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Author:
Lauren Ziegler
Lauren Ziegler
Published:
Dec 28, 2015
NEWS

Take A Look (And Try Not To Cringe) At The New CBGB Airport Restaraunt

Earlier this month, it was reported that legendary punk rock venue CBGB (which closed in 2006) would be receiving a strange reincarnation, in the form of a restaurant within Newark Airport in New Jersey. Understandably, the music world was up in arms at the thought of such a legendary punk institution receiving this gentrified Frankenstein of a revival, with many protesting the very idea that such a venue (or its brand, at least) should be reborn at all - let alone in an airport.

Like it or not, the restaurant opened, and social media has been quick to document the occasion. Here's a few photos from Twitter users:

The restaurant features an iPad ordering system and a rather expensive menu - normal for airports, not so much for game-changing punk venues. 

What's more, is that the company who purchased the trademark rights to CBGB have reportedly filed for trademark protection of a wide variety of merchandise products. According to Politico editor Alex Weprin, expect CBGB branded onesies, umbrellas, phone cases, beanies and more in the coming months:

https://twitter.com/alexweprin/status/681522179767414785

It truly sucks that this is a thing, but should we really that surprised or upset?

This is hardly the first time that we've seen punk rock turn in on itself. Consider ex-Sex Pistols' frontman John Lydon (formerly Johnny Rotten)'s stint plugging Country Life butter, Iggy Pop's car insurance commercials, Lou Reed advertising Honda scooters, and this month's Rolling Stone magazine featuring Five Seconds of Summer on its cover - for the second time.

At least the original CBGB owners themselves weren't personally responsible for this kick in the face of musical history. 

Secondly, selling out and commercialization are hardly new. Yes, it's sad and disappointing. But does it really take away from the history and influence of such an important venue? Does it devalue what happened within its original walls 20 - 30 years ago?

Since its closure, the venue has been rebranded into a festival, a radio station, a retail fashion store and beyond. Again, this is upsetting on a fundamental, historical level, in the same way that I feel personally offended and disgusted when I hear about a dubstep remix of a Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd track. In the same way that a part of me wants to cry every time I think about how many more people probably think that "The Ramones" is a hip clothing brand, not a band. Yet this doesn't take away from the legacy of the band, just like this restaurant does not tarnish the memory or importance of the original CBGB. 

It sucks, but it's not a shock, and it's not really changing anything. 

Image: Twitter

 

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