A slew of artists took the stage at the CBGB Festival on a glorious Saturday afternoon, September 27, under the K Bridge in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Out of all three stages, and while music banged out of the speakers in all corners, my loyalty belonged to one stage – CBGB’s.
The CBGB website warned attendees not to drive, claiming parking would be impossible. But I’m from California, and we drive everywhere. I arrived early, determined to scope out a spot, and after circling the blocks a few times, I found one. Before parking, though, I really had to pee, and I also needed to wake up, so I wandered down the street to a coffee shop for a cappuccino and a scone.
Revived and ready, I made my way on foot over to the festival grounds by 2:30. A lone porta-potty near the VIP line with a zip tie on the door caught my eye immediately, but when I asked to use it, security turned me away, insisting I wait until the gates opened at 3:00. So I waited, and chatted with a few festival-goers, trading stories about CBGB’s, The Ramones, and New York, until the moment finally arrived.
Melvins Kick Off the Day
At exactly 3:00, the gates opened. We rushed in, and there they were — The Melvins, already tearing up the stage. It was finally here, the CBGB’s Festival, in New York City, and I was ready for a great show. Come on!
I made a beeline straight to the front, literally, there was no way to get any closer. I was completely enthralled by Buzz Osborne (King Buzzo) and Steven Shane McDonald, who were absolutely electric, backed by not one but two drummers pounding out a massive, live, surround-sound stereo effect. For a while, I almost forgot that I had to pee.
When the thought finally hit me, I turned to look behind me and saw that the crowd had thickened fast. If I was going to make a bathroom run, it had to be now. But as soon as I turned, I realized the harsh reality: if I left, I’d never get my spot back. The people behind me were eyeing me like vultures, just waiting for me to budge so they could swoop in on my prime viewing space.
No way. I wasn’t about to lose it. I told myself I could hold it — at least through Lunachicks. The Melvins were just too good.
Lunachicks Bring the Energy
It had been over 25 years since I last saw them, back in Detroit at the Vans Warped Tour. And now here they were, Lunachicks, alive and wild in New York. They tore through classics from Babysitters on Acid, Binge & Purge, Jerk of All Trades, and Luxury Problem.
Gina Volpe stormed the stage in a full Statue of Liberty outfit, followed by Theo Kogan carrying the torch. Sydney rocked an American flag jumpsuit, her guitar strap blazing FUCK FASCISM in neon orange. And then there was Chip, bow down to the master of the drum beats. The fuckin’ Lunachicks were onstage, man, and their set was nothing short of brilliant. Dynamic. Explosive!
I had a prime spot, front and center, and I kept reminding myself, I’m in New York at this legendary event. How weak would I be if I lost my place just because of a potty break? I even joked that I wasn’t above peeing right there to hold my ground for the entire night, just to see Iggy Pop. Though I really, really hoped it wouldn’t come to that. If I could just hold it for the Damned, I kept telling myself.
After Lunachicks, Johnny Marr took the stage with his Smiths songs. It was pure Britpop — not exactly my thing —but the girl beside me was screaming every lyric, along with much of the crowd.
Jack White, The Damned, and Iggy Pop
Luckily, the Damned woke me right back up. Dave Vanian was on fire, and Captain Sensible was killing it. I’ll never forget those two talking about weaving through London traffic for a scheduled phone interview with me back in 2001, after I had flown to New York for the first time and photographed the women’s restroom at CBGB’s (which ended up being my very first magazine cover for Skratch), and Joey Ramone’s bittersweet 50th birthday bash was was featured inside.
The security staff were handing out waters to everyone in the front row. I was beyond thirsty, and, of course, still had to pee.
Next up was Jack White. One of the best things about this festival? Every band started on time. Promptly, he cut in, weaving all around the stage. Like Hendrix, he has a guitar style entirely his own that rocks the fuck out of your soul while mesmerizing your mind. He was incredible from start to finish, performing his own music, and more than a handful of White Stripes hits, including Seven Nation Army, Icky Thump, and Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground. I thought to myself, If I can hold my pee for all these artists, I can make it to Iggy Pop.
And then… the moment we’d all been waiting for. Iggy Pop. He ripped through Lust for Life, Stranger Danger, The Wall, Passenger, and all the classics. That guy is pure legend, and has influenced countless artists worldwide. Many call him the Godfather of Punk, and they’re not wrong. Decades in, Iggy Pop is still hitting harder than guys half his age. He was entirely provocative, bare chested, and he owned that stage like he built it himself. His set wasn’t just a show, it was a riot, a sermon even. Reminding you what it felt to be alive and dangerous. I’d had a photo pass to shoot him at Coachella over twenty years ago, and I’ve kicked myself ever since for not making it to the event on time. But this time? It was redemption. CBGB’s Festival, Saturday, September 27, 2025 , under the K Bridge in Brooklyn was the night. And what a night it was! One for the books, one for the heart and soul, and one I’ll never forget.
During Iggy’s set, I even felt a few raindrops, as if the city itself and the music gods above were adding a little extra to an already mind blowing experience. And the best part? I did it. I stayed in the same front-row spot, holding my pee for seven and a half hours straight. I’ve never understood how people in the front manage to see every set and still stay put — now I have so much respect for those front-row warriors, holding their ground for their favorite artists.
I wanted to check out a bit of Hilly’s Stage for Gorilla Biscuits and see what else was happening at the CBGB’s Festival. I had security bring me over the barricade with an easy jump over, which gave me the freedom to wander. First stop: the bathroom. And no, I didn’t pee in the infamous CBGB’s toilet on display — I already did that twenty-four years ago, in the actual CBGB’s restroom.
At Hilly’s Stage, I wandered to the side and even stepped onto the stage for some video and photos. By the end of the festival, soaked in music, and adrenaline, I realized something: there’s nothing like being in the front row center to all the chaos, legendary bands, and holding your ground for hours just to witness history up close. And that night, I was exactly where I was meant to be.
The Melvins CBGBs Fest Sept 27, 2025 NYC
Lunachicks perform Jerk Of All Trades CBGBs Fest Sept 27, 2025 NYC
Jack White thanks the crowd CBGBs Fest Sept 27, 2025 NYC
Iggy Pop CBGBs Fest Sept 27, 2025 NYC
Article, Photographs, and Video by Maggie St.Thomas
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