Neighborhood Punk Icon Jimmy Webb Loses Battle with Cancer (RIP)
Jimmy Webb, the flamboyant punk whose Lower East Side boutiques captured the essence of rock and roll, passed away yesterday morning after a battle with stomach cancer.
He was 62, and had apparently been fighting the disease for a couple years. No official statement had been made about his death.
Messages are pouring in about Jimmy Webb, a local fashion icon who had seen it all.
In 1975, Webb ran away from his upstate home at age 16 with a pillowcase of clothes and no money. But he quickly settled and found refuge in the East Village punk scene, becoming one of its most recognizable denizens. Webb later fell into heroin addiction for 20 years and lived in Tompkins Square Park, eventually returning upstate.
He got sober, though, and wrote a letter to the owner of Trash & Vaudeville on St. Mark’s Place, seeking a job. That stint lasted nearly two decades, in which he became manager and primary buyer.
Many in the East Village neighborhood knew Webb, and even the stylists of Prince and Lady Gaga purportedly sought his wardrobe advice.
Three years ago, after leaving Trash & Vaudeville, Webb opened the spiritual successor, I Need More at 75 Orchard Street.
Jimmy was an amazing spirit. I’ll never forget him pointing at me and running around Trash and Vaudeville picking out wild clothes for me to try on. I did buy those vinyl pants. RIP may everyone learn to love life like you did. #JimmyWebb https://t.co/AAztz5fLFP
— Amber Osborne (@MissDestructo) April 14, 2020
RIP #JimmyWebb 💔 Your smile will be missed pic.twitter.com/XPRG4wERQA
— A_Paris 👀 (@Aud_Paris) April 14, 2020
I don’t know what to say… jimmywebbnyc you have been in my life for over 2 decades. Your smile and laugh always brightened my day. Rest in Power friend. I will miss you. #gonebutneverforgotten #jimmywebb #icon @ I… https://t.co/O1IjvUe5GH
— brendonjamesnyc (@brendonjames) April 14, 2020
Recent Stories
‘Bowery Showroom’ is Gen Z Retail
Looks like a new concept store is setting up shop on the Lower East Side. Bowery Showroom, a New York-based designer vintage and lifestyle brand, is opening its first retail location this weekend. Not on the Bowery; in fact a few blocks off at 57 Stanton Street. What we gather from the PR babble is […]
Elected Officials Ignore Mom’s Plea to Stop the City from Destroying East River Park [OP-ED]
The following editorial was written by Kirsten Theodos, an East Village resident. There is a crisis right now in New York City. The limited green space we have is under attack, and even a global climate crisis and pandemic won’t stop the City from destroying it. I live near East River Park, the only meaningful green […]
Adam Schlesinger Virtual Tribute is in the Works
A virtual tribute to keep the late Adam Schlesinger’s memory shining on is in the works. The Fountains of Wayne co-founder and bassist passed away one year ago due to Covid complications. “This is a proper musical send-off for my soul brother with a bunch of talented and groovy guests that would make Adam wince,” […]
Tre on Ludlow Street Returns Next Month with New Chef
The following guest post was written by Bowery Boogie reader Colton Moore. Tre, the locals Italian restaurant on Ludlow Street, is set to reopen on Saturday, May 1. It’s the first time back open since the pandemic-related sidelining in December. Returning diners will be surprised (and treated) to a new menu; rather than offering full […]
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot Returns from COVID-19 Sidelines
All the world’s a stage… To honor what would be the Bard’s 457th birthday, the ever-so-popular Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is back for a two night affair. Being the first performance from the troupe since the pandemic sidelined it in 2020, the event promises evenings filled with scenes, songs, sonnets, and soliloquies from the […]
