As one of the fortunate few to witness the last concert at CBGB this past Sunday, October, 15, 2006, I believe it’s only fair to share an eyewitness account. Needless to say, the street outside was a mob scene, with reports that the entry line extended around the corner of Bowery all the way to 2nd Avenue.
But first some brief context. Like many rock fans across the U.S., I first learned of CBGB through the club’s connection to Blondie. When “Heart of Glass,” “One Way or Another” and “Hanging on the Telephone” broke big on radio in 1978, every article on Blondie mentioned CBGB. All the alternative rock magazines of the time – Trouser Press, Creem, New York Rocker – regularly covered bands breaking out of the CB’s scene. And then Talking Heads came along and immortalized the venue by singing “This ain’t the Mudd Club, or CBGB, I ain’t got time for that now.”
As a teenage music fiend in south Texas, I yearned to go to CBGB, but I didn’t get to make a pilgrimage to NYC until 1987. At that time I took some photos of the club, but didn’t see a show. My first concert there happened three years later when I caught the second gig on the Scottish band Teenage Fan Club’s debut U.S. tour. July 15, 1990. I was ecstatic to be inside the place and the Fannies put on a bright, warm show. Since then, counting CBGB and its adjacent CB’s Gallery, I’ve attended about 40 gigs.
(Click for slideshow)
Fast forward to 2005. The rumors are confirmed. CBGB is under siege from the landlord. I attend a slew of benefit concerts arranged to pay the club’s legal costs, but to no avail. The landlord wants the club out and the point is not negotiable.
Which brings us to this final concert. Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006.
I arrive at 7:00 PM and take my place in the ticket holders line with several friends. I thank my lucky stars that I was one of the precious few who actually was able to secure tickets on the web before they sold out in nine minutes.
Article comments
1 - Leslie Bohn
You are lucky. Thanks for sharing this. I was out front of the club for a few minutes, during which I saw Hilly leave. He looked very shaky and, frankly, awful. Patti is the greatest rock star, and this must have been awesome.
2 - Eric Olsen
thanks so much Randy, this is absolute history and the pics are priceless - great job!!
3 - tink
Thanks Randy for a GREAT review. Those of us that couldn't be there in person, were there with you in spirit.
Word on the Las Vegas streets is that they are planning to open up there in 2007...hhhmmmmmm
4 - Vern Halen
Took me back to those years when all those bands meant the world to me - somewhere inside, they still do.
5 - mark j.
Having watched the show from the CBGBs website, I agree with the author that it was one of Patti and her Band's best moments.
I have nothing but the highest respect for Hilly and everyone involved in CB's.
GABBA GABBA HEY!!!