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Roky EricksonAmerican singer, songwriter, guitarist
Date of Birth: 15.07.1947
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Roky Erickson
- The Spades and Early Success
- Formation of 13th Floor Elevators
- Battle with Mental Illness
- Later Career and Personal Life
Biography of Roky Erickson
Early Life and Musical CareerRoky Erickson was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as the founder of the band '13th Floor Elevators' and a pioneer of the psychedelic rock genre. From a young age, Erickson had a passion for music. He started playing the piano at the age of five and began taking guitar lessons at the age of ten. He attended Travis High School in Austin but was expelled just a month before graduation for refusing to comply with the school's dress code.
The Spades and Early Success
Erickson's first notable band was 'The Spades,' which gained popularity in their local area thanks to his song 'We Sell Soul.' The song was featured in the compilation album 'Highs of the Mid-Sixties, Volume 17,' with Emil Schwartze also credited as a songwriter. Another popular song, 'You're Gonna Miss Me,' later became a hit for the '13th Floor Elevators' and was included in the album 'The Best of Pebbles Volume 1.'
Formation of 13th Floor Elevators
In 1965, Erickson founded the band '13th Floor Elevators' alongside his friend Tommy Hall. They both served as songwriters for the group. Initially, singer Janis Joplin planned to join the 'Elevators,' but producer Chet Helms insisted that she go to San Francisco, where she eventually achieved fame. In 1966, the band released their debut album 'The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators,' which featured their chart-topping single 'You're Gonna Miss Me.'
Battle with Mental Illness
During a performance at the 'HemisFair' in 1968, Erickson suddenly began rambling incoherently and could not stop. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and admitted to the Houston Psychiatric Hospital, where he underwent electroshock therapy. The 'Elevators' were known for their use of LSD, mescaline, DMT, and marijuana, which drew attention from law enforcement. In 1968, Erickson was arrested for marijuana possession in Austin. Faced with the possibility of a ten-year prison sentence, he claimed insanity and was sent to the Austin State Hospital. After several escape attempts, he was transferred to the Rusk State Hospital for Criminally Insane, where he continued to receive electroshock therapy and medication.
Later Career and Personal Life
In 1974, upon his release from the hospital, Erickson formed a new band called 'Bleib alien,' later renamed to 'Roky Erickson and the Aliens.' The group shifted from the psychedelic sound of the '13th Floor Elevators' to a more hard rock style, with lyrics inspired by old horror movies and science fiction. In 1982, Erickson claimed that he had been possessed by a Martian. He began experiencing attacks from people but later stated that the attacks ended.
From 1980 onwards, Erickson became obsessed with writing letters, spending hours composing nonsensical messages to lawyers and celebrities, both living and deceased. In 1989, he was arrested for mail theft after stealing letters from his neighbors and sticking them to his room walls. As he never opened the envelopes, the charges were dropped. In 2001, his younger brother, Sumner Erickson, became his legal guardian, and Roky received better treatment for his schizophrenia. He began taking medication to control his symptoms.
In December 2005, a newspaper in Austin reported Erickson's recovery. It was announced that he had stopped taking medication, performed eleven concerts, regained his driver's license, and purchased a car. On April 20, 2010, Erickson released his first album in 14 years, which consisted entirely of new material.
