BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE: THE STORY OF CBGB

Director Mandy Stein / 2009 / USA

“Everything was dead. There were no clubs, there was nothing. But there was CBGB's.” - Tommy Ramone

Filmmaker Mandy Stein virtually grew up in New York's CBGB, the notorious venue that became the epicentre of a whole generation of 70s NYC punk bands, including Television, The Ramones, Blondie, The Patti Smith Group and Talking Heads.

Stein lovingly profiles the legendary home of punk, highlighting its historical important while tracing its more recent history, following owner Hilly Kristal's battle against the Bowery homeless shelter's attempt to shut the venue down.

Features a plethora of retro performances by bands in the venue's heyday, and anecdotes from many of those whose lives once revolved around the weekly CBGB gigs, including Legs McNeil, Jim Jarmusch, Tommy Ramone and Patti Smith.


D/P Mandy Stein WS Cactus Three TD HDCAM/2009

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