In the summer of 2006 it became official. CBGB, the legendary New York rock club, was closing for good after more than 30 years.
The history
Hilly Kristal opened CBGB on the Bowery in 1973. The name stood for country, bluegrass and blues, the music he planned to book. Instead, it became the home of punk.
The Ramones, Talking Heads, Blondie, Patti Smith, Television and Suicide all played there regularly in the 70s. In the 80s it became the center of New York hardcore. Agnostic Front, Cro-Mags, Sick of It All, Gorilla Biscuits and Murphy’s Law were all CB’s regulars.
The club had one rule that made it special. Any band could play. No style filter. Sink or swim on your own.
Why it closed
The club got into a rent fight with its landlord in 2005. There was a big benefit show in Washington Square Park, and even the mayor spoke up for the club. In the end no deal was made.
A closing run of shows took place over the final months. Patti Smith played the last show on October 15, 2006. Hilly Kristal died the next year.
Wear the history
Love the old New York scene? Browse our classic rock t-shirts and rock t-shirts.