Varvatos: Free the Noise and Vegas

This image has been archived or removed.

This image has been archived or removed.

Last night, a Boogie correspondent was embedded behind the line, reporting from CBGB 315 Bowery.  John Varvatos and Spin Magazine‘s Spin Earth co-sponsored a battle of the bands event called Free the Noise.  Celebrities in attendance included the primary boutique spokesman Perry Farrell, Dennis Quaid, photographer Mick Rock, and neighborhood watchdog Clayton Patterson.

“The ranks of rock past were in abundance last night at John Varvatos nay CBGB. Backstage was a stepback to the old days. Favorite memory of the night was Perry Farrell being interviewed by Gawker. The reporter began by mumbling where he was from and everyone thought he said Dockers (the pants). Perry wasn’t quite sure why Dockers would be at a John Varvatos event and proceeded to entertain the trailer with a great rant.”

The high priced clothing was put away for the night and for a few sweaty seconds it felt like past CBGBs shows that we had the pleasure to attend.”

And therein the quandary. It’s still just an overpriced shop.

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In light of all this, Varvatos should just acquire the CBGB trademark, especially since his boutique company continues to gnaw at the iconic club’s tablescraps. Another Bowery concept shop will be opening in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas later this month.  According to the kiss-ass article on SFilate Fashion Avenue:

“John Varvatos Enterprises is pleased to add its second John Varvatos Bowery NYC concept store to its growing roster of free-standing stores, bringing the grand total to ten. This latest incarnation is located inside the newly renovated Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Inspired by the authentic vibe of the original Bowery boutique (housed in a space that once was the home of seminal underground music club CBGB’s) and by the rich musical history of the Hard Rock, the new Bowery NYC is a subtle and sophisticated counterpoint to the standard glitz of Las Vegas.

Like the New York Bowery space, the 3,000 square-foot Hard Rock boutique is a venue where fashion and music can live and groove together…The store features a stage similar to the one in the New York City Bowery location, with top-of-the-line gear including a backline provided by Gibson Guitars, Marshall amplifiers, Yamaha drums and Zildjian cymbals.”