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panader0

(25,816 posts) Sat Jun 1, 2019, 03:58 PM Jun 2019

Roky Erickson of the famed 13th Floor Elevators dies at 71---RIP

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2019/06/01/roky-erickson-psychedelic-rocker-13-th-floor-elevators-dies-71/1312969001/

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Roky Erickson of the famed 13th Floor Elevators dies at 71---RIP (Original Post) panader0 Jun 2019 OP

As an Austinite I know his story well. He was in many ways a victim of the "system". walkingman Jun 2019 #1

Sad to hear this n/t TexasBushwhacker Jun 2019 #2

I discovered, and fell in love with, this band after seeing High Fidelity in the late 90s. Dr Hobbitstein Jun 2019 #3

walkingman

(7,667 posts)

1. As an Austinite I know his story well. He was in many ways a victim of the "system".

Reply to panader0 (Original post)

Sat Jun 1, 2019, 04:17 PM

Jun 2019

The Elevators were vocal proponents of marijuana and psychedelic drug use, and were subject to extra attention from law enforcement. In 1969, Erickson was arrested for possession of a single marijuana joint in Austin. Facing a potential ten-year incarceration, Erickson pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to avoid prison. He was first sent to the Austin State Hospital. After several escapes, he was sent to the Rusk State Hospital in Rusk, Texas, where he was subjected to electroconvulsive therapy and Thorazine treatments, ultimately remaining in custody until 1972.

Although he was embraced by many in Austin after his release it was never the same. He was truly a pioneer.

RIP - Roky

TexasBushwhacker

(20,215 posts)

2. Sad to hear this n/t

Reply to panader0 (Original post)

Sat Jun 1, 2019, 04:21 PM

Jun 2019

Dr Hobbitstein

(6,568 posts)

3. I discovered, and fell in love with, this band after seeing High Fidelity in the late 90s.

Reply to panader0 (Original post)

Sat Jun 1, 2019, 04:33 PM

Jun 2019

Rocky was a subject of the Foo Fighters’ Austin episode of Sonic Highways. Documented his time with the Elevators and the Two Headed Dog era.

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