Nardwuar interviews Roky Erickson of the 13th Floor Elevators & Will Sheff of Okkervil River at Brooklyn Vegan's 2010 SXSW Day Party in Austin, Texas, USA !
Roky Erickson reminds of a crazy uncle that doesn't visit very often, but when he does, he's a ton of fun and tells tons of weird stories that dont go anywhere. RIP
roky makes sense on a different level than normal people- like when he says "fantasy cushions that only experts can sit on" it's a poetic way of saying only smart people can dig jonathan winters i think
And for what its worth, I first heard roky in 1998. My insane crackhead neighbor would blast him (along with Husker du, Robert Fripp, King Crimson, stuff id never heard before) every other afternoon. At the time I was just into the latest black flag rip off band, but after hearing this stuff, it really opened my horizons. Hipsters probably have the same experiance, they just think its ironic and means something, when really its just randomly cool ass shit.
I get what you're saying, somewhat... His music is not randomly cool, its some of the best rock n roll ever created and that's AFTER he'd been put through electric shock therapy and God knows wtf else. To try and say his music is anything but some of the best music ever made is audacious.
You know, when you watch someone who's supposedly blown several fuses for more than five minutes, and listen to the conversation, you start to feel like they're the ones humouring whoever talks to them, rather than the other way around. nawattamean?
i had the pleasure of opening a show for roky a few months back, met roky, his wife & his son. roky is VERY much like that. he likes to talk about food & tripping out if you bring either of those up, hah.
+bohemianbum 27 My beautiful uncle who I looked up to to the core who was an originator of punk rock with my dad playing with big name punk bands as they first started out in the late 70's-early 80's died from Heroin five years ago. He was my godfather and I miss him a lot. Thanx. F.T.W.
I wonderful to see Roky sounding so healthy and happy and really enjoying himself. When I bought the "You´re gonna miss me" DVD it almost broke my heart seeing him.. Now, he seems well again :)
Sounding healthy? I don't get that. He can't answer simple questions. Obviously his brain is no longer healthy, but yes, he does seem much happier and in a better place than he was during the 80's and 90's.
Yup. It's sad. He was once very intelligent, articulate and insightful. The meds or the treatment he received unfortunately fried his braincells, leaving him HAPPY, but in the permanent state we see him in now, with NO memories, or ability to answer, or even comprehend simple questions.
He still managed to be a decent person under circumstance which would make many people into monsters, and support from fans and fellow Texas rockers like Billy Gibbons helped turn his life around.
Roky Erickson is an amazing being of life. Funny how he kept on emphasizing the word, "relax" to Nardwuar. He's an awesome man and it's terrific to see him making a comeback!
I've seen damn near every Nardwuar video and I'm an Okkervil River SUPER FAN and I've never seen this video, it's escaped me this entire time. This is fucking insane
"Curse of The Demon" is one of Roky's two favorite Horror films (The other being , of course , "Creature With The Atom Brain". ) . The British release , "Night of The Demon" , lacked the "Silly rubber dummy" , which is only one of the scariest movie monsters , ever , and it graced the cover of Roky's first solo album , a British release , at that .
He really seemed like a genuinely kind and friendly person. Its a shame that he had a hard life but I'm glad there were/are those who recognize his genius.
There was a time where he was able to fully elaborate on questions and answer them more coherently and he was insightful and articulate. Listen to his 1981 interview talking about The Evil One album. It's so deep and insightful, or listen to his 1975 audio interview about his stay at Tusk. THAT Roky is long gone. He either blocked out ALL of his memories, or has permanent brain damage. He can't even explain the premise of his favorite horror movie or his memories of Jonathan Winter when growing up today, where as in the past he would go in to descriptive detail.
The New meds don't make you shake as much or get CNS damage, but they utterly destroy your memory. I bet all those answers popped into his head later on.
8:02 Bosko "They told you to never to say it". I immediately thought of George Costanza and his pin number in Seinfeld haha. Is he channeling that, or is that where the actual joke in the show came from?
