After what seems like decades of dragging its feet, it really is going to happen. After tonight's performance by Patti Smith, CBGB's will close its doors on the Bowery for the last time.
CBGB's & OMFUG (Country, BlueGrass, Blues & Other Music for Urban Gormandizers) opened its doors to the Bowery back when the Bowery was the last place on earth most people would go voluntarily. Since then it helped usher in some truly great bands (some biggies being the Talking Heads, Ramones, and Blondie) and has sat unchanged as its surrounding neighborhood has 'revitalized,' its population shifting from drunken Irish and Bowery Bums to NYU undergrads and postgrad yuppies.
And now, after an excruciatingly protracted battle with the club's landlord, the Bowery Resident's Committee, CB's will be gone. But not necessarily for good. Rumor has it that owner Hilly Kristal wants to move the whole club to Las Vegas.
At least it was fun while it lasted.
Blondie performing one last time at CBGB's yesterday by Wayne's New York via Contribute.
