Alex Kirst, drummer for glam rockers the Nymphs and later Iggy Pop, died January 13th after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Cathedral City, CA. Kirst was apparently on his way to the store to buy a pack of cigarettes. He was 47.
Authorities say a white Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon struck Kirst that evening. There is no evidence that the vehicle braked. Police were notified of the accident when a local resident spotted Kirst on the side of Date Palm Road at approximately 11:45 p.m. and called to report what they thought was simply a case of intoxication. Anyone with information pertaining to the accident is encouraged to call Investigator Marc Robles at (760) 202-2416.
Born in Canada, Alex Kirst moved to California as a teenager. In the late 1980s, he joined up with the Inger Lorre-fronted Nymphs, becoming their drummer. The band’s only album, 1991′s The Nymphs, was a glam metal romp praised by critics but generally ignored by consumers. A decade later, Kirst and his guitar player brother Whitey joined punk godfather Iggy Pop’s backing band the Trolls. 2001′s Beat ‘Em Up, the Kirsts’ debut with Pop (along side such notable underground alumni as Body Count’s “Mooseman” Roberts and Samhain’s Pete “Damien” Marshall), was the raucous Stooges-esque rock return Iggy’s fans had long been anticipating.
The Kirst brothers would remain with Iggy through his next offering, 2003′s Skull Ring, Pop’s Santana moment that found the shirtless rocker collaborating with the likes of Green Day, Sum 41, and Peaches.
I had the pleasure of seeing Iggy and the Trolls in 2001 when they were touring for Beat ‘Em Up. I hadn’t heard the record yet, and I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect out of this collective in the 21st Century. I certainly didn’t expect to be so taken with any of Ig’s backup guys. Yet as soon as Alex launched into the opening beat of “M.A.S.K.”, the Trolls’ first entry of the night, my brain was scrambled. It was so powerful, so primal, so belching and rude. Alex slammed that rhythm out with aplomb, but the expression on his face read I don’t give a fuck. It was utterly bad-ass and perfect for a guy playing drums behind Iggy Pop.
Beat ‘Em Up turned out to be a great record, and every song is brilliantly underscored by the talents of Alex Kirst. Even on Skull Ring Alex stands out. The best track on that one, the shoulder-slumping “Whatever”, is just Iggy and the Trolls doin’ they thang in a bittersweet and rockin’ way. Kirst’s crisp attack is head and shoulders above that of Skull Ring’s other percussive participants, a gaggle that includes no less than Tré Cool and former Stooge Scott Asheton. Heady company, and Kirst smokes ‘em all.
Alex Kirst is survived by two children. Here’s hoping he rests in peace and the world continues to appreciate his valuable contributions to the rock world.
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