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators is one of the most legendary concept albums of all time. It really is. Even if thats all he ever did, its well worth it. Thanks again, love this!!
Oh he did way more than that! Throughout the 70s and 80s he kept releasing albums by himself and with other groups he founded or joined. Starry Eyes is an absolute classic.
Conqueroo, as in John the Conqueror, or Johnny Conqueroot. (the voodoo magic root)(makes the girls go crazy over you or something) a lot of Blues musicians had this root in their Mojo Bag.
Roky should be far more well known for his fantastic songwriting. Never understood why bands like Motley Crue were so popular will Roky goes unknown in mainstream society.
Nicely done , Nardwuar. You'll note that Roky talks a lot about "Relaxin' " , but that's a big part of his game plan. Being rested enough so that he CAN work. I happened to be backstage at the Ponderosa Stomp , Roky's Manager was trying to get him to go out , the band was onstage , plugged in , ready to go...."OH , I THINK I'M GONNA JUST RELAX FOR A WHILE , MM - HMM...." Needless to say , he was on stage in less than two minutes, without any prodding . Doot doodle doot doot - UH - HUH! Classic.
I was a huge fan of Kenny Rogers Roasters back in the day. The biggest problem with the place was that it used real silverware and people kept accidentally kept throwing it out. I can't help but believe the cost of replacing the accidentally disposed of silverware contributed to that fine casual dining chain's demise. KENNY ROGERS ROASTERS FOREVER!!!! (They had a pretty bad ass chocolate cake as well)
I heard Roky Erickson's solo work 1st. I had heard of the 13th Floor Elevators, but back in the mid/late 80s, their records/cds were unobtainium. Easter Everywhere 1st heard from a tape of a tape cassette!
Rest in peace Kenny Rogers and Roky What an interesting collaboration that would have been They could have done "I Just Dropped In( to see what condition my condition was in)" ☺💝🎆
3:49 Roky: "Well that makes more sense than.... Whatever it is..." Will : "Why does that make more sense?" Roky: (With zero hesitation) "I don't know" This man exists in a separate dimension and we are only seeing his projection.
some folks here are saying that he's confused, that his brain may be fried, but he doesn't know what's going on, I think all of that is wrong. I think he knows exactly what's going on and he talks a different sort of way but he's a poet and a rocker. I'm so glad that he doesn't talk like everybody else he doesn't think like everybody else that's what makes him who he is.
As much as what you say is true, the facts are he is CLEARLY confused and his brain cells have been fried. There was a time where he was able to fully elaborate on questions and answer them more coherently and he was insightful and articulate. Listen to his 1981 interview talking about his Evil One album. It's so deep and insightful, or listen to his 1975 audio interview about his stay at Tusk. THAT Roky is long gone. He either blocked out ALL of his memories, or has permanent brain damage. He can't even explain the premise of his favorite horror movie or his memories of Jonathan Winter when growing up today, where as in the past he would go in to descriptive detail.
I know nothing about Roky BUT, I am a MASSIVE TURBONEGRO fan and I believe this is the guy who was sampled on the ‘Hot Cars & Spent Contraceptives’ album by TURBONEGRO... when asked what his favorite Sex Pistols song is, he replies, ‘Uhh um, I’m trying to think right now, I have it, let me see. First Sex Pistols song I ever heard? “Yeah”, Hot Cars.’ Any info would be cool, but god damn... if you have not heard or listened to TURBONEGRO... you missed out, the band is going but is missing a bunch of original members... but... as an American... this is the greatest ‘rock n roll’ band to have ever made music... aka DEATH PUNK. Don’t believe me? Start at Apocalypse Dudes and listen on.. Love you Oslo, love Turbojugend!, DARKNESS FOREVER! 🖤 666 VAYA CON SATAN
There's "Human Fly" by The Cramps , of course , "The Spider and The Fly " by The Monacles (I think) , "Return of The Fly" (The sequel !) by The Misfits and so on..... But Roky's songs would lend themselves to so many Horror films , even if the action did'nt coincide with the lyrics. But , you're right , most movies being made today don't deserve his music on their soundtracks. "Eyes Without a Face" , amazing film. But , Roky's drawn from Classic and "B" Horror for inspiration.
