thirteenth floor elevators

The surviving members of the Thirteenth Floor Elevators are reforming for their first show since 1967.

Vocalist-guitarist Roky Erickson, jug player Tommy Hall, bassist Ronnie Leatherman and original drummer John Ike Walton will reconvene for the Levitation Festival at Carson Creek Ranch in Austin, Texas, from May 8-10.

Also on the bill are Flaming Lips, Tame Impala, Jesus & Mary Chain, Spiritualized, Primal Scream, Black Angels and Thee Oh Sees.

The Elevators reunion will include an as yet un-named guitarist in place of Stacy Sutherland, who was shot and killed by his wife during a domestic dispute in 1978. 

Roky Erickson has been performing for many years after recovering his health following protracted mental illness. The appearance by Tommy Hall, the band’s lyricist and spiritual (and drug) seer, is a major surprise, however. He’s understood to have been living in seclusion in San Francisco.

Ever wondered how the 13^th Floor Elevators would sound live, 47 years after their last performance? Wonder no more. The band (most of it) reformed for a one-off show at the levitation Festival in Texas on May 10.  

And before you ask, the Elevators were without the late Stacey Sutherland whose guitar role was well-filled, by all accounts, by ring-in Eli Southward. Roky's son Jaeger added harmonica. 

Set list after the Read More button, plus another video. And no, we haven't heard of any plans to tour this, but we can dream. And keep checking back for a report from our Barfly on the ground.