Whatever Happened to CBGB?

Whatever happened to CBGB? I recently visited 315 Bowery St. and to describe its current condition is this way: It’s as if punk fans made a ton of money and decided linen was more comfortable than cotton and bought the ultra-expensive clothing.

CBGB closed in 2006 after unpaid rent had piled up. There was a lot of controversy about the closing of the club. The owner, Hilly Krystal, claimed rent had increased without him knowing, causing the load of debt. There were more factors that led to the closing of the iconic bar. The neighborhood had slowly become gentrified, and the “punk” attitude no longer fit the area. The club, which had launched the careers of the Ramones, Patti Smith, Blondie, The Misfits, Talking Heads, and even The Beastie Boys, no longer had added lines around the block.

Despite the sinking CBGB sinking ship, punk fans around the world still considered the famous club to be the center of their punk worship. Even those of us that grew up far away from NYC knew about CBGB’s greatness.

When I was around 6-years-old and living in Oklahoma, my older cousin from Pennsylvania came to live with us. He had just graduated from college. He was also a massive punk fan. I would sit on the floor of his bedroom while he played his favorite records. Whether we were sitting on the floor of his room or riding in his car, punk was playing. It was where I learned about the Ramones, Sex Pistols, Misfits, New York Dolls, Black Flag, and even Elvis Costello. It’s also when I first became aware of CBGB.

As I got older, I continued to hear stories about CBGB. Stories that were intense and filled with sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. Many of the stories fascinated me, such as Iggy Pop rolling around on broken glass and the many bar fights that ensued. And when I moved to New York City, I felt a calling that I had to visit. And that day came.

I was in the Bowery neighborhood one day after another failed audition. On that day, I wasn’t planning on seeing the famed club, but I walked by and saw the sign. I made my way to the door, and it opened up as some people piled out to light up their cigarettes. There was a bouncer at the door taking money and checking IDs, but as the cigarette smokers left, he must’ve lost track of me. It was still daylight, and a band played on the stage with a small gathering in front of them. It wasn’t the CBGB that I was told about, but then again, it was daytime during the week, and an unknown band attempted to stir up their own frenzy. I walked to the bar and ordered a beer and I turned my body to look around. I drank my beer and had to be on my way, so I walked out of the club and went home, thus ending my one CBGB experience.

Even though I only visited once and contributed to the purchase of one drink, I still held CBGB in awe. I was shocked in October 2006 that the doors were closing. I had heard rumblings of the financial hardship and the lack of attendance while I was there was proof. I think many of us hoped that some punk savior would show up in the nick of time and purchase the club, providing more young punk bands a venue to show off their talents. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

And then, John Varvatos moved into the building in 2008. John Varvatos is a luxury menswear designed that had worked for Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, not exactly punk attire. He opened up his own company in 1999, mixing rock-n-roll with high-end fashion. Punk fans hated the idea their beloved club was now in the hands of an expensive clothing designer.

Over the years, punk fans continue to flock to the storefront and occasionally go inside. I visited for the first time to get a look at what has become of the iconic location. I walked around and took photos of the outside and walked down the alleyway in the back. After talking photos and looking around, I went inside.

The first thing I noticed when I walked in was how good the store smelled. No longer was there a stench of cigarette smoke, stale beer, and remnants of puke. The store was filled with a pleasant fragrance as candles and stage lights lit up the room. A stage was set up in the middle of the store, with instruments in place. Photos, autographs, and guitars line the exposed walls. If those walls could talk, the stories they could tell.

Curiosity took over, and I walked around the store. I was immediately drawn to a hoodie that felt like wearing an angel’s warmth. After trying it on, I wanted it and purchased the overpriced product. After my purchase, I had to check on the famous bathroom to see if there were any resemblances to the punk bygone era. I looked into the bathroom and flicked the light on. The smell differed from the old days, and there was a lid on the toilet. The graffiti was gone and an incense stick caused a pleasing aroma.

I walked away from the John Varvatos store a bit saddened that we are living in a post-CBGB time. Then I remembered the recent times that I’ve stopped inside other clubs in NYC. Clubs that were giving young bands a start. In the old days, punk bands had a limited amount of places to showcase their talents. Now, there are clubs in every major city where punk bands can play. I can think of 5 clubs immediately in New York City where punk bands are welcome to take the stage.

CBGB might be dead, but punk will live on as long as rebellion and mischievousness swell in the minds and stomachs of all who play loudly.