Hilly Kristal, founder of the legendary New York punk rock venue CBGB, died on Tuesday from complications from lung cancer at the age of 75.

Kristal, who opened the now-defunct venue in December 1973 in the then-gritty Bowery neighborhood in Manhattan under the name CBGB & OMFUG ("Country, Bluegrass, Blues and Other Music for Uplifting Gormandizers"), is credited with helping to launch the mid-70's punk revolution in the USA with bands like The Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, Television and Patti Smith. Following a final show in October of 2006, Kristal had discussed plans to take the venue to Las Vegas...

Rest in peace.