Pat Briggs, the lead singer of the glam rock band Psychotica, died on December 27, 2022, at the age of 58. He had been suffering from lung cancer complicated by RSV, according to his obituary. Briggs was known for his distinctive voice, flamboyant style, and influential role in the New York club scene.
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From Burbank to Broadway
Briggs was born as Patrick Briggs on June 16, 1964, in Burbank, California. He began his performing career at the age of eight, when he landed a role in a local theater production of The Seven Year Itch. He later moved to New York City, where he worked as a go-go dancer, a backup singer, and an actor. He appeared in the New York Theatre Workshop version of Rent, playing the role of Tom Collins, and in the 1997 film All Over Me, playing a gay rock musician named Luke.
The Rise and Fall of Psychotica
In 1994, Briggs founded Psychotica, a glam rock band that blended industrial, punk, and metal influences. He adopted the stage name Oliver and became the charismatic frontman of the group, often dressing in elaborate costumes and makeup. The band signed with producer Bob Crewe, who had worked with The Four Seasons and Frankie Valli, and released their self-titled debut album in 1996. The album featured the hit singles “Good Morning Starshine” and “Jean”, both covers of songs from the 1960s. Psychotica gained a cult following and toured with bands like KISS, Marilyn Manson, and Iggy Pop.
However, the band’s success was short-lived, as they parted ways with Crewe in 1971 due to creative differences. Briggs wanted to pursue a more folk-oriented sound, while Crewe preferred more orchestral arrangements. Psychotica released two more albums, Espina and Pandemic, but failed to recapture their initial popularity. The band broke up in 1998, and Briggs resumed his original name.
The Final Years
Briggs continued to perform and collaborate with other musicians, such as Steve Goodman, Tracii Guns, and the Impotent Sea Snakes. He also created and hosted several theme nights at various clubs, such as Glitterdome, Club Makeup, and Squeezebox, which featured drag, sex, and rock and roll. He moved to Louisiana in the 1980s and worked as a pharmaceutical salesman. He married twice and had two children.
In 1990, Briggs was diagnosed with cancer and underwent several treatments, but the disease eventually spread to his lungs and brain. He died in Shreveport, Louisiana, on December 27, 2000, and was buried in Dallas, Texas.
A Lasting Impact
Briggs is remembered as one of the most original and influential singers of his era, with a voice that conveyed warmth and emotion. His songs have been covered by many artists, such as Glen Campbell, Andy Williams, and Nana Mouskouri. His music has also been featured in films, such as You’ve Got Mail, and television shows, such as The Simpsons and The Wonder Years.
In 2009, Ted Brown, a native of Briggs’ hometown, asked North Carolina legislators to introduce a resolution in the North Carolina General Assembly to honor Briggs and his contributions to music. The resolution was passed on July 7, 2009, and declared that day as “Pat Briggs Day” in the state.
Briggs’ fans and admirers continue to celebrate his life and music, and pay tribute to his legacy. He is regarded as one of the stars who brightened the musical landscape of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and who left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions.
