ACL Live Shots

Roky Erickson & the Explosives

Putting the guitar back in Roky Erickson's hands is a brilliant move, because when the local legend wraps his hands around a Gibson, he's in charge of his music. Opening with the jaw-snapping "Cold Night for Alligators" and whipping with confidence into a chrome-plated "Don't Shake Me Lucifer," the 13th Floor Elevators singer has earned the right to move beyond platitudes for his much-documented comeback, but if there's more credit to share for Erickson's return, it belongs to the Explosives, the backing trio that's played with the reclusive rock star longer than anyone. The dynamic rhythm section of master drummer Freddie Krc and bassist Chris Johnson combined with guitarist Cam King trading leads with Erickson gave the music an extraordinary energy, jolting the audience with a closing trifecta of "Starry Eyes," "Two Headed Dog," and "You're Gonna Miss Me." Divine.