KRTThe legendary punk club, CBGB’s has been in existence for roughly three decades. Now if the Bowery Residents’ Committee (BRC), has it their way, the club will close with nothing left except its memories.
CBGB’s has been well known for its underground music since opening in the winter of 1973. According to cbgb’s.com, owner Hilly Kristal explained what CBGB’s stands for. Kristal said, “It stands for the kind of music I intended to have, but not the kind that we became famous for: country bluegrass blues.” CBGB’s is known to have rock legends The Ramones and Blondie play back when no one really knew who they were yet.
On Aug. 31, the lease on CBGB’s ran out without a renewal from the BRC, but according to MTV.com, owner Hilly Kristal is not giving up without resistance.
“We’re going to stick it out and stay here as long as we can,” said Kristal.
“I have to fight. We should be right here. New York is wonderful city in a lot of ways, and we’re part of it. Not because of me. It’s only because of what these musicians who’d played here say,” said Kristal. “I didn’t make this reputation, they did. I can not let this thing down. I can’t give up if I think we’re right in being here.”
Even if Kristal decided to fight the fact that his lease on the club has expired, it would still take months in the court systems before a conclusion would be reached and the club would really close for good.
“I had a feeling this was coming three years ago,” Kristal said. “This is the most ridiculous situation. He says one thing, then he says another. First it’s about the money, then it’s not about the money. Then it’s the relationship. We’ve had a very good relationship for all these years. He hasn’t felt that there was a good relationship between he and me, but I have never expressed an ill feeling. It’s his feeling. I don’t get it, I just don’t get it. He’s ruthless.”
There has also been a rally in Washington Square Park featuring artists such as Public Enemy, Blondie and Institute, reports fmqb.com. There were also guest appearances from Everlast and Chris Franz. Gavin Rossdale, from Bush and now from the band Institute, told the public at the rally, “It’s such a legacy, it’s insane…even outside of America, CBGB is synonymous with New York, with music.”
“It’s not over,” said Kristal. “We’re going to fight for it. I think we may be here into December, with a little luck. It can go that long.”
Kristal has many shows booked for the fall that he doesn’t plan to cancel, including the artists Helmet and The Dandy Warhols.
