Punk rock's most diabolical toilet will never flush again - at least not in Manhattan.
By this time next week, CBGB, the Lower East Side dive that brought live music to the Bowery 33 years ago and birthed the U.S. punk and new-wave music scenes, will be as lifeless as Johnny Thunders. Or Jerry Nolan. Or ____________ (insert name of favorite dead punk star here). It's a real heartbreaker - we're not kidding. Little Steven Van Zandt, who spearheaded the fight to save CB's last year, isn't giving interviews about it; his press person said he is, in fact, "too heartbroken."
The club's official cause of death will be listed as "rent dispute"; a lengthy disagreement between CBGB and its landlord, the nonprofit homeless aid group Bowery Residents' Committee, could not be resolved.
Hilly Kristal, the venue's owner, chooses to remember the good times instead of the impending end.
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PHOTO: Hilly Kristal and Little Steven during the fight to save CBGB by Associated Press.
On the jump, video of The Ramones doing "Rockaway Beach" at CBGB
Comments (1)
Okay, I'm sorry but this is f-ing ridiculous.
Of all the things to take away.
The history that that place had is absolutely overpowering and to just...take it away is disgusting, it's blasphemy, it's stick-icepicks-in-your-eyes-terrible.
There are no words strong enough for what it is, I realize as I try to describe it.
I also feel terrible for Steven. He fought so hard to save that place, he cared about it so much, this has got to be killing him.
Love you Steven.
This is a tragedy.
It's a bit like watching the moon fall.
But again, there are no words.
Don't forget about CBGB.
Don't ever forget.