Roky Erickson
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Album:The Interpreter Vol. 1
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Recently I’ve discovered that I can watch some of the movies from the Netflix catalog on their website. Because of this I’ve seen stuff that I wouldn’t normally rent, like the Roky Erickson documentary “You’re Gonna Miss Me.” The film is a sad portrait of the former singer/songwriter of the 13th Floor Elevators and it details his long battle with drugs, the law, and insanity. The film doesn’t end triumphantly, with Roky playing music on stage again or not needing caretakers, but it does show Roky getting better care, medication, etc.
Watching the film I was struck by the similarities between Mr. Erickson and another songwriter, Daniel Johnston; some of which include: needing guardians, being schizophrenic(perhaps chemically induced), and writing a lot of weird ghoulish songs. However, unlike Daniel Rocky isn’t considered to be an outsider artist/musician.
Since the film came out Roky has apparently gotten much better. The Guardian reports: “He has quit smoking. He has a driver's license. Most surprisingly, on Christmas Day he finished weaning himself off the anti-psychotic medication Zyprexa.” Roky has also returned to playing and performing music. http://www.rokyerickson.net/tour.php
Night of the Vampire - 1984
Comments (3)
I don't know how to say this without sounding like a sycophant. I really enjoy of your choice of posting. I only wish I could be as eloquent as you whilst choosing brilliant tunes to share with others.
I guess you've seen "Did." What do you think of it as a "rock flick?"