Died On This Date (March 31, 2011) Don Hill / Iconic New York Nightclub Owner

Don Hill
DOB Unknown – March 31, 2011

Photo by Patrick McMullan

Don Hill was a popular New York City club manager and owner who helped make the Cat Club, and later his own Don Hill’s nightclub THE places to be seen for rock stars and celebrities of every stripe.  Born and raised in New Jersey, Hill was just 18 when landed his first Manhattan job at Kenny’s Castaways.   In 1985, he took over management of the Cat Club and began booking talent like G.G. Allin, Poison, Soundgarden and L.A. Guns – it was the first place most New Yorkers caught a glimpse of these acts.  The Cat Club stage also played host to David Bowie and Peter Frampton during the ’80s.  In 1993, he opened Don Hill’s which again, became and still is, the hangout of choice for many of rock’s elite.  Don Hill was 66 when he passed away on March 31, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.



Died On This Date (June 5, 2002) Dee Dee Ramone / The Ramones

Dee Dee Ramone (Born Douglas Colvin)
September 18, 1951 – June 5, 2002

Born Douglas Colvin, Dee Dee Ramone will always be remembered for his “1-2-3-4” count-ins on so many great songs by the Ramones, the punk rock band he co-founded along with Joey Ramone (Jeffrey Hyman) and Johnny Ramone (John Cummings). What most people don’t realize was that Dee Dee main songwriter, writing such punk classics as “Rockaway Beach,” “53rd and 3rd” and “I Wanna Be Sedated.” He played bass in the band until 1989 when he decided to launch an ill-fated rap career as Dee Dee King. Although they parted ways, Dee Dee continued to write songs for the group disbanded in 1996. 1991 found Dee Dee briefly playing guitar for shock-punk artist, G.G. Allin. Dispite a longtime struggle with drugs and alcohol, Dee Dee continued to stay musically productive up until his untimely death at the age of 50. On June 5, 2002, Dee Dee’s lifeless body was discovered by his wife in his Hollywood apartment. His death was officially attributed to a heroin overdose.

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