CBGB Photo Exhibition

A new exhibition of photos from the heyday of New York's famous CBGB club and live music venue is to be held at London's Proud Camden gallery from the 4th June to 6th July.

Providing an real insider's view of the club, the photographer is club owner Hilly Kristal's daughter, Lisa.

Clash talked to Lisa Kristal about her formative years in that legendary venue and the new photo exhibition that takes us back there:

Clash: You were a teenager when CBGB started in 1973, were you hanging out there from the start?
LK: While I did go once in a while after it first opened, I actually began hanging out there in 1975 and began working for Dad in 1976. At that point, I just watched and listened in amazement. There were at least three bands every night, playing two shows each night.

Clash: Was it like being a kid in a sweetshop?
LK: I never felt like a kid in a sweetshop because I worked alongside my father and saw how he struggled to make CBGB work in those beginning years. Don't get me wrong, being able to hear all the different bands was an incredible experience, and then all the musicians, singers, and actors who came down or had film shoots over the years – wow!

Clash: When did you start taking shots?
LK: I believe that the photo bug hit somewhere in the middle of 1976, and that is when I bought my first ‘professional’ camera, the Nikkormat. I was using an inefficient lens when John Cale played CBGB at the end of 1977. His manager at the time was Jane Friedman, Patti Smith's former manager. I was able to get to know them quite well, took some great photos, and John bought me my first ‘good’ flash.

Clash: Your father was hugely influential on the rock scene - did you personally get very close to many of that era’s artists?
LK: I became friends with some, but for the most part, they were friends that I hung out with in the club as we all led very different daytime lives. I was readmitted to New York University in the fall of 1977, with the intention of going to law school upon graduation (which I did), so I really led a dual life. CBGB during the week at night, school during the day, and weekends to study and be where the music was playing. I have kept in touch with quite a few of the band members from those early years, including the Talking Heads, Tuff Darts, Shirts, and Dictators. What really has made an impression on me is the love and respect that almost every artist who played CBGB gave my father over the years. When he passed away, these wonderful people sent cards, e-mails, or called to express their grief.

Clash: What's your favourite picture in the exhibition? And your favourite memory of CBGB overall?
LK: While I can't say that there is any one favourite photograph in this exhibit, there are three photographs that bring back great times and memories.

Patti Smith during her Easter Concerts in 1977. I think that this was the first time that I heard Patti and was captivated. She mesmerized everyone. In those days, the original band was complete; Lenny Kaye, Ivan Kral, the late Richard Sohl, and J.D. Daughtery, and of course Patti. In this photo, I felt that I captured part of what Patti was projecting to her audience.

The Laughing Dogs on the Beach in Long Island, NY, was shot on a weekend trip to someone's beach house. The guys were clowning around while I was shooting pictures for possible promo use and all of a sudden here was this group of [real] ‘laughing dogs.’ When I eventually printed the photo, we knew that I had a good shot.

Hilly - my Dad - and Paul Simon at the front of CBGB. This photo was taken in 1977 and Paul Simon had come down to CBGB to hear the band Television. I was one lucky 22 year-old, for because Hilly was my father I was able to take backstage pictures and a photo of Hilly and Paul. I loved Paul Simon's music and couldn't believe that I not only was able to take his photo, but the photo was with my dad, and I was able to speak with him for a few minutes. Unbelievable!

Clash: How are you keeping the CBGB brand going now?
LK: CBGB recently revamped its website and now has Universal's Bravado International handling all its on-line and wholesale merchandise business. This summer CBGB has partnered with the Warped Tour (now in its 15th year) and Ramones World for a Ramones/CBGB exhibit that will travel to 46 cities in 60 days. The exhibit is being run by Ramones artistic director Arturo Vega and will feature an HD virtual tour of the club.

In the fall, CBGB will go on tour visiting 20 cities across the USA featuring the sort of bands that would have played CBGB if the club was still open. Details will be released midsummer. Plans are also in the works to reopen the club. Visit www.CBGB.com for the latest CBGB news and happenings as well as taking a virtual tour.

Budweiser presents CBGB, the Home of Underground Rock, is at London’s Proud Camden gallery from June 4th to July 5th. Entry is free. Visit www.proud.co.uk for further details.

Image © Lisa J. Kristal