13th Floor Elevators: A Visual History

Formed in late 1965, the 13th Floor Elevators, a fusion of club bands and a preference for hallucinogens, emerged from the Austin bohemian scene.

Led by lyricist Tommy Hall, the group released three official albums before their demise due to professional mismanagement, internal conflicts, drug busts, and psychiatric imprisonment. Despite their short existence, the Elevators revolutionized the musical underground, contributing to the countercultural struggle against state authorities and pioneering psychedelic music.

Writer Paul Drummond compiled an extensive collection of primary materials, including unseen band photographs, iconic artwork, personal diaries, interviews, press accounts, and police records, to chronicle the band’s untold story.