For those a little lax in music history, CBGB was a legendary New York nightclub that played host to some of the city’s, heck the scene’s, most important rock, punk and new wave acts throughout the late 70s and early 80s. From Patti Smith to Blondie, The Ramones to Talking Heads, it was a central location in the development of music that would go on to shape and influence people all around the world
Perfect fodder for a silver screen ensemble flick right? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening.
CBGB, as it’s simply known,will feature some of ‘Hollywood’s hottest young talent’ fulfilling the role of some of the era’s most important musos, and of our era’s most successful drummers will be playing the man born James Newell Osterberg.
MTV reports that Foo Fighters drummer (and sometimes-leader of The Coattail Riders), Taylor Hawkins has scored the part of a young Iggy Pop. It’s some pretty good casting, what with Hawkins already possessing the necessary leathery bod. While anyone who’s seen him gurn behind the kit at a Foos concert knows he’s got the energy and the occasional Iggy-styled pout.
The rest of the ensemble cast is a little less inspired, featuring a host of up-and-coming names and TV actors. Malin Akerman (Watchmen) will play Debbie Harry, Joel David Moore (Avatar) will don the shades and leather for the role of Joey Ramone, while Mickey Sumner (Last Chance Harvey) will assume the part of Patti Smith. The cast also includes Harry Potter’s Rupert ‘Ron Weasley’ Grint as Rocket From The Tombs/The Dead Boys guitarist Cheetah Chrome.
CBGB is directed by Randall Miller, who co-wrote the script and whose film pedigree includes the cult indie flick Bottle Shock and *ahem* Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing & Charm School.
The story will follow the efforts of club owner Hilary Kristal, played by the sardonic Alan Rickman, from the clubs inception as a country and bluegrass music venue, to one of the most groundbreaking hot spots in NYC, before it was forcibly closed in 2007 with Kristal unfortunately passing away the following year.
Filming begins in late June, with an expected release date later in the year.
