Roky Erickson was the lead vocalist of ‘60s psychedelic pre-punk pioneers the 13th Floor Elevators, a group vital to the histories of punk and garage rock. Known for their LSD-fueled shows and manic energy, The Elevators disbanded only four years after first appearing in Austin’s scene when the group was busted for marijuana possession. Erickson pleaded insanity to the charges and was committed to a mental institution until 1973. In the ‘80s, Erickson became a recluse and struggled with mental illness, as chronicled in the 2005 documentary, You’re Gonna Miss Me. Remarkably, Erickson began to recover under the care of his brother and has been recording and playing live shows since 2005. Maxwell’s on Dec. 31 ($35, all ages, 10 p.m.) and Jan. 2 ($25, all ages, 9:30 p.m.) and Southpaw on Jan. 1 ($25, 18+, 9 p.m.) host the return of Rocky Erickson. rokyerickson.net.
