The Cramps' frontman dies

Lux Interior, the founding member of cult garage rock band The Cramps, has died.

Interior, whose real name was Erick Lee Purkhiser passed away at 4.30am yesterday at the Glendale Memorial Hospital, California due to a previously existing heart condition. He was 62.

The Cramps formed in 1973 when Interior and his wife Poison Ivy, real name Kristy Wallace, began performing at CBGB’s - the iconic hub of the early 70’s New York punk scene. Interior soon became known for his wild onstage antics, which often incorporated elements of fetishism and violence.

Musically The Cramps have been credited with pioneering a unique sound that mixes rockabilly, surf and punk rock music with theatrical lyrics influenced by horror B-movies. Their influence can be heard in a wide range of bands from The White Stripes and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers to The Horrors and The Misfits.

In an official statement released yesterday the Cramps' publicist said:

"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,"

Interior survived by Wallace, his wife of 37 years.