August 29, 2007
Less Than a Year After CBGB Closes, Hilly Kristal Dies
Just as we were looking over amNewYork's story on CBGB, sad news has come in. Hilly Kristal, who opened the club in 1973, died yesterday. Battling cancer for some time, the 75 year old had quite the last year -- seeing many celebrate his legendary club upon its closing last October.
Kristal, also a singer/songwriter, opened the club while it was only $600/month to rent out and he had visions of showcasing country, bluegrass and blues bands. We all know the history of the now vacant venue, and it's hard to separate the man from it. So what's going on with Kristal's former haunt these days? It's been gutted and "walls plastered with yellowing flyers and holes in the floor where the bar and stage once stood" are all that remain. Apparently the air inside still reeks of its rock n' roll past (mold, stale beer, cigarettes). In spite of that, the space will rent for around $200 per square foot - a far cry from what it rented for 34 years ago. So far there have been inquiries from art galleries, retail shops and high end companies, but no takers yet. As for the former tenant, there were talks of reopening the venue in another (lower rent) city, but will Kristal's death mean that CBGB is officially gone, too?
A private memorial service is planned. A public memorial will be held at a later date. Contributions in Hilly's honor may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or to the Hilly Kristal Foundation for Musicians and Artists (168 Second Avenue, PMB 207, New York, NY 10003). Expect to see some fresh flowers (and maybe even graffiti eulogies) outside of the former CBGB.
Photo of Hilly Kristal by Spencer Drate.
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Man, what a sad way to go, with what's happened...RIP
This is DEVASTATING news....
Take some time today to remember a true rock -n- roll hero. Crank up some Ramones, Blondie, Plasmatics and take a trip down memory lane...
Yawn.
Many people knew this was coming; he was pretty much terminally ill when CBGB closed. This was one of the many reasons why CBGB closed when it did.
Hilly wanted to see its last glory with his own eyes while he was still alive. Rest in peace, Hilly and CBGB. Everything is now offically a memory.
But life goes on, and new things will come to New York. Have faith and patience.
Alot of people wondered why all the rock stars that made it big who once played CB's didnt come out to help when he was getting kicked out (this inteview with Vinnie Stigma is especilly hilarious http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKpIYUEI-ps ) Truth of the matter, as much of an institution as he was, Hilly was known for being a real jerk to the bands back in the day, so when the time came to step up for Hilly, everyone took a huge step back... I dont mean to step on anyones grave, Karma's a bitch... It still is an intsitution, and i appreciate what he broght, most great minds turn jerks under it all, we can still appreciate what he brought to the table...Rest in Peace
It was a great place, a great place indeed. RIP...
that's the nature of the music business, the musicians always gets screwed.
Still was a unique place.
#5 So true...
CBGB's screwed every band that I played in that did a gig at CB's and every friend I have who played there got screwed at some point as well. Whether it was getting stiffed pay, or getting cancelled and not being told until arriving at CB's ready to play...
I don't wish harm or death on anyone.
But as a business man Hilly was a douchebag.
Karma is a bitch.
RIP
Whatever this guy did to your friend's garage bands can't hold a candle to the bands he helped make famous and part of the american cultural fabric.
I mean, i don't think i could imagine life without the talking heads or the ramones, but maybe that's just me.
I was there the last night of CBGBS when Patti played, and while we stood in line out front before being let in, Hilly was sitting in the CBs Gallery being interviewed by the media..He looked old but not frail...Like him or not, the old guard is literally dying off.
Please offer your condolences to Mr. Kristal's family in his online Guest Book on Legacy.com.
Mr. Kristal's Guest Book is at http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2007/08/29/929332-cbgb-founder-hilly-kristal-dies-at-75 or via a link on the Home Page of Legacy.com.