Roky sometimes insists on performing the same song over and crosses his arms across his chest hugging himself. It's a security issue with him and the band just does the best they can to reassure him. The greatest need though is for the exposure. And this is why Roky's friends have tried to bring to light the plight of his living conditions. Because of his mental problems and greedy musical publishers, Roky was cheated out of a good portion of his interests in his music. Recently through the help of some lawyers working pro bono on his affairs, his financial situation has improved. Roky isn't a rich man and he lives by very modest means. One reason Roky has survived is because he has a support system that includes his family and various close friends. But there are those who feel that he needs real psychiatric care. Whatever his problems, we can only support Roky the best way we know how. Buy only his legitimate releases and don't buy the bootlegs.
Roky also has two books of poetry titled Openers and Openers II: The Lyrics of Roky Erickson, the latter is available from:
2.13.61 Publications
P.O. Box 1910, Los Angeles, CA 90078
Phone # (213) 969-9152
Fax # (213)696-9451
Rocky Erickson Links:
Roky at SXSW Book signing appearance at Tower Records with Henry Rollins.
- May 7th Benefit Appearance at Antones on May 7th, 1995.
- All That May Do My Rhyme Information on Roky's most recent record release.
- Roky Web page @ southern.com in the UK.
- Roky Erickson Discography Somewhat complete list.
- Lyrics to Some of Roky's Songs Lyrics to some songs.
- 13th Floor Elevators Band info.
To contact Roky Erickson, send fan mail, to:
Trance Syndicate Records
P.O. Box 49771
Austin, TX 78765
Telephone: (512) 454 - 3265
Fax #: (512) 454 - 3287
For booking inquiries:
Telephone: (512)480-8639
E-mail: Trancesyn@aol.com
Fax # (512) 477-3301
webmaster@hyperweb.com
Last update 6/05/95
http://www.hyperweb.com/roky/roky.html (World Wide Web Directory, 06/1995)
Roky Erickson first came onto the music scene 1n 1965 playing and singing lead with the 13th Floor Elevators. The 13th Floor Elevators where one of Texas's finest psychedelic bands of the sixties and Roky added his own unique blend of genius. Roky was only 17 when he joined the band but quickly became the front man for the group, with his powerful vocals and song writing ability. A second pot bust in late 1968 when possession laws were even stiffer than they are now, ended with Roky pleading insanity. This was supposed to be a better choice than going to jail. However that time period was during the height of experimentation on treating the criminally insane. Roky was never quite the same after his three and a half year stint in the Hospital for Criminally Insane in Rusk, TX. Roky received shock treatments while at Rusk and upon his release 1n 1972, was convinced that he was a Martian. In the mid 70's he started recording and performing again with his new band named Bleid Alien which later became The Aliens. His recordings in this period included the albums Evil One and Creature With The Atom Brain. His personal and mental demons took control over the direction of his music and his life. He had another arrest over a U.S. postal mail issue in 1989 and was briefly institutionalized in the early 1990's.