Got Cramps? Rock them off tonight in EAV

By Jonathan Williams Friday March 13, 2009 09:37 PM EDT

Borrowing more from rockabilly, surf rock and trash culture than the raucous punk sounds of their late ’70s peers, the Cramps were arguably one of the innovators of what is now known as psychobilly. Melding late-night horror show subjects with gutter-punk sex appeal, the slinky and spastic band became practically indefinable thanks in part to the androgynous theatricality of frontman Lux Interior.

East Atlanta’s Graveyard Tavern pays tribute to Interior (who died last month) and his legacy with a Friday the 13th Lux Interior Benefit show tonight at 8 p.m. The twisted minds of Splatter Cinema, the Plaza Theatre’s monthly homage to gore and slasher flicks, are behind the event, which will feature performances by bands such as the Luchagors, Your Uncle Bill Who Went Crazy, and the recently reunited Dead Elvis, once a legend in Atlanta’s punk scene.

The event also includes a Cramps-inspired art show, bikini girls with machine guns, and a Cramps dance party with DJ Killa Mockingbird spinning. A portion of the proceeds will benefit “Lux’s designated charity,” whatever that might be. Check back this weekend and I’ll let you know if there’s any additional charitable debauchery to really make Lux proud.

Fri., March 13, 8 p.m. $5. Graveyard Tavern, 1245 Glenwood Ave. 404-622-8686. www.graveyardtavern.com.