In true classic New York fashion, CBGB Fest was tucked away beneath the Kosciuszko Bridge. A gritty, perfect setting for a celebration of punk and rock. The festival kicked off with electrifying performances from bands like The Molotovs and Lip Critic, instantly igniting the crowd. As the day went on, the area filled with rock lovers of all ages, from little kids to grandparents, packing out each stage. The air was thick with the smell of food trucks, beer, and that unmistakable New York summer heat, all wrapped in the distorted hum of guitars echoing from every direction.

     (Courtesy of: Jess Licata)

One of the most anticipated acts, Jack White, took the stage and launched straight into his hit “Old Scratch Blues.” The roar of the crowd was deafening as his signature guitar riffs echoed through the entire park. Mid-set, White shared a story about the time he played the original CBGB venue, a heartfelt tribute that drew cheers and applause from longtime fans. You could hear his set from the other side of the festival grounds, and even people just arriving stopped in their tracks to take it in. His band was tight, dialed in with an intensity that felt both rehearsed and raw. As the sun began to set behind the bridge, White closed his set with the cult classic “Seven Nation Army.” The entire crowd, from the barricade to the furthest edges of the park, chanted the chorus in perfect rhythm, a moment that felt almost spiritual in its unity.

Next up was none other than rock legend Iggy Pop, the moment the whole crowd had been waiting for. He strutted on stage shirtless, exuding the same wild charisma that made him famous decades ago. From the first snarling lyric of “The Passenger,” the energy shifted into something primal. The crowd was right there with him, fists in the air, sweat flying, voices hoarse from screaming along.

 (Courtesy of @JennaMurray)

When he launched into “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” the moshpits opened, and a wave of controlled chaos swept through the front rows. Fans who had grown up with Iggy’s music were side by side with teenagers seeing him live for the first time, all united by the raw power of punk. It felt like it was a rite of passage. By the time his set ended, it felt like no one wanted to move, afraid the magic might break if they did.

(Courtesy of: @JennaMurray)

CBGB Fest stood as living proof that punk is still alive and thriving. Far from being a relic of the past, the spirit of punk pulsed through every guitar riff, every mosh pit, and every defiant scream from the crowd. From teenagers in vintage band tees to older fans who had once walked through the doors of the original CBGB, the festival brought together generations bound by the same rebellious heartbeat – CBGB Fest made that loud and clear, this is a legacy that will outlive us all.