Hilly Kristal

Hilly Kristal, the legendary owner of CBGB's, discusses the iconic venue that revolutionized punk and new wave music. He shares the unexpected origins of the club, originally intended for country and bluegrass but transformed into a launchpad for stars like The Ramones and Blondie. Hilly recounts the vibrant music scene of 1970s New York amidst urban decay and reflects on the venue's ultimate closure, including the emotional final performance by Patti Smith. His insights reveal CBGB's lasting cultural impact and its evolution from a dive bar to a music legend.