It always stood out to me how his demeanor changed anytime the 13th floor elevators got brought up. I know it’s probably the fuck load of acid but he seemed to be traumatized by that period or something
"You went back and had a packet of TANG!" Do you like Tang?!" Someone needs to get that interviewer some Thorazine. He's messing with my head. Poor Rocky's trying to keep up with Mr. ADHD. He can't form a thought before Spazmatron is bombarding him with more questions. And sweet Roky, just taking all in stride and so kind. He does seem to be having fun and that's a good thing. All in all this was very cute. Thank God, the guy was with Roky to help guide as much as possible. How sweet.
He is NOT back to normal. This angers me!! He used to be articulate, very intelligent, insightful and able to have DEEP and long conversations. This Roky has NO memory left, has little to no ability to comprehend questions, or reply to them. He is HAPPY, yes, but is far from back to normal. Such an ignorant statement to make.
Roky Erickson reminds of a crazy uncle that doesn't visit very often, but when he does, he's a ton of fun and tells tons of weird stories that dont go anywhere. RIP
Nardwuar’s brain: 1,000,000/mph straight on point.
Roky’s brain: 1,000,000/mph in shuffle mode
Will’s brain: just going the speed limit
Succinct
roky makes sense on a different level than normal people- like when he says "fantasy cushions that only experts can sit on" it's a poetic way of saying only smart people can dig jonathan winters i think
or somethin like that... you know
Roky's always in the ball park, just like Jonathan Winters. 2 of my top 200 heroes.
Roky Erickson, fucking legend
“Bless you!”
- Roky Erickson
He melts my heart! What beauty a beautiful man. Bless you too Roky!
Roky was a prophet and will be forever missed.
Roky is such a beautiful human
haha i could listen to rocky talk for 8 hours straight
Haha yeah me too!! There's just something about his phrases ya know or something like that haha
And for what its worth, I first heard roky in 1998. My insane crackhead neighbor would blast him (along with Husker du, Robert Fripp, King Crimson, stuff id never heard before) every other afternoon. At the time I was just into the latest black flag rip off band, but after hearing this stuff, it really opened my horizons. Hipsters probably have the same experiance, they just think its ironic and means something, when really its just randomly cool ass shit.
I get what you're saying, somewhat...
His music is not randomly cool, its some of the best rock n roll ever created and that's AFTER he'd been put through electric shock therapy and God knows wtf else.
To try and say his music is anything but some of the best music ever made is audacious.
You know, when you watch someone who's supposedly blown several fuses for more than five minutes, and listen to the conversation, you start to feel like they're the ones humouring whoever talks to them, rather than the other way around. nawattamean?
I get that feeling everytime i watch roky in an interview.
i had the pleasure of opening a show for roky a few months back, met roky, his wife & his son. roky is VERY much like that. he likes to talk about food & tripping out if you bring either of those up, hah.
Narduwar finally met his match.
what a great beautiful fuckin soul Roky is.
hes like the awesome uncle you wish you had
+bohemianbum 27 My beautiful uncle who I looked up to to the core who was an originator of punk rock with my dad playing with big name punk bands as they first started out in the late 70's-early 80's died from Heroin five years ago. He was my godfather and I miss him a lot. Thanx. F.T.W.
I wonderful to see Roky sounding so healthy and happy and really enjoying himself. When I bought the "You´re gonna miss me" DVD it almost broke my heart seeing him.. Now, he seems well again :)
Sounding healthy? I don't get that. He can't answer simple questions. Obviously his brain is no longer healthy, but yes, he does seem much happier and in a better place than he was during the 80's and 90's.
Above all, Roky seems like a nice guy...
Roky is that dude...Legend.
7:39--"Well I'm tryin' to think about that." RIP Roky. You are missed greatly.
