This is the downstairs bathroom at CBGB. And, yes, it appears to be official: after 32 years, CBGB has gotta go – they are closing and moving to Las Vegas. Opened in 1973, they are the oldest rock club in continuous operation in NYC. The punk mecca has showcased the Ramones, Talking Heads, Blondie, the Patti Smith Group, Iggy Pop, etc.

In a city of rising rents, closings of clubs is becoming standard fare – Wetlands, Fez, Luna Lounge, and Chicago Blues have all closed. Numerous efforts to save the NYC landmark have been made, including a festival in 2005, attended by the mayor. But economics rule – with a reported doubling of rent from $20,000 per month to $40,000 (and $80K per year liability insurance), it is just not economically feasible to stay open. For many, the closing is more of a disappointment than a real loss because it is emblematic of recent trends of displacement and gentrification.

According to owner Hilly Kristal, they are taking everything with them to Vegas: “I intend to take everything out of there that represents CBGB. We’re going to take the bars, the toilets, the urinals, even the doors. We want to re-create the essence of the club.” But for me, looking at that bathroom, I’m not so sure I gotta go 🙂