CBGB

CLOSED

The end of an era arrived October 15, 2006 when CBGB's hosted their last live act. The club was evicted by its greedy landlord and forced to close. With the death of founder Hilly Kristal in August 2007 its fate was sealed: CBGB eventually became the John Varvatos boutique on the Bowery. Where punk made its mark in New York City, you can still buy vintage t-shirts, 33 r.p.m. records (what's a record you ask?) and trendy overpriced accessories. To quote Karl Marx: "History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce."

Out on the Bowery, the renamed Joey Ramone corner on the street sign gives you an idea of CBGB's historic impact. Speaking of the Ramones, if you wander to the back door of the store you'll see the exact space where the cover photo for the Ramones' seminal album "Rocket to Russia" was shot.

What does CBGB stand for? You might be surprised to hear it stands for "Country Bluegrass & Blues," which is what the owner and founder of the club, Hilly Kristal, intended CBGB to be known for. As for OMFUG, it stands for "Other Music for Uplifting Gourmandizers" as in voracious eaters of music.