Hilly Kristal, proprietor of the legendary C.B.G.B.'s  has passed away, at age 75, after a long battle with lung cancer. Thanks for your part in music & cultural history, Hilly.  Have fun in rock 'n' roll heaven...

But Tobin Uilliams is still alive, right?

Okay, so he's more Max Yasgur than Bill Graham, but he performed a vital role in rock & roll history.  On a related note, the sole surviving original Ramone (drummer, producer): Tommy has released a new album under the name Uncle Monk. It's a duo effort, with him singing (no drums) & playing a variety of stringed instruments. And it's more of a rootsy folk/bluegrass type affair (recall, C.B.G.B. stood for Country, Blue Grass & Blues, as it was originally NOT a punk/new wave venue).  Some downplay Tommy's role, as he left after the first 3 albums, but he helped define the Ramones sound as producer & drummer. He originally came on as manager/producer & was put upon to LEARN the drums when original skinman Joey moved forward to frontman status. Tommy didn't care for touring, so Marc Bell was lured from Richard Hell's Voidoids to fill his chair. "Marky's" style with Hell was much different & he had to adapt to Tommy's simpler, heads-down approach.  Uncle Monk has no immediate plans to play acoustic versions of Ramones classics, though he is billing himself as Ramone, rather than his real name Erdelyi.

Sad news indeed. CBGB's is a rock and roll monument of historical significance. Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads and others got their start there. Rock in Peace!!!!

Gabba Gabba Hey!!!!!