Jim Kimball obit

Jim Kimball, Drummer for Laughing Hyenas and DK3, Dies at 59

Jim Kimball, drummer for Laughing Hyenas and The Denison/Kimball Trio, passed away on August 27, 2025, at age 59. 

He was not on the list.

Kimball was known for his powerful drumming and contributions to punk, blues, and experimental music. With Laughing Hyenas, he helped shape the band’s intense sound. His work with Duane Denison in DK3 explored instrumental and avant-garde music

He was the brother of Olympic silver medalist Bruce Kimball. Fans and musicians paid tribute, noting his influence on alternative and underground music.

Jim Kimball was the drummer for Laughing Hyenas, a punk-blues band that gained recognition in the late 1980s and early 1990s for its aggressive, raw sound. His drumming was central to the band’s energy and musical identity.

He later collaborated with guitarist Duane Denison to form The Denison/Kimball Trio (DK3), an instrumental project blending post-rock, jazz, and experimental sounds. The duo released several acclaimed albums and toured internationally, earning praise for innovation and atmospheric compositions.

Kimball also played with other underground and alternative acts, contributing to the development of punk, blues, and experimental music scenes in the U.S. His style combined precision, intensity, and creativity, influencing numerous drummers and musicians across genres.

His earlier bands include noise-punk band Laughing Hyenas, Mule, and The Jesus Lizard, as well as The Denison/Kimball Trio.