The punk rock scene of the 1970s and 80s was a vibrant, rebellious movement that gave rise to some of the most iconic music and cultural moments of our time. And at the heart of this scene were the legendary punk clubs of New York City, where bands like the Ramones, Blondie, and the Talking Heads got their start.
The CBGB
Perhaps the most famous of all the punk clubs was the CBGB, located on the Bowery in Manhattan. Opened in 1973 by owner Hilly Kristal, CBGB quickly became the epicenter of the punk scene, hosting shows by the biggest names in punk, as well as up-and-coming bands looking for their big break.
The club was known for its gritty, no-frills atmosphere, with graffiti-covered walls, sticky floors, and a bathroom that was notoriously disgusting. But the music was what drew people in, and the CBGB became a rite of passage for anyone looking to make it in the punk world.
The Mudd Club
Another iconic venue was the Mudd Club, located in the TriBeCa neighborhood of Manhattan. Opened in 1978 by Steve Mass and art dealer Diego Cortez, the Mudd Club was known for its eclectic mix of punk, new wave, and art rock bands, as well as its avant-garde art shows and fashion events.
The Mudd Club was also known for attracting a diverse crowd of artists, musicians, and downtown scenesters, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Debbie Harry. It was a place where anything could happen, and often did.
The Pyramid Club
Located in the East Village, the Pyramid Club was another important venue in the punk scene. Opened in 1979 by performance artist and musician Alan Mace, the Pyramid Club was known for its wild, anything-goes atmosphere and its support of queer and trans artists.
The Pyramid Club hosted shows by bands like the Butthole Surfers, Sonic Youth, and the Swans, as well as drag shows, performance art pieces, and other experimental events. It was a place where creativity and freedom were celebrated, and where the boundaries of what was possible were constantly being pushed.
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line was a venue that was not exclusively dedicated to punk music, but it played an important role in the scene nonetheless. Located in Greenwich Village, the Bottom Line was a small, intimate club that hosted shows by a wide variety of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, and Patti Smith.
But it was also a place where punk bands could get their start, and many now-legendary acts played there in the early days of their careers. The Bottom Line was known for its great sound quality and its attentive audiences, making it a favorite of both performers and fans.
