CBGB made a name for itself as New York City’s legendary music nightclub after opening its doors on Dec. 3, 1973. CBGB & OMFUG, as it was officially known, stood for ‘Country, Bluegrass, Blues and Other Music for Uplifting Gormandizers,’ reflecting the sort of music it liked to host. Memorable bands like the Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads and more got their start from gigs at the club. On Oct. 15, 2006, Patti Smith played the final concert as the club closed for good.
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The Damned pose outside CBGB’s club on the Bowery in New York in April 1977. (L-R) Rat Scabies, Dave Vanian, Brian James and Captain Sensible.
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David Bowie (left) poses with Lenny Kaye, from the Patti Smith Group, at CBGB’s club in New York City on April 4, 1975.
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Members of the Rock group the Runaways perform live at CBGB’s club in New York on Aug. 2, 1976. (L-R) Joan Jett, Jackie Fox and Lita Ford.
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Owner Hilly Kristal ejects Legs McNeil, a music journalist, from CBGB circa 1976.
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Photo of Evan Dando, of the group the Lemonheads, in the Bowery outside of CBGB in 1982.
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American musician Joey Ramone, of the group the Ramones, wears a CBGB t-shirt as he stands outside the club after a gig in New York City on Oct. 30, 1977.
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Patti Smith performs with Lenny Kaye, of the Patti Smith Group, at CBGB’s club in New York City on April 4, 1975.
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The Dead Boys perform at CBGB circa 1976. (L-R) Jimmy Zero, Stiv Bators, Johnny Blitz (drums) and Cheetah Chrome.
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Joan Jett (left) and Sandy West, of the Runaways, photographed at CBGB circa 1976.
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Two young men in leather jackets stand outside CBGB, at 315 Bowery, on Valentine’s Day in New York City, Feb. 14, 1983.
