We knew it was coming, and unfortunately that time has come. The legendary punk landmark CBGB has been served with an eviction notice, which was delivered one week after their lease expired. Owner Hilly Kristal, who opened the club in December of 1973, has been ordered to vacate the building by the Bowery Residents’ Committee.
In a statement issued to MTV News, Kristal and the Save CBGB Coalition said: “There is no valid reason why CBGB should leave our present historic location. All we want is the same thing (New York Governor George Pataki, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg) and 43 City Council members want — that is to sit down with the BRC and negotiate in good faith a new lease that is fair to all parties.”
Even after the Save CBGB Coalition offered to accept a significant rent increase, the BRC still plans on finding a new tenant for the space. As a big f*ck you to the BRC, not only is Kristal refusing to close CBGB’s doors, he is also continuing to book bands at the club.
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