Studio 52 is a community artist space located in the heart of Allston, and is proud to support the Boston music scene and local artist community.
Here’s some good news on a sad day: On the eighth anniversary of the sudden death of Billy Ruane, the City of Cambridge has approved the dedication of “Billy Ruane Square,” which will mark the corner of Brookline and Green streets where Sonia now sits at the space of the old T.T The Bear’s Place.
The square named in Ruane’s honor is not too far from where his ashes rest at The Middle East Upstairs, and sits next to Mark Sandman Square on the corner of Mass. Ave. and Brookline Street, dedicated to the late Morphine frontman.
“More info on the square situation soon and about the dedication ceremony — Billy’s family is working out those logistics as we speak,” reads a post this afternoon (October 26) from the Facebook group Billy Ruane Forever. “In the meantime, please take some time today to do something nice for a musician, in Billy’s honor!!!!!”
The charge on securing “Billy Ruane Square” was led by The Middle East and music journalist and historian Brian Coleman, who last year compiled more than 3,000 signatures (roughly 500 online and more than 2,800 physical endorsements) to support the cause and get the measure in front of Cambridge officials.
“I honestly wasn’t that surprised, because Billy touched a nerve with so many people, almost always in the best way,” Coleman told us about the volume of support from petitioners. “You just couldn’t meet him without an impression being made. Just walking around Central Square these days isn’t as fun, because you know Billy won’t come screaming by on his scooter, almost run you over, and make you promise to go to a show. Having that as a possibility always made it more fun in to anywhere in Cambridge. I know a lot of people would agree with that.”
The Boston music scene icon passed away in October 2010 at the age of 52.
Featured photo of Billy Ruane at Bunrattys by Mark Morelli, via the David Bieber Archives. It is currently on display at The Verb Hotel in Boston.