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Roky Erickson, front man of the 13th Floor Elevators and Texan psychedelic pioneer, has died.
Ericksons performing career was cut short by mental-health struggles, but his impact on rock is immeasurable.
Patti Smith, the White Stripes, ZZ Top, and R.E.M.
all cited him as an influence.
While in the hospital, he was tranquilized with Thorazine and subjected to electroconvulsive therapy.
After his institutionalization, Erickson continued to make music and perform sporadically.
He struggled with mental illness and the after-effects of his hospital years.
Ericksons final album came out in 2010, backed by Okkervil River.
Roky Erickson was the most beautifully unique person Ive ever known and perhaps the most brilliant.
The time I got to spend with him is one of the greatest gifts I got out of music.
Therell never be another like him and well all miss him forever.
A post shared by Okkervil River (@okkervilriver)