What a legendary man Roky is, you can't help but love him ❤️
Poor Roky. His mind is constantly on shuffle mode.
he seems happy to me
Yup. It's sad. He was once very intelligent, articulate and insightful. The meds or the treatment he received unfortunately fried his braincells, leaving him HAPPY, but in the permanent state we see him in now, with NO memories, or ability to answer, or even comprehend simple questions.
He still managed to be a decent person under circumstance which would make many people into monsters, and support from fans and fellow Texas rockers like Billy Gibbons helped turn his life around.
I really like him but it’s unfortunate because if you watch those old interviews with him he used to be so well spoken.
Dan Maler well i think what he says although sometimes hard to understand does make sense, but of course the medication and his age has taken toll.
Roky Erickson is an amazing being of life. Funny how he kept on emphasizing the word, "relax" to Nardwuar. He's an awesome man and it's terrific to see him making a comeback!
I've seen damn near every Nardwuar video and I'm an Okkervil River SUPER FAN and I've never seen this video, it's escaped me this entire time. This is fucking insane
"Curse of The Demon" is one of Roky's two favorite Horror films (The other being , of course , "Creature With The Atom Brain". ) . The British release , "Night of The Demon" , lacked the "Silly rubber dummy" , which is only one of the scariest movie monsters , ever , and it graced the cover of Roky's first solo album , a British release , at that .
I was going to get some fantasy cushions, but I realised I wasn't a specialist.
Roky was so precious
He really seemed like a genuinely kind and friendly person. Its a shame that he had a hard life but I'm glad there were/are those who recognize his genius.
roky looked at nardwuar like he was nuts when he asked right from left field if tommy hall ate cockroaches !! lmao
Actually Tommy DID eat Cockroaches.. Claimed it was protein
This is the last video interview Roky ever did (over 9 years ago now).
There was a time where he was able to fully elaborate on questions and answer them more coherently and he was insightful and articulate. Listen to his 1981 interview talking about The Evil One album. It's so deep and insightful, or listen to his 1975 audio interview about his stay at Tusk. THAT Roky is long gone. He either blocked out ALL of his memories, or has permanent brain damage. He can't even explain the premise of his favorite horror movie or his memories of Jonathan Winter when growing up today, where as in the past he would go in to descriptive detail.
The New meds don't make you shake as much or get CNS damage, but they utterly destroy your memory. I bet all those answers popped into his head later on.
"er something like that"
8:02 Bosko "They told you to never to say it". I immediately thought of George Costanza and his pin number in Seinfeld haha. Is he channeling that, or is that where the actual joke in the show came from?
I thought the same thing haha kinda surprised I didn't see anyone else mention it
Roky Erickson - Champion and Legend RIP
Just so happy hes still around and has overcome alot of his anxiety to play live more often the man is brilliant in his own broken way !!!
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators is one of the most legendary concept albums of all time. It really is. Even if thats all he ever did, its well worth it. Thanks again, love this!!
Oh he did way more than that! Throughout the 70s and 80s he kept releasing albums by himself and with other groups he founded or joined. Starry Eyes is an absolute classic.
These two are the CEOs of “something like that yano” love it 😊
love rokys expressions
R.I.P. Roky ! You left us to deal with the two headed dogs!
Watch 'The dirt road to psychedelia' & 'You're gonna miss me'
about 50,000 times until enlightened.
I love Roky forever. I dont care if he's a little mad cause let me tell you a secret *WE ALL ARE* haha. Nardwuar did great, thanks for this!
Just watched the Roky Erickson episode of "Acid Casualties" on here. Check it out for the real rundown on this man.
How can you not love rocky.
by spelling his name wrong...
***** You care?
Tripp Humanphobia #rekt
"Something like that" "You know?"
"Doo doodlaoo doo..."
"Uh Huh!"
Everybody in this video is really likeable.
also high or mentally confused
RIP Roky. You will be missed.
Oh Roky Roky. Miss you. You were so real and true. Love you.
Conqueroo, as in John the Conqueror, or Johnny Conqueroot.
