Donovan Wilkins June 20th, 2017 - 4:15 PM
Roky Erickson, a pioneer of psychedelic rock, will be performing at the Underground Arts this Septemeber. Roky is best known for being the guitarist and founding member for The 13th Floor Elevators. Roky is known for using a harmonica as well as his guitar. Roky Erickson has played in more than 3 bands in his career including The 13th The Spades, and Roky Erickson and the Aliens. As a solo artist, Roky released 14 studio albums and 2 live records. Roky Erickson has been known for founding the psychedelic rock genre.
Roky Erickson got his start in music at a young age, playing piano at age 5 until age 10 when he played guitar. Roky Erickson’s first band, The Spades, recorded their first hit single, “We Sell Soul” during his high school days. Erickson founded 13th Floor Elevators in 1965. As the main songwriters, Tommy Hall and Roky Erickson released a number of hits during their debut. In 1966, the band released their highly successful debut album, The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators. Their hit single, “You’re Gonna Miss Me” was the only song to chart. The band released their follow-up album, Easter Everywhere, featuring “Slip Inside the House”. 13th Floor released their third album, Live, in 1968 under International Artist. In 1974, Roky Erickson formed a new band named Roky Erickson and the Aliens. The new band released two studio albums before dissolving later.
Aside from being known for his music, Roky Erickson toured a lot with his bands. After a while, Erickson battled with an addiction to drugs which led to a creative decline in music. In 1990, Warner Bros. Records released a tribute album, Where The Pyramid Meets The Eye. After returning to music in 1995, Erickson released a new album titled, All That May Do My Rhyme under Trance Syndicate Records. Roky Erickson spent the following year releasing new music and touring all over the world. A documentary about the life of Roky Erickson, You’re Gonna Miss Me, released March 15, 2005.
Underground Arts
Tuesday, September 12th
All Ages
Show: 9:00 PM
