Cramps Late Singer Lux Interior Inspires Lux Lives Animal Charity Show

Philadelphia's Lux Luves concert lineup
Philadelphia's Lux Lives concert lineup
By A.D. AMOROSI

When The Cramps’ lead singer, Lux Interior, passed away five years ago this February, his death signaled a call-to-action for his fans. Longtime devotees of the legendary punk-rockabilly wild man started a worldwide celebration of Interior’s music and dedication to animal rights – Lux Lives – and will bring the big show to Philadelphia’s Kung Fu Necktie, on Saturday, February 22 with local, like-sounding acts Dixy Blood, Full Blown Cherry, and ICD-9.

The Cramps made primal, punk filled with Interior’s absurd, B-movie worthy lyrics about human flies, evil garbage men, and Martian girls. In reality, Interior was a kind, Southern gentlemen and a devoted activist; his favorite charity was the Best Friends Animal Society. Fans and bands dedicated to The Cramps’ raw-powered sound followed Interior’s example, and began playing concerts around the world beginning with Lux Lives events in 2013, first in Boston, then in Los Angeles, Scotland, England and Brazil, with more to come.

In Philly, several of Interior’s best friends from The Sickidz – Mick Cancer and Rich Lustre – have joined this cause. Currently known as Dixy Blood (with legendary local drummer Joe Ankenbrand from Molly’s Books and Records on the skins), Lustre and Cancer have gathered their pals in Full Blown Cherry, and ICD-9 (with another Molly’s alumnus, Johnny Dickie on drums) and will donate the proceeds from Saturday, February 22’s show to Lux Lives’ Best Friends Animal Society charity.

Lux Lives is Saturday, February 22, 8 PM at Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N Front Street, tickets are $10. For more info call 215.291.4919 or visit KungFuNecktie.com