Yes, CBGBs is synonymous with PUNK, but you may be surprised at the sound of some of the original bands that graced the CBGB stage. See, back then “punk” had yet to be rigidly defined, and the bands that frequented CBGBs and other New York rock 'n' roll haunts may not align with your ideal of punk and that’s ok. The point is, none of these bands sounded like what was dominating the airwaves at the time. Each of these bands loathed the hippy-dippy flowers and sunshine songs and long, drawn out fuzzy opuses of the day in equal measure. Their music was different. It was theirs, and CBGB offered a stage and an eager, youthful audience, hungry for a new sound.

So here’s to the bands you likely won’t see in CBGB, the underdogs of the underground.

Mink Deville: "Spanish Stroll"

Formed in 1974 in San Francisco, Mink DeVille’s mix of bluesy rock 'n’ soul held the title of CBGBs “house band” from 1975-1977.

Suicide: "Cheree"

If you like synthpop, you can thank Suicide. Keyboardist Martin Rev’s minimalist, ethereal, sometimes spooky sound melted with singer Alan Vega’s frenzied neo-Beat lyrics to create riotous musical magic on the CBGB stage.

The Marbles: "Red Lights"

This New York City clean-cut power pop four piece took their harmony-rich pop sensibility to CBGBs in 1975, sharing a bill with the likes of Blondie, Talking Heads and the Ramones and headlining the venue often.

The Mumps: "Crocodile Tears"

One of the most obscure bands of the time, the Mumps, led by Lance Loud, theatrically combined elements of pop, punk and glam rock. Though they never achieved underground acclaim, the Mumps' vibrant sound was a favorite of many notable punk icons.

The Fleshtones: "Rockin This Joint"

Fuzzy guitar and a Farfisa organ gave these garage rock revivalists grit. These boys from Queens debuted at CBGB on May 19, 1976. It should also be noted that they shared a rehearsal space with The Cramps on the Bowery in 1977.

Rock 'n' roll!

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