2025 CBGB Festival Announces Lineup

The upcoming CBGB Festival, slated for September 27, 2025, at Brooklyn’s Under the K Bridge Park, is poised to be a significant event connecting the rich history of punk rock with contemporary voices. This new iteration of a festival celebrating the legacy of the iconic CBGB club will bring together seasoned veterans of the punk scene, such as Iggy Pop and Jack White, along with the current version of the Sex Pistols, and Johnny Marr from The Smiths, all of whom will headline the one-day event. This festival represents a symbolic reopening of the CBGB spirit in New York City, albeit in a different locale, reflecting on its historical relevance while infusing fresh perspectives.

The lineup represents a seamless blend of punk’s originators and its future trailblazers, effectively addressing the question, “Who would be playing at CBGB today?” Esteemed acts such as the Lunachicks, Melvins, and Marky Ramone will rub shoulders with newer entrants like the Linda Lindas, Lambrini Girls, Destroy Boys, and Scowl. This diverse list of performers underscores the festival’s commitment to honoring the eclectic and boundary-pushing ethos of the original CBGB club. This is further emphasized by the inclusion of hardcore stalwarts like Murphy’s Law and Cro-Mags, who are no strangers to the hallowed stages of CBGB.

The festival is also a narrative of collaboration and tribute, spearheaded by The Bowery Presents. It brings together fans from various generations, all celebrating under the industrial charm of Under the K Bridge Park. Attendees can immerse themselves in a full day of performances across three stages, transporting them back to the gritty roots of punk while offering new avenues of exploration through younger talents. Attendees can also expect plenty of historical nostalgia interwoven with the modern festival setting, as the event will feature vintage and new merchandise, local food and drink, and immersive CBGB installations. Particularly notable is the inclusion of the original club’s iconic bar and stage, allowing fans to feel a direct connection to the past.

The importance of the CBGB Festival extends beyond just music; it is a cultural event that pays homage to the legacy of a venue that played a pivotal role in shaping the punk genre. This festival is all the more significant as it marks Iggy Pop’s first performance in New York City in over a decade, highlighting the event’s drawing power and its appeal to both artists and audiences. Additionally, the festival provides unique ticketing opportunities, such as the “Young Punk” tickets aimed at energizing the youth demographic by connecting them with the seminal influences of punk music’s past.

Although the CBGB club itself closed in 2006 and its space has since been repurposed, its influence continues to permeate through these gatherings. Its legacy is both preserved and reinterpreted through events like this festival, bridging the past with the present and laying the foundation for the future of punk music. The CBGB Festival, thus, isn’t merely a concert; it’s a celebration of one of New York City’s most influential cultural institutions.

For fans and newcomers alike, the festival offers a glimpse into the raw energy and rebellious spirit that made CBGB a cornerstone of punk rock. This festival not only reignites the legendary punk scene but serves as a beacon to future generations, reminding them of the indelible mark that both the music and its birthplace left on the cultural landscape. It’s a nod to an era that, while physically vanished, lives on through the reverberations of its music and the echoes of its philosophy. This blend of nostalgia and innovation ensures that the CBGB spirit continues to rock on.

Full Lineup:

Iggy Pop
Jack White
Sex Pistols
The Damned
Johnny Marr
Lunachicks
Marky Ramone
Angel Du$t
Cro-Mags
Destroy Boys
Gorilla Biscuits
Lambrini Girls
The Linda Lindas
Melvins
Murphy’s Law
Scowl
Teen Mortgage
Lip Critic
Pinkshift
Soul Glo
YHWH Nailgun