As Steven Van Zandt was organizing the Save CBGB's concert in Washington Square Park yesterday afternoon, the CBGB's landlord, the Bowery Residents' Committee, announced they hoped "CBGB's will vacate the premises." However, CBGB's owner Hilly Kristal said, "We're going to fight. We deserve to be here. If they padlock the club, we're going to cut the locks." Little Stevie added that if there are court proceedings, supporters would be there with, too, making Gothamist wonder how that fight will play out in the press: Rock fans versus the homeless.
Blondie, Public Enemy, the Bouncing Souls, Institute with Gavin Rossdale, and other acts performed at Washington Square Park, and Public Enemy closed the evening with "Fight the Power." Chuck D told reporters, "CBGB always gave musicians a platform to say important things. It's time we did something to save one of New York's great institutions."
Did you go to the concert yesterday? How was it? So far, it looks like two people have posted pictures to Flickr. Updated: Check out brooklyn vegan's coverage of the concert.
Top photograph of Chuck D and Flava Flav from Reuters; bottom photograph of Washington Square Park by roboppy on Flickr
