Larry "Wild Man" Fischer (November 6, 1944 – June 16, 2011 in Los Angeles) was a prolific songwriter in the outsider genre. He was notable for being responsible for Rhino Records' first release. Described by Allmusic as "certified paranoid schizophrenic and acid casualty", Fischer's highly unusual style has developed a cult following.
Born Larry Wayne Fischer in Los Angeles, California, United States, and attended Fairfax High School. Fischer was institutionalized at age 16 for attacking his mother with a knife. He was later diagnosed with two mental disorders, severe paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Following his escape from the hospital (he said no one ever bothered to take him back there), Fischer wandered Los Angeles singing his songs a capella for 10¢ US each to passers-by. Discovered on the street by Frank Zappa, with whom he recorded his first album, Fischer became an underground concert favorite.
Born Larry Wayne Fischer in Los Angeles, California, United States, and attended Fairfax High School. Fischer was institutionalized at age 16 for attacking his mother with a knife. He was later diagnosed with two mental disorders, severe paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Following his escape from the hospital (he said no one ever bothered to take him back there), Fischer wandered Los Angeles singing his songs a capella for 10¢ US each to passers-by. Discovered on the street by Frank Zappa, with whom he recorded his first album, Fischer became an underground concert favorite.
