Monday, August 02, 2010

The Khyber Passes

During these last few, short years in Philly, I've been to the legendary Khyber Pass club 4 or 5 times to see bands/review them. It is with great sadness that I read this morning of its demise. For any decent indie rock, or punk band passing through Philadelphia during 1988-1996, 1997-2005, this was the place to play.

It is a dive of dives, with a low ceiling, a crooked floor, and a fantastic selection of beer which made you feel better about the sort of pissy smell throughout the place. It is located in an area of the City called Old City, which is, sadly mostly inhabited with the type of nightlife afficionados who value their clothing,their orang-ish hue and their swagger more than going to see a live show in a narrow and cramped room accompanied by rock ruffians.   Iggy Pop, Guided By Voices, J Mascis, The Killers, Flaming Lips, Screaming Trees,Smashing Pumpkins, The Dead Milkmen and The Jesus Lizard all took the stage at the Khyber.

It was a great escape from the semi suburban hell that I encounter every day...I will miss it. 

Here is the great article from Philadelpia City Paper, written by Brian Howard:

http://citypaper.net/articles/2010/07/29/khyber-philadelphia

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