CBGB FOREVER

I will always hold a soft spot in my heart for this joint. I had some of the best and worst times of my life while working here, but I wouldn't trade them for all the whores in Las Vegas! I met some of the most incredible musicians, artists, and just plain people there, and I feel really grateful to have been given the opportunity to do so.

I was sad the day I heard that Hilly had passed away. I didn't really ever talk too much to him while I worked there. I can count the number of times we exchanged words. The funniest time was when I was working the door at the Gallery side, and all of the sudden, Hilly walked in with Shakira. SHAKIRA! I couldn't believe it. I just stood there trying not to show my indifference. I just stood guarding the door as usual. Then Hilly looked at me and said, "Well, show her where the bathroom is." And then I looked back at him like, "Are you serious?" We both just stood there, neither one us really knowing or caring what to do with her. He then growled to me, "Go on! I'll watch the door!" I don't think Shakira knew what was happening, so I spun on my heels indignantly and showed little Miss Latin where our beeYOOtiful bathrooms were and then left her to find a clean spot on the mirror. When I returned, Hilly just nodded a well done, which I interpreted as, "Well you didn't expect me to show her, did you?" It was the funniest damn thing ever.

Again, though we never exchanged more than a handful of words, I knew that the rock world had lost an awesome guy the day he left us. There won't ever be another place like CB's. It had sin, virtue, and everything in between. Just like any well-lived life would, and I'm sure Hilly would agree.