R.I.P. Hilly Kristal, founder of CBGB's

New York media is reporting the death yesterday of Hilly Kristal, founder of legendary downtown rock club CBGB, which finally closed last October after a 33-year run. Kristal, 75, had been battling lung cancer. Although Kristal talked of opening a new branch of his club in Las Vegas, the forced shuttering of his baby and the gentrification of its Bowery environs were doubtlessly stressful. Between this and Factory Records' Tony Wilson's passing, it's been a sad month for rock fans. Rest in peace.

Read Newsday's full obituary of Kristal here.

-- Arielle Castillo