From Rolling Stone · Andy Greene · · 2m
CBGB is coming back, starting with a festival in Brooklyn
The owners of the legendary punk club's trademark are hosting a second annual festival, with dreams of reopening the venue itself.
In brief
The owners of the legendary punk club's trademark are hosting a second annual festival, with dreams of reopening the venue itself. CBGB's trademark owner is reviving the brand through annual festivals while working toward eventually reopening the actual club. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Patti Smith's legendary final show
Twenty years ago, Smith played a three-and-a-half-hour, 27-song set at CBGB's closing night with Flea and Richard Lloyd.
“CBGB is a state of mind. There's new kids with new ideas all over the world.”
The club is now a clothing store
The original CBGB at 315 Bowery has been a John Varvatos store since 2008. They'll sell you a suede jacket for $2,198.
A music veteran bought the trademark
Phil Sandhaus, who worked with Bowie and the Stones, now owns the CBGB brand. His long-term goal is reopening the actual club.
“I think it's an undervalued brand. I think there's something to do with it, maybe reopening the club.”
The festival has a postapocalyptic vibe
The CBGB Festival happens under the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at Under the K Bridge Park, chosen for its industrial edge.
“It's got this postapocalyptic industrial vibe, similar to how the Bowery felt when Hilly opened CBGB.”
Mixing punk legends with new bands
The lineup blends veteran acts with newer punk and New Wave artists like Fontaines D.C., Idles, and the Linda Lindas.
Iggy and Jack closed last year
Iggy Pop and Jack White headlined the 2025 festival, even though the Stooges and White Stripes never actually played the original CBGB.
“To me, Jack White can do no wrong. He could address and honor any genre of music.”
Morrissey is excited about Patti
Morrissey, the Sex Pistols with Frank Carter, and Interpol join Smith on the 2026 bill. David Byrne's production was too big for the stage.
“Morrissey's been chirping about it. He's really happy he's playing on a stage with Patti.”
Fred Armisen's Ramones tribute band
The Return of Jackie and Judy, featuring Armisen and Sleater-Kinney members, will honor the Ramones' 50th anniversary at the festival.
They fixed last year's problems
The 2026 festival drops from three stages to two, adds more food options, and improves VIP sight lines based on feedback.
“We heard all the feedback and we've addressed it. We're going to make it more comfortable for an older crowd.”
Global expansion is on the table
Once the festival establishes its identity in New York, organizers want to expand to cities with strong punk scenes like London, Dublin, and Mexico City.
The one thing
CBGB's trademark owner is reviving the brand through annual festivals while working toward eventually reopening the actual club.
