Roky Erickson, one of the most important ambassadors of US psychedelia passed away on May 31st, aged 71. The founder and leader of 13 Floor Elevators was influential for loads of artists. The band’s first single, “You’re Gonna Miss Me”, is considered still one of the most essential of the scene reaching at No.55 in the American charts and offering the band a slot on the very popular TV show American Bandstand. It’s also characteristic of their status that Janis Joplin wanted to join them!
ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, a long-time friend, said: “It’s almost unfathomable to contemplate a world without Roky Erickson. He created his own musical galaxy and early on was a true inspiration.”
Mark Lanegan tweeted: “Devastated to hear of Roky Erickson’s passing. One of the reasons I began singing. A huge inspiration and giant; in the history of rock.”
