Greg Lee, the beloved co-lead vocalist of the renowned Los Angeles ska ensemble Hepcat, passed away on March 19 at the age of 53.
Lee’s passing came after he suffered a brain aneurysm and subsequent cardiac arrest at his Paramount home on March 17; he later died in the hospital. Hepcat had been scheduled to take the stage at the eagerly awaited SoCal festival, No Values, at the Pomona Fairplex on June 8.
An earlier report mistakenly stated Lee’s age as 54, but he was indeed 53.
Mandie Becker, Lee’s partner, shared her grief and admiration in an Instagram post. She reflected on how Lee’s music with Hepcat provided solace and inspiration during both uplifting and challenging times. Becker highlighted Lee’s unparalleled talent and spirit, noting how he inspired countless individuals to embrace creativity, dance, sing, and love.
Lee was a founding member of Hepcat, which emerged in the late 1980s and graced stages for over three decades. The band, known for its pioneering role in California’s ska and reggae revival scenes, released six albums. Fans particularly adored their live performances, marked by Lee and Alex Désert’s soulful harmonies and energetic dance routines.
Greg Narvas, Hepcat’s drummer, remembered Lee as a vibrant source of positivity. Narvas emphasized the reciprocal energy exchange between the band and its audience, a dynamic Lee consistently nurtured with his radiant positivity. Narvas vowed to continue spreading this positive energy in Lee’s memory.
Lee’s influence extended beyond Hepcat, touching generations of ska enthusiasts. He once shared with L.A. Weekly how Hepcat’s music becomes a part of fans’ life stories, a cycle that continues with each new generation.
Beyond Hepcat, Lee collaborated with various Southern California bands, including the Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra and the Aggrolites. He also enjoyed participating in scooter rallies and supporting local music scenes.
Becker assured that Lee’s legacy would live on through his music, photographs, videos, and the memories fans hold dear.
Tributes poured in on social media following Lee’s death. Musicians, promoters, and fans expressed their gratitude for the joy and energy Lee contributed to their lives and the ska community.
The SuperNova Ska Festival and individuals like San Diego DJ Cory Hunt and Angel City Records founder Mark Morales shared heartfelt messages, emphasizing Lee’s significant impact on ska music and the void his passing leaves.
The “Pick It Up! Ska in the ’90s” documentary account also paid tribute to Lee, acknowledging his warm, kind spirit and his profound influence on the ska genre.
Lee is survived by his four children, including an unborn baby due in the fall, his partner Becker, his mother Janice, his siblings Michael, Steve, Tony, and Jennifer, and a community of fans and musicians whose lives he touched.