Singer/songwriter, guitarist, private investigator and New Orleans native Gary Bruce Hirstius passed away on Friday, May 25 at his home in Metairie. A visitation for Hirstius will be held at the Leitz Egan Funeral Home on Thursday, May 31 from 6 to 8 p.m., and a second will take place the next day, Friday, June 1, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Ann Church and Shrine with a mass at 11 a.m.

Hirstius was an established member of the New Orleans music community, starting his career as the vocalist and guitarist for the band Mongrel and going on to play with the Continental Drifters, the Topcats, Lil Brooklyn, Levon Helm, the Jr. Mays Band, and Day 7. He was best known for his distinctive vocals and skills as a songwriter and guitarist, and much of his work, including songs like “Friendly Bird” and “Hands of the Angels”, reflected these strengths.

More then just a musician, Hirstius found joy working as a private investigator, work that earned him the moniker “rock ‘n’ roll detective”. He is survived by his parents Bruce and JoAnn DiMarco Hirstius; sisters Lauren Hirstius and Leslie Hurstius Dunn (Joseph); daughter Brandi Augustine (Jacob); grandsons Corey and Seth Augustine; nephew/godchild Hayden Dunn and niece Amelia Dunn. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made in Hirstius’ name to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic.