Gary Floyd, Scene-Defining Singer of Austin Punks the Dicks, Dies Aged 71

Gary Floyd, frontman for the influential Austin punk band The Dicks, passed away on May 3, 2024, at the age of 71, following a congestive heart failure.

A pillar of the Austin punk scene, Floyd co-founded The Dicks in 1980 alongside bassist Buxf Parrott, drummer Pat Deason, and guitarist Glen Taylor.

Known for their raw energy and outspoken lyrics, The Dicks became a defining voice of Austin punk.

Floyd’s life wasn’t limited to music. A conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, he chose alternative service as a janitor at a state hospital.

This experience, along with his upbringing in Palestine, Texas, likely influenced the band’s often politically charged music.

The cause of death was congestive heart failure. The Austin Chronicle reported that Floyd was taken off life support after a hospital stay.

Despite the loss, Floyd’s legacy lives on. He is remembered as a talented artist and a key figure in shaping Austin’s punk identity.

Floyd is survived by his wife, Karen, and children.