Austin Sound

Last Thursday, garage rock legend and founder of the Seeds Sky Saxon passed away here in Austin, where he and his wife Sabrina had relocated only a few months before. Saxon, born Richard Marsh, reportedly died of kidney and heart failure due to an undiagnosed internal infection. Although he had spent only a short time here in Austin, and news of his passing was eclipsed by other celebrity deaths last week, he had already left a mark on the city with his music and his presence, especially in his headlining set at the Psych Fest in March with locals Shapes Have Fangs backing him as the World Spirits. (Watch a video of the performance below).

Yesterday word came that Sky Saxon, who had moved to Austin only a couple weeks ago, had been admitted to St. David’s Hospital on Monday and was in critical condition. The cause was suspected to be an infection of the internal organs. This morning, the Statesman sends word that Saxon has passed away.

Sky Saxon (born Richard Marsh) was a legendary space cadet, fronting the Sixties garage rockers the Seeds, and recently finding an appreciative home here in Austin. He had already been playing with a number of local bands backing him, including Shapes Have Fangs at this year’s Psych Fest. The post from his wife, Sabrina, on her Facebook page offered the following this morning: “Sky has passed over and YaHoWha is waiting for him at the gate. He will soon be home with his Father. I’m so sorry I couldn’t keep him here with us.” We wish we had had the time to welcome him to Austin more fully.