Adios CBGB's?

Landlord Won't Renew Lease For CBGB Club - Aug. 31, 2005 The Associated Press is reporting that the landlord of the venerable punk club CBGB announced Wednesday (Aug. 31) that the lease on the 32-year-old landmark will not be renewed.

The Bowery Residents' Committee, landlord of the building on the Bowery, "believes it is in the best interest of our clients - the homeless and neediest New Yorkers — to sever this relationship," BRC executive director Muzzy Rosenblatt said.

The existing lease was to expire at midnight Wednesday. The statement from Rosenblatt called for CBGB's to "vacate the premises both voluntarily and expeditiously" — a scenario that appeared unlikely, given the promises of Little Steven Van Zandt and others to wage a battle to the end on behalf of the bar that launched punk rock.

"We're not going without a fight," said Van Zandt, who was joined at the rally by "Sopranos" co-stars Tony Sirico and Joe Pantoliano. "If the eviction proceedings start tomorrow, which I hope it doesn't, we'll fight it in the courts."

An increasingly frustrated Van Zandt blasted Rosenblatt for the inability to reach a new agreement. The E STREET BAND guitarist, "Sopranos" star and radio show host entered the negotiations about six weeks ago.

The club's owner, Hilly Kristal, also was not backing down.

"We intend to stay," he declared. "This is not a eulogy. There's no reason why we shouldn't come to an understanding."

The above statement from Blabbermouth.net.

Commentary from Tee- Damn, they're closing CBGB's? Could this be the end?

According to CBGB's they will fight to the very end:Please note that while we don't have a lease, we are still open and fighting to remain at 315 Bowery.

UPDATE ON CBGB's:

"There is no valid reason why CBGB should leave our present historic location. All wewant is the same thing the Governor, the Mayor, 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."

-- Hilly Kristal, owner and founder of CBGB

 

We were served with eviction papers last night.... and....... we are staying and fighting!

Help us show that "We've Got The Numbers" - please ask your friends to sign the official Save CBGB petition and help our coalition grow!  With your help we have been able to deliver over 30,000 signatures to the mayor and have gained the backing of 43 city council members!

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Background Information on CBGB Eviction

Even after the Manhattan Courts ruled that CBGB was not in the wrong about incorrectly billed rent increases and should not be evicted, CBGB was served with eviction papers from their landlord, a homeless organization, the Bowery Residents Committee.

Good luck CBGB's: Thanks-Tee-Stay Metal and Brootal-Tee-\m/ -l-