I recall the Kramer story back when it happened, and I’ve read about it multiple times. I am of the firm belief that Kramer likely suffered from substance-induced schizophrenia, a problem that is growing in our society. He had all the signs, and playing in a rock band was in no way going to help, only hurt further.
Wow, what a story! I didn't know this at all. I had assumed Iron Butterfly burned out or was forgotten when the decade ended. That said, I have never listened to anything past 'Ball', and to be honest, I never even liked 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida' because of the vocals. I did, however, like some of 'Heavy' (especially their garagey version of "Get Out of My Live, Woman").
Because of the single's success, I also think it inspired many bands to record side-long tracks, which, live, were probably great jams and blistering acid freakouts, but in the studio, they required more detailed editing!
Sadly, my guess is that Kramer became a paranoid casualty of overzealous psychedelic consumption. But, reading some of these outrageous, unbelievable, and sad tales, it also sounds vaguely familiar with some of the weird ass conspiracy theories peddled in America today! Why is it that it's always Americans pushing these whacked ideas and living in warped realities?
Why indeed? Ours is a deeply paranoid culture, I suppose. But yeah--I'm thinking your diagnosis is probably spot on. Full disclosure--I love every excessive second of "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida".
What a story! I'd make a very amateur diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. Also, when it comes to OJ Simpson, I'll quote James Carville, "They tried to frame a guilty man."
I recall the Kramer story back when it happened, and I’ve read about it multiple times. I am of the firm belief that Kramer likely suffered from substance-induced schizophrenia, a problem that is growing in our society. He had all the signs, and playing in a rock band was in no way going to help, only hurt further.
Sad but (likely) true.
Wow, what a story! I didn't know this at all. I had assumed Iron Butterfly burned out or was forgotten when the decade ended. That said, I have never listened to anything past 'Ball', and to be honest, I never even liked 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida' because of the vocals. I did, however, like some of 'Heavy' (especially their garagey version of "Get Out of My Live, Woman").
Because of the single's success, I also think it inspired many bands to record side-long tracks, which, live, were probably great jams and blistering acid freakouts, but in the studio, they required more detailed editing!
Sadly, my guess is that Kramer became a paranoid casualty of overzealous psychedelic consumption. But, reading some of these outrageous, unbelievable, and sad tales, it also sounds vaguely familiar with some of the weird ass conspiracy theories peddled in America today! Why is it that it's always Americans pushing these whacked ideas and living in warped realities?
Why indeed? Ours is a deeply paranoid culture, I suppose. But yeah--I'm thinking your diagnosis is probably spot on. Full disclosure--I love every excessive second of "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida".
What a story! I'd make a very amateur diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. Also, when it comes to OJ Simpson, I'll quote James Carville, "They tried to frame a guilty man."
I'd have to agree with this assessment. Great quote!