R

Roky Erickson

Austin, TX

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rock

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Wilson Score ? Measures confidence in approval rating. Accounts for sample size — an artist with 8/10 likes ranks higher than 1/1. Ranges 0–1; higher is better.
18
Times Served
Region: Central Texas / Hill Country Conference: Texas

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Did You Know

  • • Roky Erickson's shrieking vocals and lyrical themes helped birth psychedelic rock.
  • • He started performing professionally at age 15, winning local talent shows.
  • • His band, The Spades, had a regional hit with the surf-rock influenced "You're Gonna Miss Me."
  • • A 1969 marijuana arrest led to Erickson being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
  • • He spent years in a mental hospital where he underwent electroconvulsive therapy.
  • • During his hospitalization, Roky claimed to be an alien and communicated through gibberish.
  • • Erickson's song "Two Headed Dog (Red Temple Prayer)" became a cult classic.
  • • He collaborated with ZZ Top in 1981, showcasing his enduring influence.
  • • The 2005 documentary, "You're Gonna Miss Me", chronicled his struggles and triumphs.
  • • Erickson's music influenced artists like R.E.M. and Primal Scream, solidifying his legacy.
  • • Roky Erickson began his music career with The Spades, scoring a local hit with "You're Gonna Miss Me."
  • • His hometown of Austin, Texas, profoundly shaped his psychedelic and counter-cultural sound.
  • • Voluntarily committing to a mental institution to avoid prison marked a significant turning point.
  • • Erickson believed an alien resided within his body, influencing his later lyrical themes.
  • • Roky Erickson's raw, untamed sound heavily influenced the garage rock revival of the 1980s.
  • • He collaborated with ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, showcasing his enduring appeal to fellow musicians.
  • • "Two Headed Dog (Red Temple Prayer)" remains his signature song, blending horror and psychedelia.
  • • His struggles with mental illness brought greater awareness and empathy to artists facing similar battles.
  • • Though never mainstream, his work was honored with a tribute album featuring diverse artists.
  • • Erickson's blend of horror and rock established him as a pioneer of psychedelic horror rock.

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Rivers & Roads in Song Nearby

Interstate 35 43 Texas Colorado River 6 Texas State Highway 71 2 Blanco River 4 Pedernales River 6 Guadalupe River 17

Connected Places

Austin, TX
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