Youre Gonna Miss Me Erickson
Roky Erickson has one of those great voices that seem to come out of the ether and define what we now come to regard as essentially psychedelic. You can't escape its magnificence anymore than you will never tire from hearing it. That it comes from such a sweet guy and, as we learn from this documentary, traversed a path that could easily have ended in tragedy only enhances its brilliance. His is a story that seems to traject us to a time and a place that mixes an eccentric and talented family with the archaic marijuana laws of the period to put Roky in a setting that hopefully wouldn't happen today. That he has come out the other side to be once again performing and establishing his place as one of the pivotal figures in our Rock 'n' Roll history is wonderful and no doubt enhanced by films like this.
Get your Youre Gonna Miss Me Erickson Now!
Not often do stories of the rock N roll greats of our time end as positive as Roky's. As a long time fan of his music (since I heard Burn The Flames in Return Of The Living Dead) I was really excited to hear about this documentary, which is so much more than just a documentary. Roky did get a bum rap when he was admitted at Rusk State Hospital, and despite his mothers efforts, he really had a hard time throughout the 80's and 90's. Luckily, Sumner, Roky's brother was there for him. You realy get a feel for how much of a caring person Roky's brother really is. If it werent for Sumner, Roky might not be hear to share his music with us. While this story starts out kind of grim, it ends with Roky breaking free of his past demons, which were truly real to him. It brought a tear to my eye seeing Roky take the stage again for the first time in almost 20 years. The guy always had this sutble gentleness to him and his voice was always so pleasing to the ear, especially to me because I love Rock N Roll and Roky is very influential. I hope to hear a new album from him. At 60 years old, the future seems bright for Roky who, along with his brother Sumner, helps to maintain health and stamina, as well as promote Roky's return to music. This is a magical look at a tragic character who pulls through to prove to the world that you can turn your life around and defeat depression and schizophrenia( whch really doesnt even exist). I look forward to one day seeing Roky perform. I totally recommend this documentary, it is really awe-inspiring. Here's to your health and happiness Roky. Also, get The Evil One and Don't Slander Me as they are classic albums by this highly influential character.
BalasHapusThe best recommendation I can make for this DVD is that it increased my appreciation for Roky Erickson's music--and I've been a fan for 20-plus years. In my opinion, the feature documentary would probably rate four stars. But despite some muddy sound and disjointed storytelling, I'm sure glad the film was made. Being a longtime fan, I knew the basic Roky story (minor fame with the innovative 13th Floor Elevators, followed by a marijuana bust that led to a damaging stint in a high-security mental institution, followed by a sporadic career in which Roky created brilliant music in the brief intervals during which he was able to function well). But this movie fleshed out his life story, making clear that Roky had schizophrenic tendencies all his life (apparently inherited from his mother's side; what little we see and hear of Roky's father - all but accused of molestation by one of Roky's brothers - gives that much more insight into the Erickson family tragedy).
BalasHapusWhat really makes this DVD are the bonus features: about a half-dozen songs from 1977-84, a few spoken-word readings from Roky, and two "postscript" mini-documentaries from 2005 and 2007 (the film was completed in 2002). The 2005 documentary shows the build-up to Roky's comeback show at the Austin City Limits festival, and shows Roky much further recovered than he appears in the feature. It's truly inspiring. The 2007 postscript leaves the story a little up in the air--Roky wins his independence in court. You can see that Roky still lives in his own world, and probably can't live truly independently, but you get the impression he'll be OK with the support of the family, who are all in a much better state with Roky doing so much better.
I saw "You're Gonna Miss Me" last night, along with a live performance by Roky Erickson and the Explosives. This movie documents Roky's mental health decline from illegal drug use as well as his stay at Rusk State Prison (after a regrettable and dubious insanity plea for possession of marijuana) to his youngest brother Sumner's battle to become Roky's guardian.
