The famed rock mecca CBGB & OMFUG (Country Bluegrass Blues and Other Music for Uplifting Gormandizers) succumbed after a long battle with the cancer of gentrification last week, following a final performance from Patti Smith and her band. “It’s a symptom of the empty new prosperity of our city,” Smith told the New York Times outside the club after her performance.

Owner Hill Kristal endured several years of struggles and disagreements with the property’s owners, which eventually sealed CBGB’s fate. 

The venue nurtured many of NYC’s finest rock acts like Smith, The Ramones, Blondie, Sonic Youth and The Talking Heads, played a vital role in establishing modern rock culture worldwide, and set new standards for what a rock club should look and feel (and smell) like.

The club is survived by Kristal, the club’s owner, along with countless others who enjoyed the sticky, beery cavern over the years. Kristal plans on relocating the venue, either at a new location in NYC or possibly in Las Vegas.