Last night at the Bowery Ballroom, an invitation only memorial service was held for Hilly Kristal. I wasn't going to write about it, and I obviously didn't post about it, but I was thinking about how much love and respect people in the New York music community have for this man and it really amazes me.

Hilly is most fondly remembered by members of the late seventies and early eighties downtown scene. History may have made his club, CBGB's, the epicenter of New York Punk, but it certainly wasn't the only venue that bands like Television and Patti Smith could play. Granted, they didn't have nearly as many options as bands have today, but they did still have a couple different places.

WIth Hilly, the way people so fondly remember him, it seems to be about so much more than him as a club owner or booker. They not only respect him and care for him, but truly seem to value his friendship and his taste.

Today's music scene seems to lack any sort of Hilly Kristal figure. The closest I can think of as someone who nutures bands and invites them to be part of their "thing" is Todd P or Johnny Beach, and while I highly respect those two gentlemen, I don't think they're near the level or Hilly Kristal.

I don't know where I'm going with this little rant. I think what I'm trying to say is that New York City really needs more folks like Hilly Kristal..........