Drum Teacher Bruce Crump Dies

Drummer Bruce Hull Crump, Jr. (July 17, 1957 – March 16, 2015) was the original drummer with the rock band Molly Hatchet from 1976 to 1983 (including their 1980 hit song “Flirtin’ with Disaster” ) and 1984 to 1991. He also played as a member of Canadian band Streetheart in the early 1980s, appearing on their Live After Dark recording, and joined several of his former Molly Hatchet bandmates in the band Gator Country in the mid-2000s. At his death, Crump was in the Jacksonville, Florida-based band White Rhino and the newly reformed China Sky. Crump was also the great-grandson of politician E.H. Crump of Memphis.

He was born in Memphis TN July 17, 1957. He grew up between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Fl. Married with two children, two boys (one boy, Bradley is also a drummer). He lived in Midlothian, Virginia. but called “home” Richmond, Virginia.

When not involved in his band activities, he had a home business providing drum lessons, “Drum Lessons by Bruce”. He was also a licensed real-estate agent and briefly a web site designer.

“We are mourning the loss of a great friend and talented musician,” the band announced via their Facebook page. “This is a great loss to the Molly Hatchet family. Our prayers go out to all the family and friends of great friend Bruce. Rest in peace, Bruce. We will always love and remember you.”

In July 2003 he was diagnosed with throat cancer – although no official cause has been give of his death.