March 13, 2005
Last Monday we had a rare treat up here: warm weather. One could actually go outside and get lunch without putting on a spacesuit. But the next day the Prophecy of the Groundhog of Gobbler's Knob reared it's ugly head as another winter storm blew in with 50 mph winds and temperatures plummeting into the low teens. I was literally being pushed across the ice by the gusts! But people still went out, and so did I, meeting friends in the lower east side for hot Italian food and a couple of beers. On Wednesday I was down there again, meeting Maguire and Chantal at CBGB's Gallery for a photography exhibit. All along the north wall hung pictures of classic alt rock pioneers - Talking Heads, The Sex Pistols, Patti Smith, The Ramones, Television, Alex Chilton, Elvis Costello, and more, all playing or hanging at this legendary dive, the birthplace of a movement. While I met several people who were around when many of those photos were taken, I felt a little sorry I had missed the party the first time around (I was only thirteen, living in Texas and digging the Bee Gees).
Sadly, CBGB is about to close down. Back in its heyday it was a hotspot in a bad neighborhood, when Bowery St was a notorious haven for substance-abusing derelicts. Today, it's hot real estate that's about to become the latest casualty of urban renewal. No doubt it will become some sort of retail boutique, and the corner of 2nd and Bowery will be renamed "CBGB Place" by the city.
On my way out I met a lady who had seen me play in Austin three years ago and had my album. Go figure!
After leaving I followed Maguire to Katz's Deli on Houston (how-stun) St. for a hot pastrami on rye and an egg cream (cause you gotta do it once), then took the subway back home. Twenty-four hours later I discovered I had lost my wallet.
Few things are more unsettling than being in NYC without money or identification. For the next thirty-six hours I felt like I didn't exist! Fortunately Sasha, Trish and my old man came to my immediate rescue and we devised a game plan. By Saturday morning I had cash, credit, I.D., and a brand new wallet which my wife had stuffed with fresh pics of her and Dexter! In Chronological Order!!! I almost wept.
I love that woman, and my sweet family.