(the voodoo magic root)(makes the girls go crazy over you or something)
a lot of Blues musicians had this root in their Mojo Bag.
Thank you
Long live the memory of Roky Erickson.
xoxo The Clarences
Nice to see him smiling, saw him the other day in Carrboro and he seemed happy.
Roky knows how to handle Nardwuar!
Roky should be far more well known for his fantastic songwriting.
Never understood why bands like Motley Crue were so popular will Roky goes unknown in mainstream society.
Nicely done , Nardwuar. You'll note that Roky talks a lot about "Relaxin' " , but that's a big part of his game plan. Being rested enough so that he CAN work. I happened to be backstage at the Ponderosa Stomp , Roky's Manager was trying to get him to go out , the band was onstage , plugged in , ready to go...."OH , I THINK I'M GONNA JUST RELAX FOR A WHILE , MM - HMM...." Needless to say , he was on stage in less than two minutes, without any prodding . Doot doodle doot doot - UH - HUH! Classic.
hahaha thats hilarious
Nard and Roky, two of my favorite people ever.
Roky. So glad he felt better towards the end. The legend!!
I think I am going to go read or that thing you know sit on RIP
I was a huge fan of Kenny Rogers Roasters back in the day. The biggest problem with the place was that it used real silverware and people kept accidentally kept throwing it out. I can't help but believe the cost of replacing the accidentally disposed of silverware contributed to that fine casual dining chain's demise.
KENNY ROGERS ROASTERS FOREVER!!!!
(They had a pretty bad ass chocolate cake as well)
IN THE NIGHT I AM REAL
Both of you young fellas seem to give a shit about Roky's past more than he does. RELAX... lol.
this guys logic is awesome.
"I don't know uhhhh, they must be....somethin'............. ya know....."
A dude and his care provider. Will is awesome.
"ya'know what I mean"
I heard Roky Erickson's solo work 1st. I had heard of the 13th Floor Elevators, but back in the mid/late 80s, their records/cds were unobtainium. Easter Everywhere 1st heard from a tape of a tape cassette!
Mad respect to roky one OG person
Much respect to this OG comment ☝️💯
HOW HAVE I NOT SEEN THIS!?!?!?!?!?
One can only imagine a conversation between Roky and Sky Saxon...
Rest in peace Kenny Rogers and Roky What an interesting collaboration that would have been They could have done "I Just Dropped In( to see what condition my condition was in)" ☺💝🎆
I just dropped in... And there was Roky.
@@stephenmorton8017 🤗
Rest In Peace
Very good to see, Roky's doing pretty good in a long time!
She knew the sun would come and it would shine for us all day!☮️❤️
RIP to the greatest
Very powerful man.
Roky looks like he's doin' a lot better than he did in the Documentary about him. Glad to see it.
He's happier, but I wouldn't say his mind is better. There's obviously permanent brain damage.
Kenny Rogers Roasters was fan-fucking-tastic. There was one around the corner from where I lived as a teenager in Arlington.
Nardwuar and Roky... in the same room... in the same camera shot... OHHHHHH lord hold me
Will seemed annoyed that nardwuar made him do the doo do loo at the end after roky had already done it
3:49
Roky: "Well that makes more sense than.... Whatever it is..."
Will : "Why does that make more sense?"
Roky: (With zero hesitation) "I don't know"
This man exists in a separate dimension and we are only seeing his projection.
bless his heart he aint on the same time space continuum as the rest of us
Very cool. As always, Nardwuar is a pro.
some folks here are saying that he's confused, that his brain may be fried, but he doesn't know what's going on, I think all of that is wrong. I think he knows exactly what's going on and he talks a different sort of way but he's a poet and a rocker. I'm so glad that he doesn't talk like everybody else he doesn't think like everybody else that's what makes him who he is.
