CBGB'S NYC On Verge Extinction
 

Much like the bald eagle, the komodo dragon and the piping plover, New York's legendary rock venue, CBGB ? the punk-rock mecca of the world ? is teetering on the verge of extinction.

The clock is counting down to August when, if lease-renewal negotiations with its landlord aren't settled with a new agreement, the iconic club will board up its rickety doors for good ? due primarily to rising rents and declining live-music audiences, factors that have taken a toll on many small venues across the country.

Club owner Hilly Kristal, who in 1973 transformed what was once a Hell's Angels hangout into what is regarded as the birthplace of punk rock ? serving as the incubator for the Ramones, Patti Smith, Blondie, Television and literally hundreds of others artists through the years ? says he'll fight for as long as he can to keep CBGB open. But it's going to be an uphill battle.

During the most recent round of lease-renewal negotiations with his landlord, Kristal learned that his monthly rent would likely double, to $40,000. Tack on the $91,000 in back rent his landlord is owed ? an amount that his landlord says must be paid before the now-suspended negotiations can resume ? plus CBGB's $80,000 annual liability insurance, and Kristal is looking at a king's ransom he isn't sure he'll be able to come up with.

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:Oh crap

I went to a ton of Sunday matinee back in the mid 80's !

CBGB & Omfug !

Really, it might close in August? Thanks for the breaking news!

I did here on the news though that they want to keep it open till the end of October 2006. The whole month of October they will celebrate the club with a huge bash on Halloween....