Text "Honky Tonk Stoneskneipe" (Nico Zentgraf)
In Berlin there are thousands of pubs - who hasn't to offer something special perishes in this branch with continuous new drab pubs and bars. Mierek Lampka and Wieslaw Osowiecki had a very special idea: connecting profession with hobby they opened the HONKY TONK "Stoneskneipe" (to the non-German speaking readers: "Kneipe" means "pub"), a pub where the Stones are duly honored and adored. In the meantime the HONKY TONK already exists since three years. It appears rather mousy from the outside: only a name-plate next to the door discretly points out about what's the matter there. Namely about a Stonespub.
Once entered any doubts beats it immediately. On a ll the wally hang pictures of the Rolling Stones, among them very rare and unique ones which were dedicated particularly to the HONKY TONK: the keeper with Ron Wood, original draws from artists who once dropped in (or who are regulars), etc ... over one wall even an awful (but faithful) STICKY FINGERS-stamp is painted. Also the counter is obviously painted with all sorts of Stones-motifs. Directly behind it - close to the keeper - stand the sound machine and an extensive collection of tapes. Above the counter hangs a big list of beverages; sole marked with a star is Jack Daniel's Whiskey, Black Label - a cult whiskey not only at HONKY TONK's. Self-evidently there are also some special drinks: a "Jagger" is a Gin-Tonic, a "Honky Tonk" is a Whiskey-Cola... from time to time people ask if there isn't a "Richards" - but of course there is! It's marked with a star... - the keepers have wholly renounced on culinary, by the way.
Musically the whole thing revolves mainly round the Stones, of course - but to round off the program often other groups are played which lie on the same level, for example the Who, the Kinks, Hendrix, Dylan, Lennon or Lou Reed. Sometimes even underground of the 80's is played, quasi as an alternative to the good old music of the 60's and 70's. In an adjoining room one can have a look at some videos - nearly all Stonesvideos are available plus the standardtapes of the above mentioned ones. On weekdays the HONKY TONK is more a place to follow Lw Profile and to talk shop with other people at a beer, but on weekends all the hell breaks loose! At the already legendary Stones-picnics that are enacted then, the loud music can be heard even two street corners farther. Till late in the forenoon people party, dance and hit the bottle like blazes. Refrains are blared together and often a round of Jack Daniel's is scattered (which is washed down only pure!). These parties - quite often upgraded by a visit of the cops - mostly climax therein that all entrants lie motionless in every possible corner. Most popular resting-places then are the video room and especially the billiard table - but this one is mostly already taken by one af the keepers...
The HONKY TONK fanzine is a Stones fanzine sold in the HONKY TONK pub. Non-Berlinians can get it by mail. The subscription fee of DM 24 (DM 20 for Germans) gives you 6 issues in 6 months plus a little present (photos, stickers, etc). If you wanna subscribe, please write to the following address: HONKY TONK c/o Dr Winston O'Boogie, Schöningstrasse 3, 1000 Berlin 65, Western Germany.
Author: Nico Zentgraf
Publication
| 1985.10.02 |  Charlie is Good Tonight nr. 4
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