Above: A clip of The Cramps performing at California’s Napa State Mental Hospital. Yes, this really happened.
Andy Giles points out that the Chunklet guys have posted mp3s of the Cramps’ “Ohio demo”…
Here’s the Feb 4, 2009 Statement from publicist:
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.
Lyrics to The Cramps’ “Garbageman”:
you ain’t no punk, you punk
you wanna talk about the real junk?
if I ever slip, I’ll be banned
cuz I’m your garbageman
well you can’t dig me you can’t dig nothin’
do you want the real thing, or are you just talkin’?
do you understand?
I’m your garbageman
yeah, somethin’ from the garage and down the driveway
now get outta your mind and get outta my way
now do you understand?
do you understand?
louie, louie, louie, lou-i
the bird’s the word and do you know why?
you gotta beat it with a stick
you gotta beat it ’til it’s thick
you gotta live until you’re dead
you gotta rock ’til you see red
now do you understand?
do you understand?
I’m a garbageman
aw, jump on and ride
yeah it’s just what you need when you’re down in the dumps
one half hillbilly and one half punk
big long legs and one big mouth
the hottest thing from the north to come out of the south
do you understand?
do you understand?
woo, I can’t lose with the stuff I use,
and you don’t choose no substitutes
so stick out your can
cuz I’m your garbageman
now do you understand?
do you understand?
do you understand?
all right, hop off
Arthur Magazine 
Damn, what a shock… And what a terrible start to the year. My sympathies to Ivy, they were a tremendous band.
Fucking Hell!
I hate the winter death months….
If the fundamentalists are correct and there is an actual ‘rapture’ happening i.e.- the world’s best people being harvested early and hence escaping the horror of the final days, then Lux say hi to Joey and Dee Dee for us. We miss all of you. A lot.
The Cramps were the headliners the very first time I set foot in Max’s Kansas City. What an intro to NYC rock and roll cabaret for an 18 year old hayseed whose best friend (I love you Anne Schack) had scored a waitressing job there. Connected! Goddamn. Berlin Schmerlin. The next day I ran to Bleeker Bob’s and bought the “Human Fly” 45 with the glow in the dark sleeve. Sold American. To this day one of the 2 or 3 pieces of vinyl that didn’t get sold to support other, more expensive habits.
On the Cramps website I left a note that signed off with an RIP. But now that I’ve had a day or two to think about it, Lux, I hope you’re kicking and screaming and dancing and bending microphone stands over that giant Frankenstein genius head.