Popfrenzy Presents are proud to announce legendary rock 'n' roll pioneer Roger Kynard "Roky" Erickson is set to tour Australia this coming March, 2012. As singer, songwriter and guitar player for the legendary Austin, TX band The 13th Floor Elevators, they were one of the first rock 'n' roll bands to describe their music as "psychedelic" and made an impact on the San Francisco scene, when they moved there in 1966.
The Elevators unique brand of heavy, hard-rocking electric blues spurned one hit 'You're Gonna Miss Me', yet their appeal was far-reaching, and influenced a long list of artists including REM, ZZ Top, The Cramps, Radio Birdman and The Jesus & Mary Chain and many more; all of whom have either recorded or played live versions of Roky's songs. With a list of admirers that include Sonic Youth, Patti Smith, The Butthole Surfers, Pere Ubu, On Trial, Baby Woodrose, his songs have appeared on countless soundtracks (Drugstore Cowboy, Boys Don't Cry, Hamlet).
Unfortunately, Roky's struggles with drug abuse and mental illness took a serious toll, including a three year stint in Rusk State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, for possession of a single marijuana cigarette (1969) where he was reportedly subjected to Thorazine, electroshock therapy and other experimental treatments.
Happily, today we find Roky in the process of being his own miracle and making an astounding recovery from nearly a two-decade long period. He has played his first shows in New York City, London and throughout Europe, as well as California's Coachella Festival in 2007. April 2010, saw the release of his first album of new material in 14 years; 'True Love Cast Out All Evil'.
Australian Tour Dates 2012:
Sat 10 March Barrio - Hajek Plaza SA
Tue 13 March The Corner Hotel, Melbourne VIC (http://www.cornerhotel.com)
Wed 14 March The Factory Theatre, Sydney NSW (http://www.factorytheatre.com.au)
Roky Erickson also playing Golden Plains Sixxx 2012 lineup