As heard on The Lapsed Fan Podcast
The Von Erich boys were pushed hard by their overbearing and toxic father, Fritz (real name: Jack Adkisson) in an effort to realize his dreams of being NWA Pro-Wrestling World Champion.
Because of Fritz's relentless, domineering control, four out of the five boys died young, tragic deaths.Their deaths were in addition to the oldest Von Erich son, Jackie, dying at just six years-old in 1959 after being electrocuted and drowning in a puddle during a thunderstorm in which Fritz made him go out into in order to retrieve his bike which he left in the yard.
David, the most gifted wrestler, died of a reported intestinal infection (although a drug overdose has long been suspected) while on tour in Japan.
Mike, undersized and prone to injury, was never the same after suffering toxic shock during a shoulder surgery. He later killed himself due to the disappointment he felt in not being able to live up to his brothers' achievements and his father's wishes.
Chris was born sickly and never able to wrestle. This "failure" haunted him all his days. He too took his own life.
Kerry (known in the early 90s' WWF as the "Texas Tornado") would also kill himself after battling drug addiction and losing his foot in an intoxicated motorcycle accident.
Fritz lived the rest of his life alone, bitter, and distraught after being divorced by his wife Dorris, and abandoned by his only surviving son Kevin, whom Fritz once threatened to kill for not being "man enough" to commit suicide like his brothers.
This song is dedicated to the Von Erich family and anyone whose life has ever been ravaged by the destructive whims of toxic masculinity, narcissism, and abusive parenting.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Von_Erich_family
released February 26, 2019
Written and Recorded by Andrew Patrick David
Lyrics, Guitar, Vocals, and Harmonica by Andrew Patrick David