CBGB's Licensing Program Expanded Ahead Of Iconic Music Brand's Festival Weekend

Global Merchandising Services announces a growing roster of licensing partners for CBGB & OMFUG, the "Home Of Underground Rock" and the legendary birthplace of punk and new wave, bringing the iconic New York music brand to a new generation of fans through new fashion, accessories and lifestyle collaborations. The expanded program comes ahead of the second annual CBGB Festival at Brooklyn's Under The K Bridge on Friday September 25 and Saturday, September 26.

The new and expanding licensing program includes collaborations with John Varvatos, Dixxon, Greasy Hands Society, Civil Regime, Lauren Moshi and Boy Vienna, among others, delivering distinctive apparel and lifestyle products inspired by CBGB's unmistakable visual identity and cultural legacy. The partnerships build on Global Merchandising Services strategy to extend CBGB beyond its historic roots as a legendary music venue and into a broader lifestyle brand rooted in music, fashion, art and self-expression.

"CBGB is one of those rare brands where the history is incredibly powerful, but the attitude remains completely relevant," said Lisa Streff, SVP of licensing and brand development, Global Merchandising Services. "Our goal is to work with partners who understand what made CBGB so influential while bringing their own authentic creative perspective to the brand. The response from our partners has been fantastic, and we're excited to see the program continue to grow across fashion and lifestyle categories as CBGB reaches both longtime fans and a new generation discovering its legacy."

The CBGB Festival kicks off Friday, September 25 with THE PRODIGY, BRUTALISMUS 3000, SEXTILE and LIP CRITIC, followed on Saturday, September 26 by the main CBGB Festival featuring Patti Smith, MORRISSEY, INTERPOL, SEX PISTOLS with Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock featuring Frank Carter, BIKINI KILL, AGNOSTIC FRONT, BUZZCOCKS, CIRCLE JERKS, HIGH VIS, MANNEQUIN PUSSY, MILITARIE GUN, UPCHUCK and other artists spanning generations of punk and alternative music.

The festival will also bring the CBGB brand to life through vintage and new merchandise, local food and beverage offerings, immersive installations and artifacts from the original club, connecting punks storied past with its evolving future. The events combination of music, culture and consumer experiences underscores the opportunity for CBGB as a licensing platform that extends well beyond traditional band merchandise.

"CBGB has always represented something bigger than a physical location," said Michael Smith, managing partner, CBGB. "It represents a spirit of creativity, independence and self-expression that continues to influence music, fashion and culture. Our partnership with Global Merchandising Services is helping us bring that spirit to new audiences through thoughtfully selected partners and products that feel true to CBGB."

Founded in 1973 in Manhattan's East Village, CBGB was ground zero for the seminal punk rock and new wave movements, launching the careers of bands like the RAMONES, BLONDIE, TALKING HEADS, TELEVISION, PATTI SMITH GROUP, THE DEAD BOYS, Richard Hell, THE BEASTIE BOYS and THE DICTATORS. During the 1980s, CBGB would become home to the hardcore punk revolution, with bands such as AGNOSTIC FRONT, MURPHY'S LAW, CRO-MAGS and GORILLA BISCUITS becoming synonymous with the club. In the 1990s, the club embraced the next generation of hard rock with bands including SUM 41, KORN, GREEN DAY and GUNS N' ROSES regularly performing. Over the past 50 years, CBGB has become the most famous, influential and talked-about rock and roll club of all time.

CBGB and its iconic logo continue to personify underground and alternative music and all that it stands for. In 2013, the former location at 315 Bowery was added to the National Register of Historic Places and remains a pilgrimage site for legions of music fans today. CBGB's legacy and cultural relevance are now managed by a passionate group of New York City-based music lovers who are dedicated to curating its impact on music, fashion, and visual art today.

For tickets, lineup details, venue info, and more, visit cbgbfest.com.