Seminal Berkeley Punk Club Facing Eviction

Club at 924 Gilman made music history

Legendary all-ages music venue 924 Gilman in Berkeley is facing a steep rent hike -- from $4,300 to $7,000 -- that's threatening the club's very existence.

924 Gilman is known as an incubator for the Bay Area punk scene that spawned internationally renowned bands including Green Day, Rancid and the Dead Kennedys.

The club, which is run by a non-profit, also serves as a meeting place for 12 step recovery groups, and is an important fixture in the community.

However, the landlord who's business next door has been struggling, was told that in order to sell the building he'd have to kick out the club as a tenant, leaving a rent increase his only option.

The club is accepting donations, and contributions of $25 or more gets you a t-shirt or tote bag as a thank you.

Jack Boulware, who along with Silke Tudor wrote a history of the local punk scene titled "Gimme Something Better," has also promised to contribute a percentage of revenue from sales of the book at independent retailers.

Hopefully some of the bands that made their names at the club will also pitch in.

Jackson West isn't a huge punk fan, but hates to see all-ages clubs shuttered generally.

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