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 influential Austin, Texas band The 13th Floor Elevators, they were one of the first musical groups 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 over the next half decade including REM, ZZ Top, The Cramps, Radio Birdman and The Jesus & Mary Chain; all of whom have either recorded or played live versions of Roky's songs. With a list of admirers that include Sonic Youth, Pere Ubu and The White Stripes, Roky's songs have also appeared on countless soundtracks (Drugstore Cowboy, Boys Don't Cry, Hamlet).
Unfortunately, Roky's struggles with drug abuse and mental illness took a serious tool including a three year stint in Rusk State Hospital for the criminally insane, for possession of a single marijuana cigarette in 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. In recent years he has played his first shows in New York City, London and throughout Europe, as well as a special guest at the 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.
Popfrenzy Presents Roky Erickson
Tickets on sale Monday October 31
Tuesday, March 13 2012
The Corner Hotel (Melbourne)
Tickets available from http://www.cornerhotel.com
Wednesday, March 14 2012
The Factory (Sydney)
Tickets available from http://www.factorytheatre.com.au
Also playing Golden Plains Music Festival and Adelaide Festival 2012
