RIP Hilly Kristel, the founder of the infamous punk club "CBGB's. Hilly originally opened CBGB's to feature country and bluegrass music, but in NYC, these genres were pretty scarce, so, the first band to play there was one of my favorites, Television. On their opening night, he charged $1.00 cover. Almost no one showed up, and those who did, didn't drink. Hilly said Television were positively the worst band he had ever heard. He gave it another shot shortly after, allowing The Ramones to play. About 50 people showed up, though Hilly thought The Ramones were even worse than Television. Anyone who has heard them, know they are almost talentless, can hardly play their instruments, and know about 3-4 chords, of which all of their songs are comprised of. Anyway, CBGB's launched the career of my all time favorite band, Blondie (who, incidentally, were originally known as "Heaven and the Snake" - also, and here's a bit of trivia, Debbie Harry originally sang back-up in a little known folk band called "Wind in the Willows", which, strangely enough, is actually available at Amazon.com.)

Blondie:


Thus, CBGB's closed when their lease was revoked and I believe it was turned back into a homeless shelter (but I could be wrong). The last bands to play there were the Bad Brains, Dictators, and an accoustic set by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein.

The Dictators:


The Bad Brains:



Nonetheless, rest in peace, Hilly, you began something really important and we all thank you for it.
Long live PUNK ROCK!!!!