CBGB's, the dim, dank Manhattan nightclub which gave birth to American punk rock in over 30 years ago, has closed its doors for the very last time with a rocking farewell bash over the weekend.
The live music venue, full name Country Bluegrass Blues and Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers, took off in 1973 after being founded by Hilly Kristal and became the cultural epicentre of a thriving New York music scene right through until the mid 80's.
Bands like the Ramones, Blondie, Television and the Talking Heads all rose to fame on the back of residencies at the club, while in the 80's, it became a hotbed for hardcore acts - including the likes of Gorilla Biscuits, the Cro-Mags, Agnostic Front and Sick Of It All
Patti Smith, who herself was one of the venue's most popular acts, said CBGB's was "a state of mind" onstage Sunday joined by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea in front of a rammed crowd of music fans. Seminal hardcore outfit Bad Brains played, as did Blondie's Debbie Harry and Television's Tom Verlaine.
The venue closes for good on October 31, after owner Krystal conceded defeat in a spiralling legal battle over rent.
