Complaining about change in New York City is about as useful as whining about rats on the subway lines, but everyone—natives, adopted locals, frequent visitors—does it. And there's a good reason why: It hurts to see a favorite haunt for good.
The pandemic wiped out many famous bars and restaurants in Manhattan, among them the East Village bar Black and White. With low ceilings, red-and-orange-striped walls, dark lighting and reliably great music (everything from Southern soul to British post-punk spun on vinyl), Black and White occupied that necessary space between low-key and high-octane. , making it suitable for everything from after-work happy hour to first dates to late-night drinks after a concert.
It was effortlessly cool yet unpretentious and you didn't have to be a New Yorker to love it – case in point, Travis' new song 'Raze the Bar'. The cleverly titled single finds the Scottish rockers fusing elegiac with anthemic to pay tribute to the bar, its owners and staff – with guest singers Chris Martin of Coldplay and Brandon Flowers of the Killers stopping by for a shot (in microphone).
“If you were playing a show at Irving Plaza or Webster Hall, chances are you'll end up in the Black and White until the wee hours,” frontman Fran Healy explained in a statement. “'Raze the Bar' is a song about a fantastic last night at the bar. [Co-owner] Johnny is in there, Jack, Richard and Johnny's brother and bar co-owner Chris. The cameos were almost an afterthought! I just called Chris Martin in a bit of a panic because I couldn't figure out what the order of the track should be. When Chris heard it, he said, “This song is the best thing you've ever written!” And since he and Brandon Flowers both live very close…”
The track will be included on the band's upcoming album LA Timesreleased July 12.
The Black and White doesn't just hold a special place in Healy's heart – it holds a place inside Advertising sign knowledge as well. Many a Advertising sign Staff (and alumni) gathered in the bar to celebrate, mingle, brainstorm and vent while draining the bar of Prosecco and Goose Island.
With “Raze the Bar,” Travis brought a rousing round of nostalgia to an East Village mainstay.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/travis-chris-martin-brandon-flowers-raze-the-bar-1235680728/
