The Good Shepherd

Hilly Kristal opened the doors
of CBGB's to us all in 1974.
All who passed through the portals
experienced, as Arthur Rimbaud would
say, "new scenes, new noise".

He offered us artistic freedom and his
gruff yet unconditional love. We evolved,
we left and went out into the world like
prodigal children. When we returned
he always accepted us with open arms.

Once back in 1974, leaving the club after a
loud, raucous night, I noticed that Hilly had fallen
asleep on a cot. He was covered with a faded blanket
and his feet were sticking out. His mismatched socks
were also holy. Having holes that is. But perhaps holy
as well. I remember thinking he's just one of us.

I never really knew him outside of CBGB'S. But
he was always there. His door was always open. And
when he fell asleep we never had to be quiet.
Hilly Kristal was the good shepherd of a flock
of black sheep. We are forever grateful.

Patti Smith

A Long Story - Ron Ardito, The Shirts, August 2007

____________________________

Goodbye Friend!

I'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
I stayed in CBGB in march 2001. It was a dream.
I was sad when the club shut the doors.
And now I´m too much sad.
Goodbye.

Leonardo Larini

____________________________

"Hello, I'm a Toni and I'm 25 years old. I write this mail from Barcelona to say: thank you Hilly for all. Thank you again. Antoni Arribas Núñez"