Punk venue CBGB's closing after 33 years

[PapaSkin]

NEW YORK - Legs McNeil remembers the night back in 1975 when he walked into the dingy storefront club perched in the even dingier Bowery neighborhood. The band onstage, four guys in leather jackets and torn jeans, was the Ramones. McNeil sat at a nearby table, watching their set with Lou Reed. It was unforgettable. But as McNeil would soon discover, it was just a typical night at CBGB's, the club that spawned punk rock while launching the careers of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Blondie, the Talking Heads and the Ramones. "Every night was memorable, except I don't remember 'em," said a laughing McNeil, co-author of the punk rock history "Please Kill Me." CBGB owner Hilly Kristal sits at his club during an interview Sept. 26, 2006, in New York. After Oct. 15, the legendary club that has hosted acts such as Patti Smith, the Talking Heads, the Ramones, and Blondie will close its doors for good, ending a 33-year run as punk rocks seminal music venue. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams) READ MORE..

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[PUNISHER]

Yeah, that sucks. I never got to visit.:frown:

[CptnSpaulding]

Damn, I always thought they were lying about closing the doors- they have only said that for about 5 years. haha, sucks for all the people who sent them money and bought their shirts because of their supposive "money problems". Haha, money problems my ass.....I see CBGB's shirts at JC Penny here

edit: unless I just misheard about their reasons for closing a while ago

[grouchybastid]

Damn, I always thought they were lying about closing the doors- they have only said that for about 5 years. haha, sucks for all the people who sent them money and bought their shirts because of their supposive "money problems". Haha, money problems my ass.....I see CBGB's shirts at JC Penny here

edit: unless I just misheard about their reasons for closing a while ago

Nope, it's legit. Walking down the Bowery now is a little weird without that awning being there anymore.

The problems were more than just money problems, there was also the landlord not wanting to offer a new lease on the space. Can't rent if they won't offer.

[CptnSpaulding]

Nope, it's legit. Walking down the Bowery now is a little weird without that awning being there anymore.

The problems were more than just money problems, there was also the landlord not wanting to offer a new lease on the space. Can't rent if they won't offer.
hahaha, you mean they were still renting that place after like 30 years?

and the money part? like I said, they have CBGB merchandise in JC Pennys........and I know every Hot Topic store sells their shit.

[grouchybastid]

hahaha, you mean they were still renting that place after like 30 years?

and the money part? like I said, they have CBGB merchandise in JC Pennys........and I know every Hot Topic store sells their shit.

Yeah, it was a whole giant fuckup. There was also a dispute on some crazy amount of money supposedly owed for back rent or some shit.

[eddie shots]

there was always a weird feeling of nostalgia when you walked in there. to be by or share the same stage that the ramones, af, cro mags, murphys law, and so many others have graced with there musical presence with. its hard to explain. it really never changed ther until bands like soungarden and other "grunge" bands would start making appearances. i remember being 14 and seeing a taped on sign at the "ticket booth" that said "we accept fake ids". and the guy working asking me if iwanted to drink to go a couple blocks down and get one. 20 minutes later i was at the bar drinking listening to the opening band. im gonna miss that place.

[bat_girl]

Yeah, that sucks. I never got to visit.:frown:
Yeah, my feelings exactly. Always wanted to go, never quite got there.

[skoidat69]

Yeah, that sucks. I never got to visit.:frown:
I went to got see Inspector 7 and Those Unknown play in 2000 but I ended up taking this dude and his old lady to the hospital after he got his head kicked in out front. What got me about CBGB's was how small the place was, it was like a long hallway with a stage at one end.

[nycskin89]

Yeh its sad, but they just opened up a CBGB's merchandise store on st. marks so fuck whoever had the idea for that. Its a little pathetic, they can't afford to keep the club open, but they can afford to open up a merchandise store to whore out a legendary name.