NYC Tours Prove Rock Death Rumors Maybe Not So Exaggerated

Who says rock 'n' roll is dead? Not Seth Kugel at the New York Times, whose article, "Rock Around the Block," ran this past weekend (warning: after finishing the piece, you may disagree). Prefer the former Fillmore East to the Empire State Building? Dying to see Madonna's first NYC apartment? Just call Ron Colinear, "a Ramones-crazy 40-something with spiky bleached blond hair," who gives tours of rock's stomping grounds of yesteryear (a.k.a. the East Village).

Looking to catch the soon-to-be stars of today? Check out the new generation of up-and-coming rock venues: Pianos, Luna Lounge, Studio B, and Glasslands Gallery included. While the latter showcase some exciting acts, comparing them to past punk rock institutions like CBGBs (soon-to-be a John Varvatos boutique) or Max's seems sacrilegious. And, if "the Lower East Side is the closest Manhattan gets to what the Village used to be," it's a sad day for rock. Somewhere a Ramone is rolling over in his grave. [NYT]