The Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue standing along the shores of Lady Bird Lake is Austin’s classy way of paying tribute to the legendary guitarist and Austin bluesman who died in a tragic helicopter accident following a concert in Wisconsin in August 27, 1990.
The statue was erected in 1994 to commemorate one of the city’s famous musicians named Stevie Ray Vaughan who enthralled the audience with his exceptional guitar playing abilities combined with unforgettable lyrics.
The statue is a widely recognized image for locals as well as a popular landmark that music lovers wishing to pay their respects seek out when visiting Austin.
It’s not as cultish as Jim Morrison’s grave, but the statue does collect occasional sprigs of flowers and such. Maybe because it’s just right there out in the open along the always busy hike and bike trail.
In fact, I can’t think of a better tribute than to place the memory of Stevie Ray Vaughan right in the heart of the everyday experience of Austinites and visitors.
There are statues of Stephen F. Austin around town, but those require special trips to the Texas State Capitol or the Texas State Cemetery.
In contrast, the statue of Stevie Ray is like running into an old friend when you’re just out and about doing your thing.
And that’s the way it should be.
Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue – Video and Map
Directions for the Stevie Ray Statue: The statue is pretty easy to find.
Adjacent to Auditorium Shores, the statue is right along the hike and bike trail on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake, maybe a quarter or half-mile west of the South First Street bridge (visible in the background on the video above).
You really can’t miss him though – he’s 8 feet tall, wearing a bronze poncho, and standing in front of a fabulous backdrop of the Austin skyline.
Or just ask a local.
The SRV Statue was created by Boston sculptor Ralph Helmick and is positioned the way it is in order to minimize facial shadows.
