Gary Floyd, Obituary, Death , Co-Founder and Lead Singer of Punk Band ‘The Dicks’, Passes Away at 72, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Music, Activism, and Art”.
Gary Floyd, a pioneering singer-songwriter from Texas, has died at the age of 72. Best known for fronting the punk band ‘The Dicks’ in the 1980s, Floyd was a trailblazer in the punk rock scene, known for his raucous performances, Marxist lyrics, and unwavering commitment to his art.
Born in 1952 in Palestine, Texas, Floyd grew up with a passion for music, politics, and art. He founded ‘The Dicks’ in 1980, posting fake flyers around Austin to generate buzz. When the band was asked to perform at a punk rock prom, Floyd made the band a reality, recruiting members and starting a punk rock revolution in Austin.
‘The Dicks’ were known for their energetic live performances, with Floyd often performing in drag and challenging fans with his lyrics and attitude. The band released several punk rock classics, including “Wheelchair Epidemic” and “Hate the Police”, which became anthems for the punk movement.
Floyd’s music was released on legendary punk labels like SST, R Radical Records, and Alternative Tentacles, and he played alongside other influential bands like Big Boys and MDC. In the 1990s, he formed Sister Double Happiness and Black Kali Ma, continuing to push the boundaries of punk rock.
In recent years, Floyd had been performing with the reconstituted ‘The Dicks’ and leading various other bands, including the Gary Floyd Band. He had also turned to painting and printmaking, with his art displayed at Austin’s Prizer Arts Gallery.
Floyd’s legacy extends beyond his music. He was a devout vegan and Buddhist, and his anti-authoritarian worldview continued to inspire fans and fellow musicians. His induction into the Texas Music Hall of Fame in 2009 was a testament to his enduring influence on the music scene.
The documentary ‘The Dicks From Texas’ (2015) chronicled the band’s history and impact, cementing Floyd’s place in punk rock history. His passing leaves a void in the music world, but his legacy will continue to inspire and challenge future generations.
Rest in peace, Gary Floyd. Your music, art, and activism will never be forgotten.
