The Velvet Forum

Sad to say, Max's is long gone. Torn down around '83 or so and replaced by a bank or something. I was in there once, around '80-81, but oddly enough I don't remember much about it. I guess I didn't consciously take a strong mental impression because I thought I could always go back and get a true feel for the place later. A friend and I just happened to be driving around the city, we unexpectedly came upon it and pulled over. I doubt we were inside more than twenty minutes checking it out.

It was kinda small, crowded, smokey and dark. There was a generic Stooges-like band playing aggressively on a tiny stage, which was eminently appropriate I remember thinking. Didn't look for the famous "back room" 'cause at that point I don't think I knew there was a back room of any note. All in all though, the overall feeling was that there wasn't much going on, it didn't have any kind of legendary vibe or air of importance to it. It just seemed like a neighborhood joint, except for that big Max's sign out front. That was the thing that impressed me most, the outside of the place for some reason. Guess becuase it was familiar from the album.

When they tore it down, it did get a few mentions on the local news, so there was a little recognition of having lost something.

And now it looks like CBGB's might be headed for the same fate.

wow.... sucks that Cale's daughter's address is on the net.

sars wrote:wow.... sucks that Cale's daughter's address is on the net.

No it isn't.

Guys I am soooooo jealous of my sis who is headin' NYC's way in 3 weeks....does anyone know the addy of the original Factory is? And if my Sis was to get me a Velvets/NYC pressie whilst there what would you recommend?

jimjim wrote:.does anyone know the addy of the original Factory is? And if my Sis was to get me a Velvets/NYC pressie whilst there what would you recommend?

The original Factory was located on 231 East 47th St, between 1st and 2nd Avenue, on either the fourth or fifth floor. (Many say it was the 5th floor but Lou sings about the 4th floor in Songs For Drella).

Your sister could get you a Max's Kansas City T-shirt if you want one. You can get them at Freak's T-shirt Store on St Mark's Place, not far from where the old Dom used to be...having said that you can probably find one on Ebay nowadays so what's the point!