Lux Interior, lead singer of The Cramps, passed away this morning due to a preexisting heart condition at Glendale Memorial Hospital in Glendale, California at 4:30 AM PST. Lux has been an inspiration and influence to millions of artists and fans around the world. He and wife of 37 years, 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.

The band famously played a free show for the patients at the California State Mental Hospital in 1978, which was probably their perfect venue. "Somebody told me you people are crazy, but I'm not so sure about that. You seem to be all right to me," Interior screamed from the stage (see footage below).