Greg Kihn, whose fan-friendly no-frills brand of rock and roll garnered several hits during the 1980s, including “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)” and “Jeopardy,” passed away on August 15, 2024, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Kihn was 75.
Kihn, born and raised in Baltimore, started his music career while still in Baltimore as a singer/songwriter. After moving to San Francisco in the early 1970s, he went in a rock and roll direction, which quickly bore fruit. Kihn released his first eponymously-titled album in 1976 on the Beserkley label, becoming a staple in Bay Area clubs. Working at an album-a-year pace, Kihn garnered massive local airplay in 1978 with the uncharacteristic moody acoustic piece “Remember” from his “Next of Kihn” album.
Kihn, now working under the Greg Kihn band moniker, found nationwide success in 1981, when “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)” from the “RocKihnRoll” album made its way into the Billboard Top 20.
Kihn’s commercial zenith came in 1983, when “Jeopardy” from the “Kihnspiracy” album reached #2 on the Billboard singles charts.
More hits followed, albeit on a lesser scale.
As the 90s rolled along, while Kihn still pursued music via the occasional album and tour, Kihn refocused much of his creative energy toward other pursuits. He wrote several well-received horror novels and, for over 15 years, was a leading star on San Francisco Bay Area radio, holding down the morning shift on a San Jose classic rock station.
Fellow Bay Area musician Robert Berry, who worked with Kihn on several projects, shared his thoughts on Facebook at the news of Kihn’s passing.
For those of us who knew him well, family, bandmates, close friends, Greg Kihn was a kind, fun, and incredibly talented human being. For those of you that knew him as a fan he was that exact same guy. Be it from the stage, on the radio, or walking down the street, Greg always gave you the real Greg Kihn hook, line, and sinker. Those of you lucky enough to see him on his last major tour a few years ago with us as a duo I know had a blast. The funny stories, the great songs, and his love of playing to a live audience shined through. Everybody received that special piece of the real Greg Kihn. To play bass in his band was fun, rewarding and an honor and our every Thursday morning song writing and recording sessions were a little oasis every week. Heart broken would be an understatement. Though I’ll miss our time, our travels and our performances together more than words can say, most of all I’ll miss the quirky, cool, lovable guy you were. Thank you for letting me be a small part of your history. They don’t make ‘em’ like you anymore.
Rest in peace my talented friend.
Kihn was as Berry described him. A fixture at local charity events, as noted on Kihn’s website:
His kindness and generosity extended far beyond the stage, as he engaged in initiatives to support Operation Care and Comfort as well as other organizations. Friends and family remember him not just as a Rock Star, but as a warm-hearted individual who brought joy and inspiration to everyone he encountered.
Kihn was an affable and positive everyman with a gift of music. He graciously shared his gift and himself with the place he called home. In an era of unapproachable and aloof stars, Kihn’s star shone brightly as someone who enjoyed his turn in the sun and had no problem sharing that joy with everyone he met. The San Francisco Bay Area and the world are poorer at his passing.
Godspeed, Greg Kihn.
