Tim Cronin, (in white shirt) frontman for the Ribeye Brothers at their annual Dublin House Memorial Day weekend show in 2024. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
By BRIAN DONOHUE
The Red Bank, rock n’ roll and comedy communities are rallying to support a beloved local legend who is grappling with the devastating recent diagnosis of ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Tim Cronin, a longtime Red Bank resident and 30-plus year fixture behind the counter at Jack’s Music Shoppe on Broad Street was diagnosed with the progressive and incurable neurodegenerative disease, according to friends and family members.
Cronin is the longtime lead singer of the band Ribeye Brothers and a founding member of the Red Bank band Monster Magnet, who boast a worldwide following and as pioneers of the genre “stoner rock” or “space rock.” 
Tim Cronin (right) behind the counter at Jack’s Music Shoppe with Monster Magnet and fellow Red Banker Dave Wyndorf (photo by Brian Donohue)
Despite the devastating diagnosis, a friend recounted a recent comment showing his classic dark, self-deprecating sense of humor appears indomitable. Cronin, a longtime New York Mets fan, joked about the misfortune of being stricken with a disease whose most famous victim was a player for the hated Yankees.
For Tim and his wife Carrie Wyndorf, though, the road ahead is fraught.
His stepdaughter Maggie Chesek has set up a GoFundMe drive to help the family cope with what she says in her post “has been called ‘the bankruptcy disease” due to the significant and ever increasing financial burden it places on families.
There is also a benefit episode of the Tell ’em Steve Dave podcast, hosted by Bryan Johnson and Walt Flanagan of the AMC TV show Comic Book Men (filmed at filmmaker Kevin Smith’s Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash on Monmouth Street), and Brian Quinn Worldwide TV Star of Impractical Jokers. Cronin regularly appears on the podcast as Tim the Record Store Clerk.
Funds raised by the GoFundMe campaign, will go directly towards:
In her message on the GoFundMe page, Chesek writes:
“To say this has been shattering for Tim’s beloved wife, stepdaughter, and the many people who love him is an understatement. It’s not in Tim’s nature to ask for help, as he is the guy who helps others – but it’s our turn to help him now.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.
