With the recent expiry of their lease, legendary New York City-based CBGB has been served eviction papers by the Bowery Residents Commitee.

Owner Hilly Kristal had this to say:

There is no valid reason why CBGB should leave our present historic location. All we want is the same thing the Governor, the Mayor, and 43 City Council members want -- that is to sit down with the BRC and negotiate in good faith a new lease that is fair to all parties.

This news comes despite recent court rulings and widespread support for the club in the city and the government. The dispute between the club and the Bowery Residents Committee dates back five years, when the committee went to court to collect more than $300,000 in back rent from the club.

According to the Save CBGB campaign, to date, the club has agreed to significant rent increases, obtained a certificate of occupancy, secured two third-party guarantors, agreed to a large security deposit, agreed to pay $97,500 (the amount of the disputed rent arrears plus interest) in good faith to the BRC upon receiving a new lease, even though the Manhattan courts ruled that CBGB did not owe any money to the BRC.

A number of acts had pledged their support to the legendary venue, including two influential acts which reunited to raise money: Lifetime and Kid Dynamite. As well, a concert series ran through August which donated proceeds to the club.

The venue has vowed to fight the eviction.