Gary Floyd, the heart and soul of the Texan punk scene, has left us. The Austin Chronicle broke the news that he succumbed to congestive heart failure at the age of 71. A true pioneer, Floyd’s journey began in Arkansas, took a significant turn in East Texas, and found its crescendo in Austin. That’s where he formed the Dicks, a band that would become synonymous with queer punk defiance.
“I was loud and happy to be letting people know, ‘Hey, I am a big ol’ fat queer, what the hell are you?’” Floyd once shared in a candid chat with Maximum Rocknroll. His approach wasn’t about seeking pity but rather celebrating his identity with a mix of joy and bold defiance. And oh, how he loved to stir the pot, in the best way possible.
The Dicks were known for their unapologetic stance, blending communist symbols with tales from society’s underbelly. Their anthem, “The Dicks Hate the Police,” became a punk staple, later covered by Mudhoney. This raw energy and fearless messaging caught the attention of SST, leading to the release of their debut album, Kill From the Heart, in 1983. It was a collection of tracks that tackled everything from racism to homophobia, without pulling any punches.
Floyd’s journey didn’t end in Texas. The ’80s saw him moving to California, where his musical exploration continued with bands like Sister Double Happiness and the Buddha Brothers. Despite the Dicks disbanding after their final album, These People, in 1985, Floyd’s influence only grew. He used his platform to challenge homophobia, racism, and the misuse of state power, turning his anger into anthems that rallied the punk community.
“Reagan was the leader and people were following like sheep,” Floyd lamented in his interview with Maximum Rocknroll. The political climate, filled with endless conflicts and a disregard for the marginalized, fueled his fire. He couldn’t stand the sight of oppressed communities conforming to harmful norms.
In his later years, Floyd’s creative spirit never waned. Despite battling diabetes and heart issues, he continued to express himself through painting, photography, and writing. His memoir, Please Bee Nice : My Life Up ’Til Now: A Gary Floyd Memoir, along with a collection of lyrics, I Said That: Volume 1: The Dicks, offered a deeper look into the life of a punk legend.
Upon hearing of Floyd’s passing, Dylan Baldi of Cloud Nothings paid tribute on X, reminiscing about how a 7″ record of Floyd’s was one of his first purchases. “RIP to gary floyd! what a legend. let’s all hate the police forever in his honor,” Baldi wrote, echoing the sentiment of many who were touched by Floyd’s fearless spirit.
RIP to gary floyd! 7" of this tune is one of the first records i bought with my own money, at my mind's eye records in cleveland. what a legend. let's all hate the police forever in his honorhttps://t.co/mGDbapsqyY
— Cloud Nothings (@cloudnothings) May 3, 2024
Gary Floyd’s legacy is a testament to the power of living authentically and speaking out against injustice. His music, art, and words continue to inspire a new generation to stand up, speak out, and, most importantly, to be unapologetically themselves.
