Fifty years ago, a modest dive bar in New York’s East Village emerged as a revolutionary hub for rock music. Initially, whispers of its significance circulated in small music magazines, but soon it became a magnet for celebrated musicians, record label executives, and influential journalists. This venue, located at 315 Bowery and known as CBGB, hosted an array of young, unknown artists whose music would reshape the sound, attitude, and aesthetic of rock. They created a template for punk, spoken word, power pop, new wave, no wave, mutant funk, and hardcore, among other genres.
Despite closing its doors two decades ago, CBGB remains a legendary venue in modern music history. To commemorate its influence, a four-CD box set has been released, celebrating an era when New York City was affordable and thriving with artistic endeavors rather than commercial interests.
The Legacy of Hilly Kristal
The story of CBGB is inextricably linked to Hillel “Hilly” Kristal, who was born in New York in 1931 to Russian Jewish immigrants. Kristal’s early career included serving in the Marines, singing in folk clubs, and booking artists for the Village Vanguard jazz club. After his previous venue, Hilly’s, was forced to close due to complaints about loud music, he rented the location on Bowery, believing that the area, known as “skid row,” would allow for noise without complaint.
Initially named Hilly’s on the Bowery, Kristal began promoting underground jazz concerts. However, the venue’s reputation changed when a motorcycle gang made it their hangout, driving away the jazz crowd. In December 1973, Kristal renamed the bar CBGB & OMFUG, envisioning it as a roots music venue, with the name standing for Country, Bluegrass, Blues, and Other Music For Uplifting Gourmandizers. However, he was open to hosting any musicians who could draw a crowd.
A Hotbed for Original Music
In early 1974, the band Television, led by Tom Verlaine and Richard Hell, approached Kristal to perform. Initially unimpressed by their distinctive sound, Kristal nonetheless granted them a Sunday night residency. The significance of this moment was profound; it was at CBGB that Patti Smith and her guitarist, Lenny Kaye, first witnessed Television, marking a pivotal moment in the music scene. Kaye described their experience as a “changing-of-the-guard moment,” stating that CBGB became a laboratory for musical innovation.
The Ramones debuted at CBGB on August 16, 1974, showcasing their signature look of ripped jeans and leather jackets, alongside their fast-paced songs. Kristal’s feedback to Joey Ramone after their performance was telling: “No one is going to like you guys, but I’ll have you back.” Following the Ramones, other iconic acts like Blondie and Talking Heads took the stage, further solidifying CBGB’s reputation as a breeding ground for groundbreaking music.
The Cultural Significance of CBGB
As more bands began to perform, Kristal maintained a strict policy of “original music only,” which contributed to the venue’s artistic energy. The first issue of Punk magazine, released in January 1976, heralded the CBGB scene, emphasizing that “PUNK is coming!” Major figures like Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and David Bowie were frequent visitors, while Seymour and Linda Stein signed major acts like the Ramones and Talking Heads to Sire Records.
The release of the Ramones’ debut album on April 23, 1976, signified a rebellion in the music world, with Kristal emerging as a godfather of punk rock. Lisa Kristal Burgman, Hilly’s daughter, highlighted her father’s love for music and his commitment to helping musicians, which was the essence of CBGB.
Despite its legendary status, CBGB was known for its gritty environment. The venue’s bathrooms were notoriously filthy. Kristal Burgman noted that while the club was bleached every morning, the clientele contributed to its messiness. Lenny Kaye humorously remarked that the bathrooms were “gross, but great,” reflecting the club’s raw charm.
The Finish of an Era and Its Continued Impact
As gentrification swept through New York, CBGB faced challenges with its landlord over rising rent, leading to Kristal’s eventual departure from the premises in 2006. On October 15, 2006, Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye performed a farewell concert, during which Smith honored the memory of those who had been part of CBGB’s storied history.
Hilly Kristal passed away from lung cancer in 2007, shortly after announcing plans for a new CBGB location in Las Vegas. A biopic titled “CBGB” was released in 2013, starring Alan Rickman as Kristal. Although the film received mixed reviews, it highlighted the enduring influence of CBGB.
Today, the spirit of CBGB lives on through various initiatives, including a fashion line launched by Kristal and a Brooklyn punk-themed festival. Most notably, the music from the club’s heyday is preserved in the newly released box set, “CBGB & OMFUG: A New York City Soundtrack 1975-1986,” which includes tracks from prominent bands like Sonic Youth and the Beastie Boys, as well as lesser-known acts.
This comprehensive box set serves as a testament to the vibrant culture that CBGB fostered in its prime. As Rob Tannenbaum, compiler of the set, stated, playing at CBGB was an experience that confirmed the venue’s legendary status. “We didn’t care – we knew we were standing on sacred ground,” he said.
CBGB & OMFUG: A New York City Soundtrack 1975-1986 is now available on Cherry Red Records, ensuring that the legacy of one of rock music’s most iconic venues continues to resonate.
