You have to hand it to John Varvatos for having the nerve to open his new store on the old CBGB's site on the Bowery. Turning punk rock's hallowed ground into a retail store set him up for potential abuse by the many descrying the gentrification of the neighborhood, but he's pulled it off by maintaining a connection with the spirit of rock 'n' roll which identifies the brand. The store has a stage, sells collectible vinyl and vintage hi-fi, while sporting gold records by the likes of Alice Cooper (???) and original posters and graffiti from the glory days of CBs. This Thursday they're hosting an exclusive (sold out) benefit party for VH1's Save the Music Foundation featuring a live performance by The Losers Lounge. Next door, what was once CBGB's Gallery has been taken over by Morrison Hotel, an art gallery focusing on music-related photography, whose next show on April 24 will feature photos by the legendary Bob Gruen.

On a related note, we were not so saddened to see a "for rent" sign on the window of the CBGB's store that opened on St. Mark's Place in the hope of selling CB's merch to the masses. Maybe they should give them a corner at the Varvatos store for their wares.