If you grew up in Beverly Hills, you've heard the legend of John Jermien, AKA the Crazy Robertson. Is he homeless? A psychologist? An ex-pro baseball player? A millionaire? The rumors abound (and his MySpace bio is outrageous, you gotta read it to believe it) but one thing's for sure...he's been a daily fixture for years, rollerskating in spandex up and down Robertson Boulevard with a boom box rocking Ted Nugent, Jimi Hendrix, and Prince's 'Black' album. Sounds like he should team up with the Jimi Hendrix guitar rollerskater in Venice?

Well, it turns out, they're already friends.



And now, he's adding another position to his vast and mysterious repertoire...cult icon. With a posse. About a year ago, local artists Victor Ackerman, Teddy Hirsh, and Alex Kelman befriended Jermien and formed an art collective behind him with a small sticker campaign and a few bootleg T-shirt designs (all approved by Jermien himself) that were sold to friends (who begged for them) and at parties. Due to rising popular demand, the Crazy Robertson crew has expanded its venture from street to boutique; Robertson staple Kitson is selling two designs--including one with CR's moto 'No Money, No Problem,' since he never asks for money to perform--of shirts and sweatshirts for guys and gals, online and in-store, starting today. And shirts are already selling.

According to graphic designer and Crazy Robertson teammate Gabriel Lacktman, Kitson may be just the jumping off point. "T-shirts are just an essential for The Crazy Robertson. As a collective, we can bring the noise: book shows/events/parties, promote your event, design a range in fashion, come alive in art galleries, create music and possibly sign bands. This is just the beginning." The Crazy Robertsons are even acting as Crazy's agent for any possible future contracts that may be offered to him, like by MTV, say.

Just last week, the Crazy Robertsons were able to prove just how strong CR's icon status is. They booked top secret DJs for their post Detour Fest party at the Viper Room, who turned out to be none other than Justice along with Busy P, Dj Mehdi and Boom Bip. The show was promoted via 1000 flyers and had a turn out that filled the Viper Room's maximum capacity. Indie 103.1 called it the best show the Viper Room has ever seen...



Says Lacktman, "The Crazy Robertson is a legend and an icon, receiving such positive reaction from our collaboration this early, has reassured us the people in L.A. love to dance, and rollerskate, and look good while doing both!"