Great Scott makes comeback in Allston, years after closing

BOSTON – A music club in Allston that during the COVID pandemic plans to return. Great Scott, which hosted many up-and-coming artists before they found fame, plans to reopen not far from its original location.

Where will the new location for Great Scott be?

The original location of Great Scott which closed in 2020 was replaced by a Taco Bell Cantina. The new location will be about a half mile away, at the corner of Harvard Avenue and Cambridge Street.

The club is intended to form part of a mixed-use development that will also include shops, apartments and Great Scott’s long-standing “sister club”, O’Brien’s Pub. Great Scott will have a capacity of 300 people and O’Brien’s Pub could hold 75.

“This venture ensures that Great Scott’s legacy as a cultural cornerstone in Allston will flourish for decades to come, combining classic charm with modern innovation, honoring its rich history while looking to the future,” the owner said.

When will Great Scott reopen in Allston?

The owners say a permitting and design process could take up to nine months, followed by about a year and a half to build the new location. Right now, the owner is targeting a 2026 opening date.

Great Scott first opened in 1976 and featured blues and folk artists. Some of today’s top artists to have played at Great Scott include Jack Harlow, MGMT, Phoebe Bridgers, and Charli XCX.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched, raising over $300,000 for the construction of the new Great Scott.

“The return of Great Scott is about bringing back a place where future music legends take their first steps toward greatness, and keeping the raw yet rich musical tradition of Allston alive,” said the owner.