Roky Erickson — the lead vocalist and principal songwriter of the psychedelic band The 13th Floor Elevators — has died.
The legendary rocker, born Roger Kynard Erickson, passed away on Friday (May 31) in Austin at the age of 71. Roky's passing was confirmed by his brother Bill Bentley, who told Variety: "Roky lived in so many worlds, you couldn’t keep up with him. He lived so much, and not always on this planet."
ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, who was a longtime friend of Roky, also released a statement on his passing, saying, "It’s almost unfathomable to contemplate a world without Roky Erickson. He created his own musical galaxy and early on was a true inspiration."
Roky's unmistakable howl, embracing of psychedelic drugs (he's often cited as one of the creators of "psychedelic" music), and overall impact on modern rock n' roll will never be forgotten. Some of his most memorable songs include: "You Don’t Love Me Yet" and "I Have Always Been Here Before."
In addition to music, Roky, who suffered from schizophrenia, is also remembered for his high-profile struggles with the mental illness, which were chronicled in the 2007 documentary You’re Gonna Miss Me.
Roky is survived by his brothers, Sumner and Bill, and son Jegar. His cause of death has not been released and his representatives have asked for privacy for his family at this time.
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