Founding Monster Magnet Drummer Tim Cronin Passed Away at 63
Damn it, this one’s a bummer. Just months after being diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and starting a GoFundMe to cover treatments, founding Monster Magnet member Tim Cronin has passed away. He was 63 years old.
News of his passing was confirmed in a social media post by Monster Magnet and Atomic Bitchwax drummer Bob Pantella, who was one of Cronin’s bandmates.
“Words cannot express how great this guy was… You had to know him. Rest in peace Tim.”
Such a short, sweet comment on the loss Cronin’s death represents both excels and fails to capture how important Cronin was to the people around him. Musically, he was an important aspect of Monster Magnet in the early years, contributing vocal parts, bass, and drums back in 1989. He remained a hard working musician for years following his time with Monster Magnet, also performing as the lead vocalist for Ribeye Brothers, among other projects.
Outside the music performance space, Cronin became a fixture in the Red Bank, New Jersey scene when he began running Jack’s Music Shoppe in the town. Having grown up in New Jersey myself, I know scores of people that loved shopping at his place. Everyone I’ve ever spoken about that shop always commented about how great of a guy Cronin was.
A tribute for Cronin was posted on the Jack’s Music Shoppe Instagram page. It reads:
“Words cannot describe what Tim meant to every single person who has ever met him. His kindness, empathy, and concern for the people around him is unparalleled. His presence and energy will live on forever. If you wanted to know what life was all about, you’d stop and have a chat with Tim. They were always the best conversations. The memories last. We send all of our love to Tim and his family. We will forever remember you, Tim.”
In the wake of his passing, a number of people posted remembrances of the Tim Cronin they knew. Rather than paraphrase their words or take away from their meaning, I’ll share their posts below.
Our deepest condolences go out to Cronin’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in Power, Tim Cronin.
