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Former Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Drummer Lee Crystal Dies

Lee Crystal, the former drummer for Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, has passed away. Crystal was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993 and his death is reportedly due to complications from the disease.

Although not many details have been revealed just yet, a post on Kayos Production’s Facebook page revealed the sad news, simply saying, “My heart is very heavy right now-our dear friend and Blackheart drummer Lee Crystal just lost his valiant fight with MS.”

Fans left loving comments in response which promoted Kayos Productions to share, “Thank you all-Lee was such a sweetheart-humble, funny, loving, generous not to mention a great drummer. Our memories are many and happy. Please keep his wife Maura and their boys in your prayers tonight.”

Crystal (pictured far right) played with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts throughout their successful run in the ‘80s and appeared on their biggest hits, including ‘I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll’. Before playing with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts Crystal played with former New York Dolls guitarist Sylvain Sylvain and would go on to play with Crash Conference and Secret Chiefs.

When forced to give up playing drums due to his illness, Crystal’s passion for music lived on as he started teaching music classes out of his home.

 

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