Bull McCabe's Pub

12/16/2025

I have so much to say, and yet I’m also at a loss for words. So, I’ll share what I wrote back in July of 2024 when Robert was starting the courageous battle that, sadly, came to an end yesterday.
Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Robert Elliott was one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met. He used to own the Tír na nÓg, a legendary bar & music club, in the space Bull McCabe’s eventually moved into in 2008.
I was 27 years old. I had never hosted a show in my life, and now I was opening a music venue.
Robert, after being pushed out of the space by the same awful landlord we dealt with, could have been angry with the situation and sat idly by and waited for me to fall flat on my face. But instead, not ever having met me, he reached out through a mutual friend. A few days later, over a cold beer in the front bar at Precinct, in one of the most generous experiences I’ve ever had, Robert gave me a copy of his black book; names and numbers of dozens, if not hundreds, of musicians who had played at the Tír na nÓg over the years. It was a who’s who of amazing local musicians. He taught me so much about the business, and I am forever grateful.

On 10/09/08, opening night at Bull McCabe’s, Robert got up and joined the Ronan Quinn band for a few tunes and welcomed us to the neighborhood.
This was Robert’s way of showing the people in the square and the old crew from the Tír na nÓg that Bull McCabe’s had his blessing and his full support.
The people responded, showed up again and again, and the rest is an amazing 12-year history.
Without the generosity, support, and mentoring I received from Robert Elliott, we might not have even survived two.

If you ever played a gig, raised a pint, made a friend, or enjoyed amazing local live music at Bull McCabe’s, Robert Elliott was part of the reason why.

Rest well, Robert. The community that you built will live forever. ❤️

09/15/2025

On behalf of the Bull McCabe’s family, I want to express how incredibly sad we are to learn of the passing of David Johnston.
The David Johnston Band played every Tuesday at Bulls for at least a decade.
On a Tuesday night, if you were looking for live music in the Somerville/Cambridge area, you knew where to go. It was Bullls for David Johnston.
He was an incredible talent and a hell of a guy.
David will be missed and appreciated forever.
Rest well, David. Thanks for everything.
Love, your forever family at Bull McCabe’s.

10/28/2024

The Bull McCabe’s family has suffered an incredible loss. Steve Morse has passed away.
Steve was an amazing man and such a huge supporter of live music, especially LOCAL live music.
When I opened Bulls years ago, Steve was there. He was there to support local live music and to support me, and my family, as a music club. From the day we opened til the day we closed, he was in my corner.
Steve was so tall that I could always pick him out of the crowd when he came in. I’d have his drink ready for him before he even had to ask because he was so special.
Everything we ever did that had anything to do with music, Steve was always there to promote and support me, us, Bull McCabe’s.
He shared the most amazing stories and was always so incredibly supportive and sincere.
If you love live music, and you love your local music scene, you can thank Steve Morse, because he was the one promoting us, supporting us, to absolutely no personal benefit, other than to keep us and many other venues alive.
I’ll miss Steve forever, and, I can’t possibly state what he did for us. He was a champion in life and a champion of music.
If we had more people like Steve Morse, the world would be a better place.
Support local music. Support local venues.
Go see a show this week in his honor. I know I will.
Steve would be happy.
Rest well, my friend. Thanks for everything. ❤️
Sincerely,
Your family at Bull McCabe’s.

07/12/2024

Robert Elliott is one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met. He used to own the Tír na nÓg, a legendary bar & music club, in the space Bull McCabe’s eventually moved into in 2008.
I was 27 years old. I had never hosted a show in my life, and now I was opening a music venue.
Robert, after being pushed out of the space by the same awful landlord we dealt with, could have been angry with the situation and sat idly by and waited for me to fall flat on my face. But instead, not ever having met me, he reached out through a mutual friend. A few days later, over a cold beer in the front bar at Precinct, in one of the most generous experiences I’ve ever had, Robert gave me a copy of his black book; names and numbers of dozens, if not hundreds, of musicians who had played at the Tír na nÓg over the years. It was a who’s who of amazing local musicians. He taught me so much about the business, and I am forever grateful.

On 10/09/08, opening night at Bull McCabe’s, Robert got up on stage and joined the Ronan Quinn band for a few tunes and welcomed us to the neighborhood.
This was Robert’s way of showing the people in the square and the old crew from the Tír na nÓg that Bull McCabe’s had his blessing and his full support.
The people responded, showed up again and again, and the rest is an amazing 12-year history.
Without the generosity, support, and mentoring I received from Robert Elliott, we might not have even survived two.

If you ever played a gig, raised a pint, made a friend, or enjoyed amazing local live music at Bull McCabe’s, Robert Elliott is part of the reason why.

So, please, if you can, show some support for a true gentleman and a dear dear friend of mine during a very hard time.

Thank you so much!
I miss you all!

I’ll be at the fundraiser at Sally O’Brien’s on Tuesday, 7/16. It starts at 6:30, and there will be a LOT of amazing musicians supporting someone who has always supported them.

We love you, Robert!!!

-Brian Manning & the Bull McCabe’s Family

Our good friend Robert Elliott has been diagnosed with throat and neck can… Feargal O'Toole needs your support for Support Robert Elliott's Battle with Cancer

11/26/2023

Dave Fertig is and was the ultimate example of the Bull McCabe’s Family. His support of Bulls, friendship, and love of music and the camaraderie created through it all will live forever.
I’m so sorry he’s gone, but so thankful to have known him.
Rest well, Dave.
Thanks for everything.

03/18/2022

Two years ago today we shut down due to Covid.
It makes for a tough day today, but I can’t help but smile as I scroll through the pictures from over the years. We had some amazing times.
Thanks to everyone who helped make Bulls what it was and what it remains in my heart.
We miss and love you all so much.
Thanks for the memories.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, my friends.