Greg Lee, co-singer of Los Angeles stalwart ska group Hepcat, died on March 19. He was 53 years old.
Lee suffered a brain aneurysm followed by cardiac arrest on March 17 at his Paramount home; He died in a hospital. Hepcat was scheduled to perform at the highly anticipated Southern California festival, No Values, at the Pomona Fairplex on June 8.
For the record:
11:12 am March 20, 2024An earlier version of this story said Lee died at age 54. He was 53 years old.
“He has touched the lives and hearts of so many people around the world through music and travel. Her songs with Hepcat helped many of us through both happy and even depressing times. She has inspired many to create, dance, sing and love. Me included. “Her unique talent and presence will always be unparalleled,” wrote her partner, Mandie Becker, in a instagram post.
Lee was an original member of Hepcat, which formed in the late '80s and continued performing for more than 30 years. The eight-piece band, a pioneer in California's ska and reggae revival scenes, released six albums over several decades. Their live shows were particularly beloved, energized by the soulful harmonies and dynamic, synchronized dances of Lee and singer Alex Désert.
Hepcat drummer Greg Narvas called Lee a “pure ball of energy.”
“I've learned a crucial lesson, as a performer, that whatever vibe the band exudes, the crowd absorbs and exudes it as well. It is a mutual chemical reaction. And Lee made sure that no matter what, every time, his vibe was 100% pure positivity; I mean, like a huge ray of sunlight that transmitted from the stage, warming everyone in its path,” said Narvas. “That's what I'll miss the most. It really is like putting out a flame. So. So it's up to us to keep the fire burning, and we will.”
Over the years, the band influenced generations of ska fans. “When [audiences] “They accept Hepcat, it becomes a part of their life story,” Lee he told LA Weekly in 2017. “Then other people in that age group find out and do the same thing and it repeats itself.”
Over the years, Lee would also perform with the Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, the Aggrolites, and other Southern California groups. Offstage, he enjoyed going to scooter rallies and supporting local music.
“Gregory will also live on in every piece of music he wrote and recorded, in every photo and video you took at a Hepcat show or scooter rally, and in every memory you have of him,” Becker said in his post.
Memories flooded social media after Lee's death. “Thank you for the energy and life you leave us. Thank you for your support of the scene and my projects.” wrote musician and promoter Bubba Sánchez.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Greg Lee of Hepcat. Greg's contributions to the ska scene have been monumental and his voice shaped the sound and soul of ska for decades. Please send his love and support to his family, friends and Hepcat family,” Virginia SuperNova Ska Festival. aware.
“RIP Greg 😔 🙏 I'm sure the big band in the sky needed an amazing leader,” wrote San Diego DJ, Cory Hunt.
“Rest easy, Greg. Thank you very much for all the happiness and great moments you brought me. You left your wonderful mark on this planet and many of you will be deeply missed,” DJ and Angel City Records founder marcosmorales wrote.
“It is truly heartbreaking to learn of the passing of Greg Lee. “He is one of the warmest, kindest, most beautiful souls I have ever come into contact with and his impact on the world of ska music is immeasurable,” the “Pick It Up!” account said. Ska in the 90s.” Lee appeared in the 2019 documentary.
Lee is survived by her four children, including a baby due in the fall; Becker; her mother, Janice; and brothers Michael, Steve and Tony and her sister Jennifer.