BalasHapusIn the beginning, the movie details the rise of the 13th Floor Elevators as well as several musicians commenting on the influence of Roky and the Elevators on rock and roll. The remainder of the movie vividly shows Roky's mental condition as well as the chaotic living conditions Roky seems content to remain in. More correctly, it's not that he's content to live in these conditions, it's that his mother's complete control over him and her distrust of psychiatry prevents him from getting the treatment that would benefit him.
The Erickson family could be considered the original Osbourne's, one big dysfunctional family. Much of the movie focuses on the daily interactions between Roky and his mother in Austin. There are also brief interviews with three of Roky's four brothers. The fourth brother, Sumner lives in Pittsburgh next door to Roger Erickson, Roky's father. Sumner maintains that through extensive counseling, he has been able to break free from his mother's domination and hold over him. As a result, Sumner becomes determined to wrestle Roky from his mother's guardianship so that he can receive proper treatment and medication.
Although the movie does not outright condemn Evelyn Erickson for her mismanagement of Roky, it does show that Roky improves after living with Sumner for a year, receiving counseling and presumably medication. However, Sumner's somatic treatments do come off as a little goofy and "new age-ish." And yet when Sumner's therapist asks Roky to sing a song, he picks up a guitar and starts playing and singing like the past tumultuous 25 plus years were but yesterday. And fortunately for us, this is how Roky is when he plays live. It's as if the fog of schizophrenia, depression, and drug use is lifted when he picks up a guitar.
In a telling moment, Sumner somewhat tacitly acknowledges that maybe his mother did the best she could with Roky when he admits that that caring for Roky is a challenge.
Incidentally, if you go to Roky's web site, you can donate to a trust fund to help Sumner fulfill his dream for Roky "to know permanent abundance, dignity, and wellness, in his life."
This is a wonderful film and is a must have for all Roky Erickson fans. I had the privilege of seeing the premier of this film on July 13, 2007 in Austin, Texas in celebration of Roky's 60th Birthday. It was an outstanding experience. To top things off, after the film, Roky gave an absolutely amazing live performance with his current band The Explosives. What a night. Roky and the Explosive rocked like no one I've seen do in a long, long time. The band was tight and under Roky's leadership, literally brought the house down. Outstanding!
BalasHapusThe film provides a good deal of insight into Roky's life beginning with his childhood in Austin, Texas throughout his legal and psychiatric bouts and issues. What was amazing to me, was to see how, at a time in his life while under the guardianship of his mother, it seemed as though there remained no desire whatsoever (and perhaps ability as well) for Roky to continue to create and perform music, which he is so gifted at doing and so clearly loves to do. Seeing his band perform after the film, was proof that Roky Erickson is back, is alive and well, and is in tip-top form!!
You're Gonna Miss Me contains early film footage of the 13th Floor Elevators, including a wonderful clip of their appearance on Dick Clark's American Band. In addition to a great amount of really great nostalgic film footage from the initial days of the psychedelic era, the film is sprinkled with appearances from Erickson family members and friends, Austin law enforcement officers, and commentary from Roky's many admirers, including Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and the great Austin, Texas artist Jim Franklin.
Although I have been a rocker and music fan for many, many years, I have actually just discovered and turned-on to Roky's music. I am so glad I did. Purchase "You're Gonna Miss Me", you won't be disappointed. Then proceed to explore Roky's music, if you haven't already. Oh yeah, do try to catch him in concert if you have the opportunity. Again, Roky still rocks with the best and will absolutely blow your mind.
The story of Roky is complex to say the least. Talent, misfortune, mental illness, drugs, corruption, love, jeleousy, conceit, selfishness and mind-blowing music all play a pivitol role in Roky's life and in this film. But without the genius of Keven McAlester guiding this ship of a film, it could easily have been a disaster of nonsense. Instead, it is a gripping story that has viewers talking about it years after first seeing the film.
BalasHapusBuy this film for yourself, then pass it along to others, or give it as a Christmas present. I have given away five copies of this film, only to receive five letters or calls of deep thanks and requests to go out to dinner to discuss it. In short, it is one of the greats.
BalasHapus