Rest in Peace, Legendary Drummer Hal Blaine: 1929-2019

Photo: Facebook.com/HalBlaine

On Monday, Hal Blaine — legendary drummer whose work as part of the Wrecking Crew made him an icon, his resume unparalleled — passed away at the age of 90.

The news was confirmed by his family and friends via his official Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/HalBlaine/posts/2372154496162525?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC_Ty4Wgwc8ZuBuwKXa9Cz3VUeWWMHQBuxa1slAJiqRwueKxNPF1b3E5rG4uOO16cCYVJv2tyM-0QLotI2bbK0PWqs3i-dQQHWEIhlYRKlXQLdKQtDNaB3syQTPqyOUoOluyEPmyy0jMeQ34EBDKHooJe8mtvIxOh8EftAGUDH0YqHWH4B3GrGS9uk-QR-1Gv4ebTjNL83phbFrIJQxCT97Xck-J9MH0yOqGiHiV6MNxZdMCfIep4-R5Uil4rcMGOvPKDqEodd-GyNBXqzXJiW6YoXrVn5x2KHpkOvA5ThOmwH0mfwmQ2FmRX0UmL5LZ9Bw8_SIFmbaXUp6ail3YA&__tn__=-R

The message, in non-Facebook format:

“Hal Blaine – loving father of Michelle Blaine; grandfather of Anthony, Josh, Aaron, Whitney, Tempest, Ever and Lyryk; and inspiration to countless friends, fans and musicians – has passed on today, March 11th, 2019 at the age of 90. May he rest forever on 2 and 4. The family appreciates your outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Hal from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning. No further details will be released at this time.”

Variety summed up Blaine’s incredible career in a lengthy memorial piece that really shows just how amazing his career accomplishments were:

He was featured on the majority of Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” productions, including the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby,” which featured perhaps the most indelible drum introduction in rock ‘n’ roll history. He also appeared on many of the Beach Boys’ best-known records (standing in for the L.A. band’s Dennis Wilson), including the classic 1966 album “Pet Sounds” and the experimental single from that same year, “Good Vibrations.”

Blaine appeared on such No. 1 hits as the Crystals’ “He’s a Rebel,” the Byrds’ “Mr. Tambourine Man,” Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night,” Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” the 5th Dimension’s “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” the Carpenters’ “Close to You” and Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were.”

The most adaptable of studio percussionists, he also cut dates such notables as Elvis Presley (on both record and movie dates), Sam Cooke, Dean Martin, Jan & Dean, Johnny Rivers, the Monkees, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Nancy Sinatra, the Mamas and the Papas, Cher, John Denver and Steely Dan.

I’m so sad, I don’t know what to say. Hal Blaine was such a great musician and friend that I can’t put it into words. Hal taught me a lot, and he had so much to do with our success – he was the greatest drummer ever. We also laughed an awful lot. Love, Brian pic.twitter.com/vLOX3RIKc6

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) March 11, 2019

God bless Hal Blaine peace and love to all his family Goodbye Hal an incredible musician. 😎✌️🌟❤️☮️

— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 12, 2019

I am deeply saddened about the passing of drummer, Hal Blaine. Hal played drums on the soundtrack of our lives for many of us… Worth reading: An Interview with Hal Blaine | Modern Drummer Magazine https://t.co/1FWoi0bOw2

— Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) March 12, 2019

RIP Hal Blaine.
There will never be another…
Google the hits he played on !!

— Steve Lukather (@stevelukather) March 11, 2019

Our condolences to the family of #HalBlaine, drummer extraordinaire in the Wrecking Crew who played on many Beach Boys tracks, including "Good Vibrations," "I Get Around," "Help Me, Rhonda" & more. Love and mercy x https://t.co/SV3SCnWZ9j

— The Beach Boys (@TheBeachBoys) March 11, 2019

Our condolences to the family of #HalBlaine, drummer extraordinaire in the Wrecking Crew who played on many Beach Boys tracks, including "Good Vibrations," "I Get Around," "Help Me, Rhonda" & more. Love and mercy x https://t.co/SV3SCnWZ9j

— The Beach Boys (@TheBeachBoys) March 11, 2019

May Hal Blaine rest in peace, and may his legacy live on forever. He’ll be missed.