Rock ‘N’ Roll Returns To the Continental
New York City
By Cary Doll
(SugarBuzz CT, NYC)
Photos By Cary Doll
SugarBuzz Magazine
The Continental, a favorite rock ‘n’ roll haunt by St. Marks Place & Astor Place in New York City, came alive again recently, reuniting many people who used to hang out and play there. It was a night of rock ‘n’ roll not to be missed. The former rock venue was around from 1991 to 2006, until Trigger, the owner of the Continental, decided he would have to stop the live shows and concentrate on liquor specials, and other ways to keep the bar alive. With CBGB’s and Coney Island High gone, and quite a few other rock bars as well, this night was a special night for the East Village, and for New York City.
The Continental reclaimed some of its former glory putting on a night of live rock’n’roll. The rain could
not keep people away. The place was abuzz, with electricity, digital cameras, and PACKED beyond belief (and that’s no understatement!). The music began early with New York City’s Charm School. I got there a few bands into the evening, when Love Pirates was finishing their last song, “Midnight Rambler” I believe it was…. Heap, a band that has been around for years, took the stage next and played a few songs. Two Man Advantage followed, a band that is known to wear hockey helmets, and play short, fast songs. I had heard they were crazy, and that unless you wanted to get soaked with beer, to stay far from the stage. I also heard that stuff might be thrown, so I kept my distance…like to the back of the Continental!!
The Bullys, a Queens NY favorite for more than a decade, was up next and they did what they do best- rock and roll at Ramones speed, sneer with a smartass smile, while performing such favorites as “Tonite We Fight Again” and their namesake “Bullys”. Love ‘em!
Then The Waldos played, fronted 
by Waldo himself, Walter Lure. The Bullys upped the ante for getting the crowd energized, and Walter & his Waldos kept it going. People kept coming from the back of the bar to the front, perhaps to take photos, perhaps just eager to be in the middle of it all. Some who were right in front of the stage decided to dance in slam dance fashion, despite the sardine-like quality the club had that night, especially near the stage. Particularly during “Born To Lose”, “One Track Mind”, and “Chinese Rocks”. A few others were invited up onstage by Walter such as Joe Sztabnik, Steve Krebs, a woman I’m told whose name is Cynthia and Edward X. Young. The Waldos did not disappoint.
Trigger, the club owner, was easily recognized by his Asian hat which he is always
sporting, then he brought up onstage a number of his friends to perform mini-sets such as Jesse Malin sang “I Wanna Be Sedated” and another number. He was energetic and very good as usual. Michael Houghton, from the (NYC) Bashers came on and sang the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues”, then brought up Steve Conte of The Crazy Truth, to lend him a hand on “Midnight Rambler”. Together they made a rock classic proud. Trigger played with some friends like Walt Stack guitarist from the Bullys, and then it was on to the next act.
Bebe Buell came on, looking fab and glowing. I don’t know what she’s on, but I want some! She 
performed several songs and dedicated “Black Angel” to Joey Ramone. This woman gives great…performance. She is living proof that you can be a grandma, and still rock out better than many younger musicians today.
Lenny Kaye, a man who needs no introduction and who has been on the rock scene forever (well ok, not forever, but for a long while!) played with some members of his old band from the 70’s and 80’s instead of his Patti Smith comrades, and dedicated a song to friend and musician, Jim Carroll, who passed away in 2009. He did several songs, and ended his set with an amusing little story within his cover rendition of “Gloria” .He told the 
crowd that the Continental was his favorite place to play! Then Trigger got on mic and told Lenny – ‘but I’ve seen you at Coney Island High and you said that about that place, and I saw you at CBGB’s and you said that about that place’…..so there was some humorous banter about that…..but suffice to say, the Continental is a favorite place of many and being inside again if only for one night of rock ‘n’ roll made a lot of people very happy! Lenny put on an entertaining show, and then it was time for Daniel Rey and CJ Ramone to come onstage. I heard they were really good. Unfortunately this reviewer missed the rest of the evening which I’m told featured Cheetah Chrome with who performed with Blackheart members, and I understand Handsome Dick Mantitoba came on and did “Sonic Reducer”. These two very engaging musicians who are well – known and near and dear to many a punk fans heart, played, and I’m sure put on a memorable performance. I am sorry to have missed them. See you next year!!
