(Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction, John Varvatos, and Slash of Velvet Revolver)

Designer John Varvatos proudly took the stage at the restored site of the former CBGB last Thursday night.  Varvatos was celebrating the opening of his new concept store in what formerly  housed the iconic underground music club. "I'm not sure who had more fun -- the audience or the musicians. The power of rock 'n' roll showed its face here tonight," he exclaimed at the end of the evening.

The crowd was an intriguing blend of the old and new -- from the likes of Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash (formerly of Guns N' Roses) and acclaimed rocker Joan Jett to actors Bobby Cannavale and  Zoe Kravitz. Eventually, the huge group converged in front of the stage in what looked like a refined mosh pit.

Many of the 600 guests in attendance made remarks about how the venue hadn't looked this good in years. The original CBGB closed in October 2006 and, after many years of wear and tear, the space was in less-than-stellar condition, as can be seen in the small framed picture of the old stage just inside the store.

An avid fan of CBGB, Varvatos toured the space shortly after its closing and wanted to do his part to restore it. He decided to renovate the former club, preserving many of the original features, including the black ceiling, the awning over the entrance (which now reads "john varvatos 315 bowery" instead of "CBGB") and the walls that are covered in 33 years worth of stickers, fliers and graffiti.

Along with the cultural history that covers every square inch of the store, Varvatos has designed a limited-edition collection of his clothing to be sold only at the boutique at 315 Bowery. In addition to these rare finds, the store, which opened earlier this month, features vintage clothing, records and audio equipment, music memorabilia and books, some of which come from Varvatos's personal collection.

A handful of protesters proudly stood outside on the balmy evening, waving their posters with statements like "down with $800 pants" and "Luxury Out, Music and Community In." Despite the naysayers, many of the icons that performed at the event were quick to praise the designer for his preservation of the space. "We needed someone like John Varvatos to be the glue to pull something like this off," said Clem Burke of Blondie.

Varvatos has done a remarkable job restoring the historical space, but the creative accents he's added make the space even more eccentric. A shrine to the original CBGB, complete with candles, sits just inside the store, and a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty stands in the window. Lady Liberty's flame has been replaced with a red light bulb, however; perhaps a nod to the alternative freedom of expression that CBGB will always represent. --BRANDON FELDMAN

READ MORE:
Cake's album of covers takes on everyone from Barry White to Black Sabbath
The ten best dressed men of Oscars past, including Steve Carell in a Varvatos suit