RIP HK. (And CBGB & OMFUG, Too.)

From The New York Times.

“Hilly Kristal, who founded CBGB, the Bowery bar that became the cradle of punk and art-rock in New York in the 1970s and served as the inspiration for musician-friendly rock dives throughout the world, died in Manhattan on Tuesday. He was 75. His son, Mark Dana Kristal, told The Associated Press that the cause was complications from lung cancer. ... Besides his son, Mr. Kristal is survived by a daughter, Lisa Kristal Burgman, and two grandchildren.”

A man who set out to do something (create a country and bluegrass bar in New York).....got sidetracked along the way....and instead helped create the legendary punk rock bar, and inspire and promote a host of legendary bands. I like to think of the rugby bar (at least in its earlier, dirtier incarnation) as a midwestern stepchild of CBGBs.

Rest in peace, Hilly.