"One Small Loss Of A Music Space, One Large Step For Pants"

Over the weekend a small group of activists protested on the sidewalk outside the opening of the new John Varvatos boutique in the old CBGB's space in the East Village.

One protester said the issue isn't just about CBGB's, it's "about Tonic closing, and Fez, Theater Club Nada and Charas...about Copacabana being forced from their space by the city using eminent domain. These are not abandoned dusty relics. These are places that still cater to strong and vibrant, burgeoning communities. They are being ousted by people creating a Disneyworld, expensive version of the real culture that was here."

In a nod to former CBGB performers, Varatos is using Iggy Pop as a model. That's something, I guess.

(Via - Gothamist)