As I’ve written in the pages previously, I’m not into sentiment. Things pass, time marches on… that’s just what happens. If we can get some memories and good stories then it was all worth it.
So when a building closes or gets torn down, it’s progress. The cycle of life, I suppose. If something inanimate were still vital and useful then there would be no reason to move on.
Besides, when sentiment is done poorly, it’s just hokey and hackish. When it’s done well, it just makes me sad.
However, I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention the demise of CBGB on the Bowery on Manhattan’s East Village. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to visit, stroll past and “experience” the whole CB’s trip many, many times. I put it right up there with visiting all historical sites, though like a ballpark, CB’s was interactive.
Like Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park, CBGB was not the best venue for its art in the world. Certainly there are a lot of places that are more modern, comfortable and, well, better. But unlike the old places, the new ones don’t have the vibe yet. They don’t make one feel like they are somewhere.
Important things actually occurred at those places.
Sure, one day something big will happen at the new places, too. After all, it’s not too difficult to make a memory. Making history, on the other hand, is a harder task. I guess that’s why there is so much sentiment for CBGB.
For lack of patience, I’ll leave the dirges and obits to much more skilled writers than me. After all, I have only walked past CB’s a handful of times in the past decade… time and life marches on.
But as a tribute to the old place, which will be vacated at 313 and 315 The Bowery by Oct. 31, I’ll just leave with something more appropriate.
Folks, it doesn’t get much better than this:
Someday I will write about seeing The Ramones for the first time... who says I'm not into sentiment?