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CB's Really Will Close, Someday

2005_08_artscbgb.jpgAnd with a very un-Punk whimper CB's Hilly Kristal admits to the Post what has been obvious to the rest of us for quite some time now. CBGB's, home of Country, Blue Grass, Blues & Other Music For Urban Gourmandisers, will eventually be leaving its home on the Bowery and Joey Ramone Place for greener pastures.

Kristal told the Post that "I'll definitely be out in a year - unless some miracle happens." Which, considering how many people and groups have already tried to provide that miracle since news of the venue's landlord issues first arose, seems unlikely to us.

The sad truth of the matter is that Gothamist is really, truly, over the "Save CB's" movement (maybe that started when Bloomberg posed with the shirt? Or maybe we were never really under it?). As such anybody mind waking us up when it actually really closes? As far as punks in the East Village are concerned, at this point we'd be happy to settle with just getting back the cube.

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Comments [rss]

  • Not for nothing, but some friends of mine and I are partying it up at CB's while there's time - we started an Electric Open Mic at the Downstairs Lounge next door (CB 313). Every Thursday at 8. There's a house band to accompany you if you want back up, and the cover is only 3 bucks. I know, I know, is there anything more horrifying than an open mic? But since this is CBGB's, the freaks come out in all their glory. Last night we had this coked up poet running around the place like a maniac, telling everyone how much he loved them. Then there was the actor who dressed in a suit and tie, spoke in a British accent, and handed out business cards, claiming to be an "artist representative". Did I mention the older couple who played heavy metal (she on bass, he on guitar)? Or the samba band doing Joy Division covers? Yeah, CB's is a weird place, with all sorts of messed up vibes, but the crazies are good for a story or two. Come out if you can.

  • wolf larsen

    the message here is never become the landlord of a building that cool bands played in 20 years ago. Hm, in fact if you are already a landlord, don't allow any bands to play in case they are good, and you can't sell the place. Maybe put in a starbucks?

  • Dave Bob

    You have got to be kidding me. Who is screwing who here? An asshole barkeeper or a homeless shelter? Sure seems like an easy call.

  • The Lower, Lower East Side

    CBGB should move to 315 East Broadway. The neighborhood is still somewhat run-down, and Hilly would save money not only on rent but also on making a new awning.

  • pugsley

    Sam: The BRC rents the entire building for aprox. $16,000 a month and then charges CBGB's aprox $19,000 a month for their space (about half the building). Yet, they still want to evict. CB's is paying their rent so it's not a situation like the Bottom Line or some other place that can't afford the rent. It's a matter of an out of control, tax funded beaurocrat landlord screwing a tenant. The BRC should have their funding cut off. Expect to see the land sold off to a developer for another undulating luxory high rise.

  • yael

    as a music enthusiast, the closing of cbgb is surely sad news. but i think at the same time hilly a little bit deserves it. he should have spent less time booking high school bands from long island and more it keeping the place relevant with new real bands.

  • yael

    as a music enthusiast, the closing of cbgb is surely sad news. but i think at the same time hilly a little bit deserves it. he should have spent less time booking high school bands from long island and more it keeping the place relevant with new real bands.

  • sam

    Pugsley,

    Please... the landlord is the bowery residence committee, who provide services to the homeless and those struggling with addiction throughout the city. They deserve applause for trying to rid the city of homelessness and bad bridge & tunnel punk. Hilly should blow off, and keep selling tshirts, the only thing of CB's that made any money.

  • pugsley

    I haven't been to CB's in years, but I still think it's not an issue of punk baggage, but rather a case of a greedy landlord screwing a longtime tenent. Hilly should be allowed to stay as long as he wants.

  • "Other Music for Uplifting Gourmandizers"?

    I always wondered what OMFUG stood for...



  • Haywood

    Good Riddence CB's.

    They have screwed every band I have been in that has played there. They also have screwed every one of my friends bands that have played there.

    It is a shithole run by a douchbag. Sorry, no love lost

    They have been living on past glory for years.

    Have a nice retirement Hilly.

  • OMFUG

    Other Music for Uplifting Gourmandizers.

    Not surprising Gothamist got this fuggin wrong.

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