CBGB in peril

[schwenko]

Well, as Yogi Berra has said, it's not over until it's over. A blub from today's NY Times:

CBGB's Landlord to Appeal

CBGB's landlord said yesterday it would appeal a judge's decision on Wednesday in favor of the legendary Bowery rock club in a dispute over back rent. Muzzy Rosenblatt, the executive director of the organization that is the landlord, the nonprofit Bowery Residents' Committee, said in a statement: "Although the court acknowledges that CBGB did not pay its full rent for years, it nonetheless released them from their obligation to pay what they owe. B.R.C. respectfully disagrees with this decision and will be appealing." The Bowery Residents' Committee shelters and aids homeless people in 18 locations throughout New York City. BEN SISARIO

[schwenko]

Just saw on WPIX (Channel 11, NYC) that an agreement has been reached to save CBGBs.
The rent has been raised from $19, 000 to "near-market rate" of $35, 000 per month. The lease runs until next Halloween (Oct 31, 2006).
I suspect that Hilly K. will be raising prices, bringing in bigger acts, etc. to cover the rent increase.

[guyinsf]

I read a debbie harry interview recently in which she sort of badmouthed the place saying that it's very disgusting and gross and that she would change that home first before going there to d a show. She also said that she really didn't care if they close down because they place can be relocated. It's kinda surprising to hear her say that because I would think that she's such a big part of the history of CBGB and vice versa so you would think that she would be more fond of that place, but then again, she's a girl and I can see any girl being grossed out by a place like that but I think it's totally cool of her to still support it by doing the benefit shows there.

[schwenko]

[quote][i]Originally posted by guyinsf[/i]
<br>I read a debbie harry interview recently in which she sort of badmouthed the place saying that it's very disgusting and gross and that she would change that home first before going there to d a show. She also said that she really didn't care if they close down because they place can be relocated. It's kinda surprising to hear her say that because I would think that she's such a big part of the history of CBGB and vice versa so you would think that she would be more fond of that place, but then again, she's a girl and I can see any girl being grossed out by a place like that but I think it's totally cool of her to still support it by doing the benefit shows there.


[/quote]

In yesterday NY Times they quoted David Byrne as saying he wouldn't miss the place if it closed, i.e. the physical space. I've never heard anyone say that the place was anything but a gross, disgusting dive.
Hilly Kristal himself is saying that CBGB will move by the time that the agreement expires, Oct 31 2006.