CBGB founder dies at 75 after battling lung cancer
Hilly Kristal didn’t set out to alter the very course of rock history when he opened his bar at 315 Bowery in NYC back in December 1973. In fact, his intentions were to create a home in the city for Country, Bluegrass and Blues—hence the name CBGB. Thanks to young bands in the area looking for a place to play, all that changed. Patti Smith, Television, The Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads and so very many more helped to create the legend that is CBGB.
The last couple of years were hard for Hilly and the CBGB family. They were embroiled in a legal fight against the Bowery Residency Committee who was determined to shut the place down. Bands and fans from all over the world came to pay respects and play benefit shows aimed to help keep CBGB open. I was honored to play one such show with my songwriting partner Eric Schmitz in August of 2005.
Sadly it had proven to be a losing battle when the doors of CBGB and the neighboring Gallery and Lounge were shut forever in October 2006. Hilly planned on keeping the CBGB brand growing with continued merchandise sales and the now infamous talks of opening a CBGB West in Las Vegas. Whatever the future brings one thing is for certain; CBGB changed the world of music and it was all a happy accident.
Farewell Hilly. Thanks for the memories.
See Also:
CBGB.com
Save CBGB Benefit 8/11/05
New Year’s Eve 2005 @ CBGB
