Patrick Briggs

The world is a duller place with the extinguishing of a brilliant spark. Patrick Briggs, 58, recently of Palm Springs, CA, died at his home on 12/27/22. The cause was lung cancer complicated by RSV.

A nightclub impresario whose party, "Squeezebox," created with Michael Schmidt at Don Hill's in downtown NYC broke down barriers in the 90's, he is also known for fronting industrial glam band "Psychotica," as well as for his public drag persona "Torment." Fiercely loyal and known for his generosity, Mr Briggs leaves a legacy of devilish humor and boundless talent. His fans around the world continue to benefit from his visionary creative genius.

In Los Angeles, with Brian Raven, he founded the famous "Club Make Up" at the El Rey Theater. In Atlanta he created "Glitterdome" at The Masquerade. Psychotica's storied success exemplifies Mr. Briggs' immense charisma. They were signed to American Records when an A&R rep overheard them practicing for their first show. Soon after, they played the main stage at Lollapalooza 1996 before releasing their first album. Psychotica played alongside Soundgarden, The Ramones, Screaming Trees and Metallica, and went on to tour with bands such as Iggy Pop and Tool.

In 1995, clothing designer Stephen Sprouse positioned statues of Psychotica members in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as part of a Glam Rock exhibit. Along with Mr. Briggs were Paul Kostabi, Enrique Tiru Velez, Tommy Salmorin, Reeka and Frank "Buz" Altimare. Sprouse also created the design of their logo and first album cover. Randy Phillips signed the band to Red Ant. They also released an album with Zero Hour Records.

Before Psychotica formed, Mr. Briggs played Tom Collins in the original cast of RENT at the Fourth Street Workshop in New York City. In the late 2000s he began exhibiting his paintings, semi-realistic figurative works portraying Old Hollywood starlets. He built and painted furniture, a continuation of his lifelong love of crafts-which included making his own remarkable costumes and stage props.

Born "Patrick Edward Haverly" on 6/16/64 in Burbank, CA, to Judy Thomas Haverly and Edward Haverly, Pat was adopted at three years of age by his maternal grandmother and her spouse, who changed his name to "Patrick Briggs DiGiovanni."

Pat leaves behind his brother, Justin; aunt Patti Thomas; nieces and nephews: Amber, Nohea, Kalia, Keahe, Mae Lynne, and Kawehena; and numerous loving cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Edward Haverly; grandfather Philip Thomas; great-grandmother, Florence Thomas, and sister, Samantha. Carrie Hamilton and Alexis Arquette held special places in his heart.

His friends are far too numerous to list, but among his closest are Jody Hamilton and Lonny Paul, Rosanna and Patricia Arquette, Steve Stevens, Taime Downe, Elijah Blue Allman, Raven O, Paul Kostabi and Heidi Follin, Jesse Mason, Henry Tiru, Geoff Grayson, Kenji Hino, Ira Elliot, Manny Parrish, and Michael Schmidt.

A complete obituary containing Pat's contributions to the glam rock community may be found at https://blabbermouth.net/news/psychotica-frontman-patrick-briggs-dies?fbclid=lwAR2T0bupppyd9jL-hz5YwpTJwiJz4vb3Deil6DgCHmWvufDo0S-ZXEy2xNY.

Donations in Pat's name may be made to the AlexisProject: https://violenceinterventionprogram.org/about-vip/our-programs/lgbtq/.

A tribute will be held at The Box in New York City on March 6, 2023. Announcements regarding other tributes will be made as plans are finalized.