Duke Erikson was born Douglas Erikson on January 15, 1951 in Lyons, a small farming community in Nebraska. His first passion was the piano, until he bought a guitar. At the age of 16 he joined his first band, called 'The British'. When he completed his first scholastic cycle, he signed up and art school in a little college in Nebraska.

He had to take on several odd jobs to make ends meet. He was a truck driver, a carpenter, and a waiter, among other things. One fateful day in Madison, Duke met Steve Marker at a bar. Later, Duke became part of Spooner and had his first real success with a band. Duke also played in Firetown and Rectal Drip. He also worked with Butch and Steve on their unnamed band project after the demise of Rectal Drip.

Duke used to be a producer and engineer at Smart Studios. In the band he plays guitar, bass and the keyboards.