Former punk palace CBGB’s shuttered its doors in October 2006. I knew its graffiti-covered walls could not remain untouched forever. But news that it has become an upscale fashion boutique just turns my stomach.

While I appreciate designer John Varvatos’ nod to the shop’s musical past - preserving fliers, for instance - the fact that the boutique sells $130 T-shirts now says it all.

I am guilty of romanticizing the club’s roots since many bands I worshipped growing up once graced the stage there. And it’s not like Hilly Kristal, the club’s owner, hadn’t tried to keep it open. The back rent was just too much. Kristal died of cancer last August, so I suppose there’s at least sweet relief knowing he’ll never see the gutted remnants of his club.

But I can’t help thinking what a sad commentary on commercialism the transformation is. With all due respect to Varvatos, it just doesn’t seem right that there wasn’t some way to keep CBGB’s musical legacy alive and kicking.

I think Steven Van Zandt said it best in a Billboard magazine editorial of October 2005, making one final plea with record executives to stand up for the legendary club:

"There is no development anymore. No patience. No long-term thinking. The entry-level doorways to our culture are disappearing before our very eyes. We cannot afford to lose another one."