Tuesday, September 06, 2005
While We're At It, Why Don't We Just Tear Down The Vatican
Given its minimal press, I wonder how many people were aware that one of the most hallowed places in American music is seemingly closing it’s doors forever- CBGB.
From the New York Daily News-
The story is a cloudy one, full of bad blood, bad bookkeeping, lack of funds, cover-ups and general nastiness- come to think of it; I suppose it’s kind of symbolic.
CBGB is the very foundation of the American punk scene. There has not been a band in the last 30 years who’s music has not been somehow been a direct result of what came off it’s stage. In terms of influence and impact on modern American music, CBGB is second only to the mecca of Sun Studios, Memphis, Tenn.
You know, New York prides itself on being a uniquely cool town. They really ought to do the right thing and designate it into a city landmark or something. But then again, maybe the museum existence would go against the very culture and principles (or lack there of) the club helped to create in the first place.
If you’re like me and haven’t been, well kick yourself as it looks like you never will. Until then, do yourself a favor and read up on a little of the CBGB history. You owe it to your iPod.
From the New York Daily News-
As several hundred enthusiastic supporters rallied in Washington Square Park to keep CBGB's open, the landlord of the venerable punk club announced Wednesday that the lease on the 32-year-old landmark will not be renewed…
…The existing lease was to expire at midnight Wednesday. The statement from Rosenblatt called for CBGB's to "vacate the premises both voluntarily and expeditiously" — a scenario that appeared unlikely, given the promises of Little Steven Van Zandt and others to wage a battle to the end on behalf of the bar that launched punk rock.
The story is a cloudy one, full of bad blood, bad bookkeeping, lack of funds, cover-ups and general nastiness- come to think of it; I suppose it’s kind of symbolic.
CBGB is the very foundation of the American punk scene. There has not been a band in the last 30 years who’s music has not been somehow been a direct result of what came off it’s stage. In terms of influence and impact on modern American music, CBGB is second only to the mecca of Sun Studios, Memphis, Tenn.
You know, New York prides itself on being a uniquely cool town. They really ought to do the right thing and designate it into a city landmark or something. But then again, maybe the museum existence would go against the very culture and principles (or lack there of) the club helped to create in the first place.
If you’re like me and haven’t been, well kick yourself as it looks like you never will. Until then, do yourself a favor and read up on a little of the CBGB history. You owe it to your iPod.
