The Scene (performance venue)
| Company type | Nightclub |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Music |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Founder | Steve Paul |
| Defunct | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Manhattan, New York City , United States |
| Products | Live music performances |
The Scene was a nightclub situated on West 46th Street in Manhattan, New York City, managed by Steve Paul from 1964 until 1969. It became famous for landmark performances by musicians such as Tiny Tim, The Doors, Buffalo Springfield, and Jimi Hendrix.
History
Nestled in the basement at 301 West 46th Street within Manhattan's Theater District, The Scene was launched in 1964 by Steve Paul, who had previously worked as a publicist for the Peppermint Lounge. Initially, the venue catered to actors, musicians, and Broadway theatre personnel. Live music was originally limited to a resident pianist, but by 1966, the club transitioned to featuring live bands, drawing acts like The Young Rascals, The Lovin' Spoonful, and Sammy Davis Jr.. Early performances by Blood, Sweat & Tears with Al Kooper also took place there. Blues icon B.B. King performed two nights, joined both evenings by Jimi Hendrix. The club attracted members of Andy Warhol’s circle, including Edie Sedgwick.
Following a period of decline and temporary shutdown, The Scene reopened with backing from notable personalities such as Peter Yarrow, Allen Ginsberg, and Tiger Morse. During this era, it became a favored spot for Jimi Hendrix, who often played late-night sets alongside other influential musicians. The club hosted the New York debut of the Jimi Hendrix Experience on June 3 and 4, 1967, after Steve Paul discovered the group at the Monterey International Pop Festival. Additional prominent performers included The Velvet Underground, Pink Floyd, Jeff Beck, Traffic, Fleetwood Mac, and The Chambers Brothers.
Steve Paul, just twenty-three during the club’s second phase, exercised strict control over admission. Regular patrons included photographer Linda Eastman and performer Tiny Tim, who frequently served as an opening act. In 1967, The Doors held their first East Coast residency at The Scene for three weeks, becoming its major attraction and increasing their popularity in the region. The venue also functioned as a filming site for much of the 1970 documentary Groupies.
The Scene ceased operations on July 12, 1969. According to Sterling Morrison of the Velvet Underground, the closure stemmed from Steve Paul’s refusal to pay protection fees to the New York Mafia, which resulted in violent incidents that jeopardized the club’s liquor license.
Patricia Kathleen McGlone
In February 2003, construction workers uncovered a female skeleton at 301 W. 46th St. in Manhattan. Known initially as "Midtown Jane Doe," her identity remained a mystery for two decades until forensic advancements identified her as sixteen-year-old Patricia Kathleen McGlone. It is believed that she died in 1969—the same year "Steve Paul's The Scene" shut down. Authorities indicated she was married to a man linked to the nightclub; Detective Ryan Glas confirmed his association with the site where her remains were discovered.