Punk Mecca CBGB Closing Its Doors?
by Staff | 00.00.0000

Over thirty years since the likes of Television and The Ramones first hit its stage and became the NY scene, punk birthplace and "Home of Underground Rock" CBGB is facing forclosure, as its lease is set to expire in August 2005. "They do not want to negotiate," said club owner and founder Hilly Kristal, of the Bowery Resident's Committee, the property owners that happen to also be a non-profit organization running a homeless shelter from above the venue. "They want me out."

The committee is reportedly seeking tens of thousands in rent (from an unannounced rent increase some three years ago) and to double the property's rent to $40,000 per month going forward. The case is currently in N.Y. court. The rent hike follows in line with the neighborhood's heavily gentrification that has occurred since the venue's heyday in the '70s. Once considered an area of flop-houses and cheap rentals, old-time staples like CBGB now struggle to survive.

In response to the rent rise, Kristal plans to launch a 30-date festival this summer to keep the club afloat. Modern acts like The Beastie Boys and Green Day, as well as past CBGB staples Patti Smith and David Byrne, are among the bands that Kristal is trying to secure for special shows.

No performers have been confirmed as of yet, but the roster could be set as early as the next two to three weeks. Kristal downplayed claims that the club, if closed, will move to Las Vegas. For the time being, NYC chocolate shop Chocolate Bar, is generating funds with new CBGB-branded candy bars.

Stay tuned for more fund-raising opportunities within the music community that will make sure that CBGB will live on. Until then, you can send donations to:

Save CBGB, Inc.
PO Box 665
New York, NY 10276