Gothamist: CB's Really Will Close, Someday

Scot

Fri, 18 Nov 2005 09:25:44 -0500

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

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 21:17:38 -0500

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

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 17:46:17 -0500

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

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 16:21:43 -0500

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

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 15:32:24 -0500

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

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 15:07:09 -0500

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

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 15:06:19 -0500

sam

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 14:18:38 -0500

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

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 13:32:43 -0500

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.

S.D.

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 13:24:48 -0500

"Other Music for Uplifting Gourmandizers"? I always wondered what OMFUG stood for...

Haywood

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 13:22:17 -0500

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

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 12:59:18 -0500

Other Music for Uplifting Gourmandizers. Not surprising Gothamist got this fuggin wrong.