Donna and I were saddened to learn of the death yesterday of legendary Cramps frontman Lux Interior, who, under his real name of Erick Purkheiser, was a longtime subscriber to VIDEO WATCHDOG magazine and one of the original patrons of MARIO BAVA ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK. He was kind enough to send in the index comment card provided with his copy, which he filled out enthusiastically; I've asked Donna to pull it from our files so that I can share it with you in the days ahead.I was first exposed to the deadly, 'tang-drenched, rockabilly vibes of The Cramps through the movies: as one of the more memorable acts in the IRS concert compendium URGH! A MUSIC WAR and as part of the soundtrack for Tobe Hooper's THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2, where DJ heroine Stretch (Caroline Williams) gives a spin to their classic tune "Goo Goo Muck." Erick, who was 62, reportedly died due to a pre-existing heart condition -- twenty-plus years after an intensely circulated death rumor in the late 1980s. Donna and I send our condolences to Erick's wife "Poison" Ivy Roschach and to his friends, family and fans.
As long as speedometers go higher than the legal speed limit, as long as monster movies occupy the tiniest niche in the popular consciousness, as long as hard-ons hide in tight bluejeans, Lux's raging music will live on.
