End of may, 2005. Afternoon. I was at the bar of the 313 Gallery. Few people in the Gallery and a very hot weather in NYC. Near of me Monte Melnick waited for his daughter. It was her birthday. Like a fan of the Ramones I am we spoke about the band, about my country and other stuff. Minutes after Hilly step in and when he saw Monte he came to salute him. Monte kindly introduced me to Hilly. He was so friendly with this guy who came from Italy to NYC for the third time to spend his nights at the CBGB's. I was immediatly captured by Hilly. He was so charismatic. How many stories behind his eyes. And I looked at this two men who spoke about the closure of the Club...Strange and terrible at the same time. But it was a great lucky day for me. Thank you Hilly... Now CBGB is closed forever and also Hilly is gone, but we have his memories for the next generations. He created the Club, he gave birth to many bands, people became friends, dreams came true, he changed our life. His ideal is the real treasure to preserve. One day the story will start again in the same or in a different ways. Maybe by our sons.

Hilly is now open the doors...somewhere.

Andrea Compagnin

Montegalda –Vicenza-

Italy