Roky Erickson

Legendary rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Roger Kynard “Roky” Erickson hails from Austin, Texas. He is, in the words of music writer Richie Unterberger, one of "the unknown heroes of rock and roll." As singer, songwriter and guitar player for the legendary Austin band the 13th Floor Elevators – the first rock and roll band to describe their music as "psychedelic" – Roky had a profound impact on the San Francisco scene when the group traveled there in 1966. The Elevators only had one chart hit, the Roky-penned “You're Gonna Miss Me,” but their influence was far reaching. R.E.M., ZZ Top, Poi Dog Pondering, the Judybats, T-Bone Burnett, Julian Cope, the Jesus and Mary Chain, the Cramps, the Minutemen, Television, the Cynics, the Lyres, Teisco Del Rey, the Fuzztones and Radio Birdman have all either recorded or played live versions of Roky's songs. His songs have also appeared on the soundtracks to the movies High Fidelity, Drugstore Cowboy, Boys Don't Cry, Hamlet (2000) and Return of the Living Dead. While he may not be a household name, Roky has enjoyed the support of a small but fiercely loyal cult following throughout his career. In March, 2005, Roky made his first public performance in ten years performing three songs at the Roky Erickson Psychedelic Ice Cream Social at Threadgills in Austin. He was backed by the Explosives. In September, he is scheduled to play the Austin City Limits Festival (again with the Explosives) which will mark his first full concert appearance in almost two decades. That makes his appearance at City Arts Festival the second!