The lead singer of The Cramps, a pioneer of psychobilly, known for his outrageous stage antics, eclectic style, and blending of rockabilly and punk rock. He's a cult figure in the music underground.
Lux Interior, born Erick Lee Purkhiser, was an American singer and founding member of the iconic rock band The Cramps. He is widely recognized for his frenetic and provocative stage shows, blending punk's energy with rockabilly's swagger.
Born on October 21, 1946, in Akron, Ohio, Lux grew up in the nearby suburb of Stow and graduated from Stow High School. In 1972, he met his future wife and bandmate, Kristy Wallace (aka Poison Ivy), while hitchhiking in Sacramento, California.
Fueled by their shared passion for rock 'n' roll and punk's rebellious spirit, Lux and Kristy founded The Cramps in 1976. After relocating from Ohio to New York City in 1975, they immersed themselves in the city's thriving punk scene.
Lux's stage persona was a key element of The Cramps' appeal. He was known for his provocative performances, which often featured high heels, near-nudity, and sexually suggestive movements. His signature move, the "microphone blow job," where he would insert the entire head of an SM58 microphone into his mouth, left audiences agog.
The band's unique blend of psychobilly, gothabilly, and rockabilly defied categorization. Lux and Kristy coined the term "psychobilly" to describe their sound, which drew inspiration from 1950s and 1960s rockabilly, garage rock, and punk.
The Cramps' influence can be seen in numerous bands that followed in their footsteps. Lux's unwavering dedication to his art is evident in the band's final show in 2006. When asked about his motivation to continue performing, Lux replied, "It's a little bit like asking a junkie how he's been able to keep on dope all these years... it's just so much fun."
Lux Interior's untimely passing on February 4, 2009, at the age of 62, left a void in the music world. His contributions to punk and rockabilly, however, continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. As a testament to his enduring impact, Lux Interior remains an icon of punk rock's rebellious spirit.
73 Years Old
A punk rock icon, known for her rebellious spirit, fiery guitar riffs, and provocative lyrics that challenged social norms and inspired a generation of female musicians.