As much as what you say is true, the facts are he is CLEARLY confused and his brain cells have been fried. There was a time where he was able to fully elaborate on questions and answer them more coherently and he was insightful and articulate. Listen to his 1981 interview talking about his Evil One album. It's so deep and insightful, or listen to his 1975 audio interview about his stay at Tusk. THAT Roky is long gone. He either blocked out ALL of his memories, or has permanent brain damage. He can't even explain the premise of his favorite horror movie or his memories of Jonathan Winter when growing up today, where as in the past he would go in to descriptive detail.
@@Danimal77 he can still fucking play though, don't disrespect your god
Roky was definitely confused. Mostly about what the fuck everyone else's problem is
Poor Rocky...
I didn't know his out-of-touch mind was this extreme.
Man good for Roky, he seems a lot more functional in this interview than he has in a looooong time. It's good to see that.
Functional yes, but his mind is gone.
I know nothing about Roky BUT, I am a MASSIVE TURBONEGRO fan and I believe this is the guy who was sampled on the ‘Hot Cars & Spent Contraceptives’ album by TURBONEGRO... when asked what his favorite Sex Pistols song is, he replies, ‘Uhh um, I’m trying to think right now, I have it, let me see. First Sex Pistols song I ever heard? “Yeah”, Hot Cars.’
Any info would be cool, but god damn... if you have not heard or listened to TURBONEGRO... you missed out, the band is going but is missing a bunch of original members... but... as an American... this is the greatest ‘rock n roll’ band to have ever made music... aka DEATH PUNK. Don’t believe me? Start at Apocalypse Dudes and listen on.. Love you Oslo, love Turbojugend!, DARKNESS FOREVER! 🖤 666 VAYA CON SATAN
Nothing But Love For Roky.
There's "Human Fly" by The Cramps , of course , "The Spider and The Fly " by The Monacles (I think) , "Return of The Fly" (The sequel !) by The Misfits and so on.....
But Roky's songs would lend themselves to so many Horror films , even if the action did'nt coincide with the lyrics. But , you're right , most movies being made today don't deserve his music on their soundtracks. "Eyes Without a Face" , amazing film. But , Roky's drawn from Classic and "B" Horror for inspiration.
I don't think Roky remembers everything. I read somewhere he got shock therapy. I think he might be toast. Very sad.
The JonathanWinters Fantasy Cushion
Best sign off nard has ever received. Sleep well dark prince
The Black Angels are good with Roky.
Roky Halloween night shows were so fun.
I wanna see Roky and D. Johnston collaborate on something
oh yeah!
They can have the voices in their heads do harmonies
Roky in the North Face coat
roky erickson is probably thinking, "we used to beat people up for looking like that!"
7:04 Yes I do, I love that organ, yes I do, YEah.
It always stood out to me how his demeanor changed anytime the 13th floor elevators got brought up. I know it’s probably the fuck load of acid but he seemed to be traumatized by that period or something
Rocky and Daniel Johnson performing together needs to happen.
He was adorable. Hippie incarnate.
Im just glad my idol Roky taught me that I like places that I can sit.
No, to use critical judgement is called thinking .
"something like that"
even bringing up the middling 'Dylan inpersonator' Destroyer is an insult to Roky.
"You went back and had a packet of TANG!" Do you like Tang?!" Someone needs to get that interviewer some Thorazine. He's messing with my head. Poor Rocky's trying to keep up with Mr. ADHD. He can't form a thought before Spazmatron is bombarding him with more questions. And sweet Roky, just taking all in stride and so kind. He does seem to be having fun and that's a good thing. All in all this was very cute. Thank God, the guy was with Roky to help guide as much as possible. How sweet.
+Zyanna Rose that's his schtick, dude. maybe not the best interviewee choice, but everyone knows how nardwuar does things.
Suggesting that someone needs a useless and deadly medication is incredibly disrespectful
I literally have no idea what you are talking about
Roky looks so good man, back to normal
He is NOT back to normal. This angers me!! He used to be articulate, very intelligent, insightful and able to have DEEP and long conversations. This Roky has NO memory left, has little to no ability to comprehend questions, or reply to them. He is HAPPY, yes, but is far from back to normal. Such an ignorant statement to make.