It’s hard to believe that some of the greatest, most influencial punk bands all cut their teeth in one New York club. What may have started as a country, bluegrass, and blues venues is distinguised as the birthplace of the punkrock movement. But just the name CBGB is a staunch reminder of bands like the Ramones, Blondie, the Talking Heads, and Television. Imagine CBGB never existed and you could very well pave the path to a future in which the masses never got a taste of “Blitzkrieg Bop,” or “Call Me.” And we have one man to thank for all of that: Hilly Kristal.
CBGB started as nothing more than a small, out of the way, skidrow nightspot in 1973 but grew to something of a Mecca for punk music fans around the world. Wherever you travel, you will no doubt find someone sporting a CBGB t-shirt. It’s impossible to deny the influence that Hilly Kristal’s venue has had on society as a whole.
Consider this: one man opened a club that not only hosted some of the biggest (and most influential) bands in punk rock history. There is no denying the number of bands and artists that cite the Ramones amongst their influences. The same can be said for Blondie and the Talking Heads. And while Hillymay not have ever influenced heards of musicians he provided a showcase, a refuge if you will, for so many.
When you consider the influence Hilly’s country, bluegrass, and blues club had over so many people it’s cause for pause. Hilly belongs in the rock and roll hall of fame right alongside the likes of Leo Fender, Alan Freed, Phil Spector, George Martin, and Jann Wenner.
While CBGB may have closed its doors, we can’t deny the important role it has played in the birth and growth of a music genre. Thanks to Hilly Kristal punk rock is alive and well. We salute you, Hilly. May you rest in peace.
Hilly Kristal (1932 – Aug. 28, 2007) passed away after a battle with lung cancer. He is the founder of CBGB OMFUG, formerly of New York City. The Bowery bar became the cradle for punk rock music in the 1970s. He is survived by his son, Mark Dana Kristal; daughter, Lisa Kristal Burgman, and two grandchildren.
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We love the post and have featured it at TheIssue.com, in our Arts & Leisure section. It is always wonderful to see a tribute to the greats of music. We also posted a great tribute to the blues legend Fats Domino a few days ago. It is amazing to think that this man hosted some of the great musicians of the past four decades. An era of music unfolded in the grimy walls of his music club. That is an achievement.