http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1267&storyid=3550149

Quote :

"FAMED New York rock club CBGB began the last month on its lease yesterday as E Street Band guitarist Steve Van Zandt stepped up in hopes of saving the grungy East Village rock palace. The famous club that helped launch the likes of Blondie, the Ramones and Talking Heads is battling its landlord, the Bowery Residents Committee (BRC), over $98,000 in back rent and a $24,000 increase to its monthly rent. The BRC, a non-profit group that aids the homeless, wants its money and guarantees of future rent payments before agreeing to a new lease. "I can't put the needs of the club second to the needs of the BRC and the homeless," BRC director Muzzy Rosenblatt said, although he noted the two sides were talking. Van Zandt, a star on The Sopranos TV show, put together Sunday night's punk-rock and grunge benefit featuring Blondies' Deborah Harry and said benefit shows would be held all month at the club and that a free Washington Square Park rally was in the works. CBGB owner Hilly Kristal was less optimistic: "I don't think [Rosenblatt] has any intention of giving us a lease." He said he thought the BRC was just out to double his monthly rent. "

That sucks. A lot of the bands I listen to started off there or were influenced by the movement that started there. I had always wanted to go see a show there someday, I guess unless I can get up to NY this month that probably won't be happening. Definitely a loss for the rock music community.

8/3/2005 9:27:10 AM

It's sad because there's a lot of history there, but that club has gone to pot.

8/3/2005 10:56:50 AM

um what about the shows already booked for September? I have plans to go see The Circle Jerks.

8/3/2005 11:01:27 AM

Seriously? I was going to go but $100 for two tickets makes me want to vomit all over somebody's 20 year old Doc Martins.

8/3/2005 12:06:28 PM

i was there three weeks ago. i was told that they were closing by the end of summer while i was there, pretty sad stuff. the street next to CBGB's is named Joey Ramone Place for gods sake

8/3/2005 12:13:29 PM

Quote :

"It's sad because there's a lot of history there, but that club has gone to pot."

I don't think it's any more of a shithole than it used to be.

8/3/2005 12:52:07 PM

I'm not talking about the physical appearance of the place, I'm talking about the fact that you have to pay a $12 cover to see a really shitty punk band these days.

8/3/2005 1:32:30 PM

You would think that there would be at least 1 stupid ass MTV music icon that wears CBGB shirts but does not understand the history of the place, would be willing to fork over a bunch on money for publicity....

8/3/2005 2:03:48 PM

^ That would be nice, but a PR nightmare for the celebrity at some point. If (s)he is forkin' out 20 grand a month to keep CBGB open but not doling out cash to more socially acceptable charities, the fucking hippies will be all over him in the news.

8/3/2005 4:30:00 PM