Farewell: Lux Interior [10.21..1946 - 2.4.2009]

With great sadness I have just learned of the passing of Lux Interior, lead singer of seminal psychobilly/punk band The Cramps.

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.

I saw The Cramps several times over the years. I even once had the pleasure of sharing a bill with them during my dancing days. I can think of major events in my life that somehow involved a Cramps concert: one of the first dates I went on with one of the former Bad Gal Zeros was to a Cramps concert. That same concert was also the last time I saw my friend Pepe [singer for Loco Gringos] alive. He died of an overdose a couple of days later. The Cramps were the band I and another former Bad Gal Zero had gone to see on the night I had a major optic injury that sort of/pretty much paved the way for the creation of Bad Kid Zero. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who has memorable moments that involved The Cramps.
Lux was a hell of a frontman. I can't think of a single show where he didn't give 100%. One of my cherished rock mementos is a microphone that he destroyed during a show at Trees in the early 90s.
Farewell Lux. You came and gave it your all and in doing so touched the lives of many, many people in ways you probably didn't even imagine. Stay sick!