Deathblog:

Roky Erickson

(1947-2019)

I promise, I promise

My green and blue eyes to you

I promise, I promise

My green and blue eyes to you

For you, I cool the streets with the wind at night

In the day I beat with the sun on the cobblestones

And cool the wind of the Nile at night

The earth, I fill with diamonds, plus light

To say they never, ever bite

I promise, I promise

My green and blue eyes to you

I promise, I promise

My green and blue eyes to you

With you, god shows me his wife

Lucifer and the mother of witches

In marriage they unite

My gremlins, color purple after light

To say they never, ever bite

I promise, I promise

My green and blue eyes to you

I promise, I promise

My green and blue eyes to you

May ninth, 1976, Satan came to earth on a May night

Gremlins have pictures, of the anniversary of Christ

The square root of zero, is something smaller than zero

which keeps getting smaller, keeps him out of sight, his soul

I promise, I promise

My green and blue eyes to you

I promise, I promise

My green and blue eyes to you

- Anthem (I Promise), 1976-ish

I have, of course, been devastated to learn this evening that Roky Erickson has passed away at the age of 71. As regular readers will recall, Roky has long been one of my absolute favourites. I return to his music constantly, and it never fails to inspire me and make me happy. In spite of the oft-discussed damage, tragedy and darkness that characterised much of his life, he was both a colossally talented artist / songwriter / musician / rock n’ roller [select whichever designation you favour], and a warm and genuine human being. The vision he brought to underground rock music was utterly unique, and, though individual tolerance may vary, it fits my own sensibilities like hand meeting glove.

Unfortunately I’m not really in a position to compose a proper obit post right now, but watch this space—appropriate tribute will be coming soon.

To jump on the line that will no doubt figure in about 98% of social media obits - we’re gonna miss him, baby.