Two popular night spots in Somerville have been forced to close their doors for good due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting restrictions on social distancing. Both Bull McCabe’s Pub and Thunder Road have recently announced their immediate permanent closures.

A public statement by the proprietors of Bull McCabe’s reads as follows:

“It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing to let you know that, after twelve years in Union Square, Bull McCabe’s will not be reopening. The last six months have taken an incredible toll on all of us, and while the restaurant/bar/music venue industry as a whole has been decimated,

We’ve incurred a large amount of debt, and it is continuing to rise with no income to help knock it down. So, as much as I want to hang on and hope things will bounce back, I can’t afford to, financially or emotionally.

My family and I thank you all for your patronage, your support, your help, your love and appreciation, your smiles, your lyrics, your drum solos, ripping guitar licks, the heaviest of vibes, and your beautiful voices that helped make a tiny little bar in Somerville a staple in the Boston music scene. I am forever grateful.

I have always said, “Anyone can buy a bar, but it’s the people who make it.” I stand by that. The people. You, your friends, your family, all the incredible staff that we have been lucky to work with over the years, that’s the Bull McCabe’s Family, and I am proud to have been a part of something so incredible for so long. But, it’s time to go. I love you all!

Thank you for everything, especially my family and friends for all the continued support.

With all the love,

Brian Manning, and my parents, my business partners, Chris and Linda Whitney, without whom, none of this would have been possible.”

The operators of Thunder Road have made the following announcement:

“Dear Thunder Road community,

It is with heavy hearts and an abundance of extraordinary memories that we inform you of the permanent closing of our beloved music venue, the challenges upon us all at this time are far too great to keep our doors open and remain as a staple music venue in the Boston area. We will always appreciate and remember the support that we received from you, the musicians, concert-goers, and live music enthusiasts. Together we built a family that has shared the love of live music. We will always have each other and the moments we shared. Although our first home is no longer, we may just have a new place for our family to gather in the future.

In closing, we want to send our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported Thunder Road since our opening on September 5, 2015. You are cherished and valued.

Sincerely, Charlie Abel and the Thunder Road team.”