Punk Rock officially dead

The downtown Manhattan space once occupied by the legendary CBGB will now be reopened as a boutique by high-end fashion designer John Varvatos. The Bowery location has been vacant since last October, when the rock landmark closed after 33 years following a rent dispute with the landlord. Varvatos, who has used artists such as Chris Cornell, Iggy Pop and Velvet Revolver in his ad campaigns, hopes to move in and open the store by March.

CBGB founder Hilly Kristal died on August 28th of complications from lung cancer at the age of 75, and is probably rolling in his grave right now.

Although initially started as a showplace for country, bluegrass and blues, CBGB arguably became the most famous and important venue in rock history. It was the center of the mid-'70s punk rock explosion and continued as a launching pad for scores of groups throughout its existence.

Kristal announced plans last year for a new version of CBGB to open in Las Vegas and possibly other locations. Those plans are still in the works.