CBGB – A New York City Soundtrack 1975-1986: Celebrating Punk's Iconic Decade
A new CD box set celebrating the iconic New York City punk club CBGB's first decade is set to be released on January 30, 2026. Titled CBGB – A New York City Soundtrack 1975-1986, this four-CD collection features 101 tracks showcasing the early punk bands and acts that made CBGB a pivotal venue in the punk-rock explosion in the U.S. The compilation includes songs by renowned acts like the Ramones, Patti Smith, Blondie, Talking Heads, and Television.
In addition to the well-known bands, the box set also includes tracks by other influential groups that graced the CBGB stage during its early years, such as The Dictators, The Cramps, Suicide, The Dead Boys, Richard Hell & The Voidoids, and Johnny Thunders’ band The Heartbreakers. The compilation spans various genres and punk offshoots, featuring artists like Mink Deville, James Chance & The Contortions, The dB’s, The Bongos, The Lounge Lizards, Minor Threat, Bush Tetras, Beastie Boys, Bad Brains, Sonic Youth, and Nona Hendryx.
CBGB – A New York City Soundtrack offers a glimpse into the diverse music scene that thrived at the club in the late 1970s and 1980s, showcasing tracks by lesser-known groups that deserve recognition. The box set includes a dozen songs that have never been available on CD before, with two tracks, “Come On Up” by The Planets and “Next Question” by Urban Verbs, being previously unreleased. Fans can pre-order the box set now at CherryRed.co.uk.
CBGB was founded by Hilly Kristal in December 1973 at 315 Bowery, initially intended as a venue for roots artists before shifting its focus to rock groups like Television and the Ramones. The club quickly gained a reputation as a hub for young, edgy, and unconventional artists in New York City. CBGB remained a popular music venue until its closure in October 2006, with Patti Smith performing the final show. Kristal passed away in August 2007 at age 75.
Since April 2008, the former site of CBGB has been home to a John Varvatos high-end fashion store, occasionally hosting concerts and events that pay homage to CBGB's influential legacy. The upcoming box set serves as a tribute to the vibrant music scene that thrived at CBGB during its heyday, preserving the club's impact on the punk and rock music landscape.