XLrator Media has obtained the US distribution rights for the upcoming CBGB movie, starring Alan Rickman as CBGB founder Hilly Kristal. The film will premiere during the CBGB Music Festival, which takes place October 9 - 13 in New York City. The festival will involve over 700 performers playing on 175 stages throughout the city, as well as many other film screenings.
CBGB tells the story of the New York punk scene through the iconic venue, which Kristal opened in 1973 as a venue for "country, bluegrass, blues." The venue became the most important place for punk rock due to it's "original music only" policy when every other bar and venue wanted cover bands to bring in customers.
The number of acts that got their start at CBGB is a huge part of its legacy. They include The Talking Heads, Blondie, The Ramones, Patti Smith, and Iggy Pop. Thousands of other bands have played there as well, including Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Flaming Lips, Tool, and countless others.
The film will feature over 60 songs, as well as 16 on-camera performances. As an irreplaceable part of the history of punk rock as well as the history of New York City, this will be a very big film.
The film will debut at the CBGB Music Festival later this year. Badges are currently on sale at their website.
