The Cramps frontman Lux Interior dead at 62

The Cramps' publicist confirmed Lux Interior dead early Wednesday morning in a hospital, of a preexisting heart condition.  He was a founding member and frontman for the Cramps.

First, the name.  According to the Sacramento Bee's obit, Lux Interior's birthname was Erick Lee Purkhiser.  He changed his name to Lux Interior, inspired by "an old car commercial."  I couldn't figure out if he legally changed it or not.  With Lux Interior dead, I wonder which name will appear on his tombstone?

Now, the band.  The Cramps were formed by Lux Interior and his wife Poison Ivy in 1973.  They eventually moved to New York and became part of the punk rock scene that flourished there in the 1970's, alongside bands like The Ramones and the New York Dolls.  They are known as one of the first acts to combine the new punk style with the more retro rockabilly, starting a subgenre known as "psychobilly" or "punkabilly."  The band has still been active, but with Lux Interior dead, there's no word yet on the future of The Cramps.