It's been confirmed that legendary NYC rock venue CBGB will be moving from its longtime home at 315 Bowery in New York City to Las Vegas. This follows a prolonged period of uncertainty due to a battle with landlord the Bowery Residents Committee over the space, a battle that saw bands like Kid Dynamite and Gorilla Biscuits reuniting to play benefits for the club. MTV News spoke with owner / operator Hilly Kristal about the move:

We want to take a lot of this stuff with us, and I think we're going to move to Las Vegas... I have some developers who have some really great space in the downtown area. So, I'd say sometime in spring we'll be in Las Vegas. It's a big undertaking, and these developers are putting the money into it, and I want to make sure that, for my benefit and theirs, we make this work...

I don't have any choice... I have been looking for space in New York and the rent's $125,000 a month on Broadway... [The Vegas CBGB] won't be the same size or the same shape, but I am going to have all the things that matter there. I am taking the bars with me, I am taking the stage — I'm taking the urinal that Joey [Ramone] pissed in with me. I'm going to take a lot of things — anything that makes this place CBGB... I'll make it CBGB, and even more so. I think we can do better, starting in a new place, where the city's for it. It's more important to try to keep things going and moving up.

MTV also reports that Kristal was close to securing a New York location on Essex Street, but the deal fell through. A future second location in New York City is possible, but not for several years due to rent prices. Finale shows are in the works for the New York location, but the original site is expected to close its doors by mid-October. A schedule for the final shows will be announced soon.

Furthermore, the plight of the club that gave early support to bands like the Ramones, Television, Blondie, Talking Heads and many others is not the only concern for Kristal. Three weeks ago Hilly was diagnosed with lung cancer, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments. The owner is optimistic about his prognosis, but commented "I have to tell you, chemotherapy ain't fun."

Las Vegas as in the city Las Vegas? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

Well, whatever, looks like the hard rock cafe has some new competition.

Yeah, this is super idiotic. I refuse--refuse to believe that not one place in NY isn't available for this. I'm sure its expensive, etc. but you are telling me the exact same deal hasn't been made for NY? This is more sad than anything. Why not move it to another city that has a punk tradition? DC? Chitown? Oh...right, right, the money issue. Its really not about the urinal that Joey Ramone pee'd in, but rather the green it generates. Super.

Sure you will. Like $5 High Lifes and standing water.

this is so fucking lame.
i have nothing else to say.

Shit...what the hell are they thinking? NY is punk rock...LA is punk rock...Vegas is NOT punk rock.

Sometimes, things are just supposed to die.

Good call, this is exactly what I thought.

if siegfried & roy headlined at cbgb, i'd go to that.

Yeah, because in no way does 'authentic' New York cater for asshole tourists with cameras round their necks and embarrasing shorts.

Give the guy a break, he has chemo to pay for and you knobends are whining because he's 'not punk rock anymore'.

Newsflash. CBGB's hasn't been 'punk rock' since indie tosspots like yourselves started spunking themselves at the mere mention.

Dude, nobody read to the bottom of the story.

I agree, though I still stand by what I said before--that I refuse to believe that another place that has/d a punk scene, couldn't have offered a more logical base. for all intensive purposes it should end up a museum or something. Think of it in these terms, what if they built the civil rights musuem in Portland, Oregon? Moved the Grand Ole Opry to Detroit because more money was offered. Its the same sick feeling I get when teams move to other cities. I understand the world works on money, but there are ALWAYS options.

they pissed in the same urinal TOGETHER?! NEWS FLASH!

"intents and purposes"

I wonder if they're taking the bathroom along with them.

That'd be, you know, keeping it real.

Take it to Reno, at least they had 7 Seconds!!!!!!!!!!!!

i wonder if they'll have 'tribute' shows, like a nightly ramones cover band at 50 bucks a pop?

Newfits?

They haven't already been doing this for years?

I don't think we've mentioned the impending CBGBs movie. What do you guys think about the casting choices?

None of the actors' images show up, except for that wuss they've got slated to play Lou Reed, yet looks NOTHING like him.

They will all be played by much prettier people...except Debbie, whoever plays Debbie will look like a hag in comparison.

Nobody playing any of the guys from Television (except Richard Hell)?

Bummer, I used imdb photos--they must've yanked them.