Coventry, the legendary rock club that opened at 47-03 Queens Blvd. in 1972, played a pivotal role in launching the careers of iconic bands such as the Ramones, the New York Dolls, and Kiss—who performed their first-ever gig at the venue in 1973.
Originally known as the Popcorn Pub, the club could accommodate up to 700 patrons and quickly became a cradle for the shock rock and glam rock movements. At a time when New York City was undergoing major cultural transformation, the venue served as a vital platform for artists to express their unique voices. For many neighborhood youths, Coventry became a sanctuary—a place to find community and solace through music.
The club was founded by Paul Sub, now 94, a Holocaust survivor from Austria who moved to the U.S. seeking a new beginning. Before opening Coventry, Sub operated a coffee shop in Manhattan called Zodiac, which became a popular hangout for celebrated artists of the era, including Bob Dylan. Inspired by that creative energy, Sub set out to bring a similar spirit to Queens through music.
