Epic Rights has signed on as the global branding, licensing and rights manager for CBGB, the New York music venue synonymous with groundbreaking music.

Founded by Hilly Kristal in 1973, CBGB became a forum for American punk and new wave bands such as the Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, Agnostic Front, Beastie Boys, Green Day and Guns N' Roses until 2006 when the venue was closed. In 2013, the former location of CBGB was added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Bowery Historic District.

"True music fans worldwide know CBGB as the birthplace of some of the greatest rock and punk bands in history," says Dell Furano, chief executive officer, Epic Rights. "What made CBGB so special was the fact that it was gritty, real, hardcore–everything that rock is supposed to be. Musicians, actors, artists all wanted to hang out at CBGB, and today, they all want to be associated with its raw, unadulterated and non-conformist, anything-goes attitude."

Epic Rights plans to develop the brand for a new generation of rebels with a broad selection of products including fashion apparel, accessories, footwear, electronics, spirits/beverages and themed entertainment.

Additionally, the new CBGB program created by Epic Rights will include opportunities that can be associated with and will promote the annual CBGB Music and Film Festival, which kicks off its third year this October in New York.

"We are developing a global campaign that honors and reflects the brand's dynamic heritage, combining the pure grit and glam that defined the CBGB experience," says Juli Boylan-Riddles, executive vice president, global strategic partnerships and licensing, who will spearhead the CBGB program. "We look forward to working with the CBGB team, as well as our vast network of licensing and retail partners around the world to deliver a uniquely cool program that crosses cultural boundaries to an all new audience."