The Bowery Rocks Again

(NEW YORK) Rock stars took to the stage again Thursday night to celebrate the John Varvatos takeover of the former CBGB site on the Bowery, though conversations kept flowing about how much the location still resembled the former rock club. It was like a flashback, with performances by Joan Jett, D-Generation, Slash, and Jesse Malin as revelers, including Mick Rock and Randy Jones sipped Corzo Tequila margaritas while rocking out in rock 'n' roll's newest fashion home.

Varvatos, beaming with pride, was quick to explain his plans for the store, saying, "I don't want it to be that fashion-y. It just wouldn't be the neighborhood anymore." He added that he has no plans to ever hold a runway show in the space and that he kept the décor so close to old school perfection that seasoned rockers couldn't complain. "All the bands come in here and are like, 'It feels great!' We tried to keep it very rock 'n' roll." Varvatos took the stage to emcee the evening, explaining that the event was benefiting VH1's Save the Music and that Sirius Radio was broadcasting live. He also gave a special shout out to his wife Joyce, saying, "It's my wife's birthday! She's spending her [cough] 25th birthday in here with us tonight!"

Expectedly, a few protesters just couldn't stay away, holding neon signs that read, "$1,600 used jackets destroy communities" and "One small space, one giant loss for music."

Nevertheless, the party raged on. And though it wasn't exactly his genre of music, hip-hop impresario Damon Dash stopped by to show his support, explaining, "It's a huge movement! I'm here to check it out." The fact that it was an event to help budding musicians slipped his mind as he looked on in amazement at all the unfamiliar faces...but quickly recovered. "Really? That's perfect for John. Gold!" Damien Fahey, clearly rocking the Varvatos threads, succinctly explained the opinion of many a guest. "It's just so well preserved with the stage and all!" he exclaimed. "At least it's not a Starbucks!"
BIANCA POSTERLI