BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Local music fans have launched a petition to keep Allston's legendary music bar Great Scott open, and it has already been signed by 10,000 people.
Staff shut the doors to the blues and rock venue in March due to the coronavirus, and this week management announced it was closing permanently.
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Great Scott will not reopen," said manager Tim Philbin. "Take care of yourselves and each other."
An online petition was quickly launched by locals to push back against the club's permanent closure.
"For over 40 years, Great Scott has been a neighborhood staple, and it is closing for no better reason than a leasing dispute exploiting a public health crisis," said the organizer of the petition. "We demand Oak Hill Properties LLC renegotiate with Great Scott, and allow them to continue operations as a music venue."
Great Scott has been a month-to-month tenant for approximately 20 years and, therefore, there was never a lease for Oak Hill to renew.
From its inception in 1976, Great Scott became home to many of Boston's blues, jazz, and rock musicians. With an intimate capacity of 240 people, it was frequented by up-and-coming local acts, and those on national tours. In 2016, Consequence of Sound called Great Scott the eighth-best concert venue in the nation.
WBZ NewsRadio's Kevin Coleman (@KevinColemanWBZ) reports:
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(Photo: Wendy Schiller)