Tuesday 6 September 2005

Punk's birthplace to close

The birthplace of punk is closing. Punk wasn't born in England, it was born in New York at CBGB's with bands like Television, the Ramones, Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Talking Heads, Patti Smith and Blondie performing on its small plywood stage. Now CBGB's lease has expired and, despite the protestations and forward bookings of CBGB's owner, it is not being renewed. "I think we may be here into December," says owner Hilly Kristal, "with a little luck. It can go that long." The landlord disagrees: "A statement from [landlord] Muzzy Rosenblatt called for CBGB's to 'vacate the premises both voluntarily and expeditiously,' adding that the organisation which aids New York’s homeless now 'believes it is in the best interest of our clients – the homeless and neediest New Yorkers – to sever this relationship.'"

Visit the CGGB Shrine while you can.

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