Teresa Taylor, Former Butthole Surfers Drummer, Has Died

Also known for her role in Richard Linklater’s Slacker, she was 60

June 19, 2023June 19, 2023 Ron Hart 0 Comments Butthole Surfers, King Coffey, Madonna, Richard Linklater, Slacker, Teresa Taylor

Teresa Taylor and the Butthole Surfers (Image: Rick McGinnis)

Teresa Taylor (aka Teresa Nervosa), one-time drummer for the Butthole Surfers known for her role in the 1990 Richard Linklater film Slacker, has died.

“Teresa Taylor passed away peacefully this weekend after a long battle with lung disease,” her old band announced on social media. “She will live in our hearts forever. RIP, dear friend.”

Born in Arlington, TX, on November 10, 1962, Teresa took up drums in high school playing in marching bands alongside her fellow Surfers drummer King Coffey. She joined the Buttholes in 1983, and played in the band through the 80s, appearing on such early classics as Psychic… Powerless… Another Man’s Sac, Cream Corn from the Socket of Davis, Rembrandt Pussyhorse, Locust Abortion Technician and Hairway to Steven, among others.

Taylor left Butthole Surfers in 1989 following becoming afflicted with light-induced seizures that led to a brain aneurysm diagnosis. She underwent brain surgery in 1993 and returned to music, joining Coffey’s band Rubble.

The Criterion Edition of Slacker (Image: Amazon)

Taylor’s brief cameo in Slacker also led her to more notoriety, where she played someone trying to sell Madonna’s pap smear in a jar. Her character is featured on the film’s official poster and the cover art from its home video releases.

“We’ll always love you, Teresa,” Coffey wrote in a touching social media post of his own. “You could make things better by simply walking into the room. Everyone was drawn to your charisma, talent, and wicked sense of humor. I learned so much from you (like how to play drums, and which Robert Altman films to watch). But mostly, you made what should have been tough times fun by simply being yourself.

“The rest of the band would like to thank Cheryl Curtice for caring for Teresa during her final years. Her love allowed Teresa to live her life on her own terms, and we are so very grateful.”

Teresa Taylor was 60 years old.