1. Tramps (1974-1996)
Long before renowned talent booker Chris Newmyer started booking Warsaw, he was putting on shows at Tramps, a sorely-missed, mid-sized venue that attracted luminaries like Bob Dylan and Prince, but also indie-rock bands like Sonic Youth, NOFX and Ted Leo’s previous band, Chisel.
2. The Bottom Line (1974-2004)
Having accrued nearly $20,000 in unpaid rent, the club’s owners were forced to shut down operations in 2004 so that NYU could build even more dorms. In its heyday, the club’s stage was graced by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and David Johansen.
3. The Mudd Club (1978-2001)
One of the first rock clubs to have serious, elitist attitude, this TriBeCa institution played host to everyone from David Byrne and the Talking Heads to Lydia Lunch and Basquiat. It still exists today, only it’s in Berlin. Far less convenient.
4. Max’s Kansas City (1965-1981)
Most famous for the awful sounding Velvet Underground live album that was recorded there, Max’s was also a primary hangout for Warhol’s gang and ground zero for much of the pop-art movement.
5. CBGB’s (1973-2006)
We know you’re still a little bit sick of hearing about the long-rumored and now official closing of the birthplace of punk rock, and we don’t blame you. Especially since it’d still be open if they’d booked better shows for the past 20 years.