Hilly Kristal the owner and founder of New York’s infamous CBGB’s died of lung cancer Tuesday in Manhattan. He was 75.
Patti Smith and Blondie have both received news of his passing and have issued the following statements,
“There was no real venue in 1973 for people like us. We didn’t fit into the cabarets or the folk clubs. Hilly wanted the people that nobody else wanted. He wanted us.” -Patti Smith
“I am very sorry that Hilly is gone. He was a big help to Blondie and to the New York music scene for many years. His club CBGB’s has become a part of New York lore and Rock n’ Roll history.” -Debbie Harry.
Mr. Kristal is survived by his son Mark Dana Kristal, daughter Lisa Kristal Burgman, and two grandchildren.
