Rich Hall GoFundMe raises over $61,000 after legendary New York hardcore and metal promoter passes away

Rich Hall, whose influential work in the New York hardcore and metal music scene helped shape a huge community, passed away on January 21, 2025.

Hall, a promoter and founder of the influential 1000 Knives booking company helped bring along bands like Converge, Botch, and Isis to audiences at places like CBGB.

In the wake of his death, friends, family, and fans have banded together to raise funds for his now-widowed wife, Carrie Whitney Hall, and their seven-year-old son, Cillian, through a GoFundMe page which has so far collected more than $61,000.

The news of Hall’s death was confirmed by his wife, Carrie, who posted an emotional statement on social media. Looking back on their 14 years together and the love they have for each other, she wrote:

"I knew the second we met, that I was going to marry him. I knew we’d make a cute kid too."

She also thanked her late husband for all the happy memories they shared, including their final family trip together before he passed.

Initially a roadie and merch seller in the 1990s, Rich Hall’s career soon transitioned into booking and promoting shows. According to Brooklyn Vegan, Hall loved hardcore and metalcore music and devoted himself to helping and developing emerging bands.

In his one-man operation, 1000 Knives, Hall booked dozens of legendary shows, frequently mixing up-and-coming talent with established acts to create unforgettable lineups.

Hall took a break after the closing of CBGB but returned in the late 2000s to continue working as an independent promoter, especially in Brooklyn and Manhattan. His participation was key in creating the heavy music landscape.

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Tributes and support pour in from friends and musicians through GoFundMe after Rich Hall’s sudden death

Many in the music community recalled Hall’s influence and kindness. Converge, one of the bands that Hall helped early in their career, posted a heartfelt message on social media, saying:

"Rich Hall was a true friend and supporter of this band since the beginning. We grieve his loss and send love to his family"

Fellow promoter Joe Hardcore pointed to Rich Hall’s dedication to his work. Other heartfelt tributes were published by Brooklyn’s Saint Vitus bar co-founder, Arthur Shepherd, and Botch vocalist, Dave Verellen, who started the GoFundMe campaign with his wife Dana.

Dana and Dave Verellen created the GoFundMe campaign for Carrie and Cillian to help them navigate life without Hall. The campaign’s description pays tribute to Hall’s commitment to music and the loving husband and father he was.

According to the GoFundMe page, the money raised will support Carrie and Cillian with immediate needs and give them the ability to pursue the dreams they had imagined with Rich Hall.