October 21, 2006
CBGB's in Vegas : Blasphemy or just a bad idea
It's already sad enough that one of the last hallowed grounds of live music is closing, but moving to Vegas? I'm sick to my stomach. I can hear it now, the sounds of slot machines ringing between songs.Part of what made CB's great was that it was in fact a shithole. A true representation of the old Bowery. It made me smile every time I heard someone visiting for the first time say "That's it!?". Yes, that's it. And that's the point. Were you expecting clean bathrooms and an attendant?
So no more running across the street for chinese food. Now you can order some Joey Ramone Hot Wings, Little Debbie Harry Snacks, Television Dinners, or a Hamburger Patti Smith.
Now that we are forced to deal with the Vegas idea, Hilly Kristal has said that he's going to take parts of the original club with him (including the toilets), but will that be enough? Who will be booking the bands? Does it become another House of Blues or Hard Rock Café? We'll have to wait and see I guess.