Hilly Kristal

Hillel Kristal (September 23, 1931 August 28, 2007) was an American club owner, manager and musician who was the owner of the New York City club CBGB, which opened in 1973 and closed in 2006 over a rent dispute.

Early years Kristal was born in New York City in 1931, the son of Russian Jewish immigrants.

His father, Shamai Kristal, was a Russian pogrom survivor. He studied music from a young age and eventually attended the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. He graduated from Hightstown High School in 1949. Kristal also spent a period of time in the Marines.

CBGB featured many famous musicians over the years and remained very popular until its closing in 2006 due to a personal disagreement with the landlord, who opted not to renew the lease. For a short while after the closing, Kristal considered moving the club to Las Vegas.

A film, CBGB, about Kristal and the origins of the club, was released in October 2013. Alan Rickman portrayed Kristal in the film.

Death Kristal died on August 28, 2007, from complications of lung cancer, aged 75.