Thursday, February 05, 2009

IN MEMORIAM: Erick Lee "Lux Interior" Purkhiser, October 21, 1946 – February 4, 2009





For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2009

Lux Interior, lead singer of The Cramps, passed away this morning due to an existing heart condition at Glendale Memorial Hospital in Glendale, California at 4:30 AM PST today. Lux has been an inspiration and influence to millions of artists and fans around the world. He and wife Poison Ivy’s contributions with The Cramps have had an immeasurable impact on modern music.

The Cramps emerged from the original New York punk scene of CBGB and Max’s Kansas City, with a singular sound and iconography. Their distinct take on rockabilly and surf along with their midnight movie imagery reminded us all just how exciting, dangerous, vital and sexy rock and roll should be and has spawned entire subcultures. Lux was a fearless frontman who transformed every stage he stepped on into a place of passion, abandon, and true freedom. He is a rare icon who will be missed dearly.

The family requests that you respect their privacy during this difficult time.








1 comment:

Anonymous said...

The Cramps--one of my favorite bands--what a shame, but not a surprise. I'm sure a lot of people are wondering what The Cramps are doing on a clown blog, but if you've ever seen them or listened to their records, there's immense theatricality and immense humor. I love the fact that they never took themselves as seriously as some of the other psychobilly cats. Rather than be sad, I'm gonna play "Songs The Lord Taught Us" REALLY LOUD--I'm sure Lux would want it that way!

Rik Gern