NEW YORK, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It is with deep sadness
 and regret that we inform you of the death of Hilly Kristal, who died on
 Tuesday, August 28, 2007 from complications from Lung Cancer. Kristal, 75,
 founded the legendary rock club CBGB and ran the club for 33 years. A
 singer and songwriter himself, Kristal opened the club to showcase "Country
 Bluegrass and Blues"; instead the club became a breeding ground for Punk
 rock. Among the many acts that called CBGB home were Blondie, the Talking
 Heads, Television, Living Color, Patti Smith and the Ramones. The club
 closed in October 2006, but CBGB continues, with a retail store in New York
 City and worldwide merchandise sales; in addition, there currently are
 plans to open new CBGB clubs in several locations.
     Kristal is survived by his daughter, Lisa Kristal Burgman, son, Mark
 Dana Kristal, son-in-law Ger Burgman, grandchildren Jenny and Adam Burgman,
 CBGB, and the thousands of artists and musicians who played the club.
     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).
 
 

SOURCE CBGB