The Rathskeller (The Rat)

The story

Boston's answer to CBGB launched the careers of The Cars, The Pixies, and Talking Heads from its dark, beer-soaked basement.

Everything that was here

• 1974–1997

  The Rathskeller (The Rat)Music Venue

  Boston's answer to CBGB launched the careers of The Cars, The Pixies, and Talking Heads from its dark, beer-soaked basement.

  See the map in 1975 →
• 1974–1997

  The RathskellerBar

  Boston's CBGB where The Cars launched, The Police played their first US show, and David Bowie jumped onstage for an impromptu jam.

  See the map in 1975 →
• 1871–1972

  Hotel VendomeHotel

  Nine firefighters died on Father's Day 1972 when this luxury hotel collapsed, creating the worst firefighting tragedy in Boston history.

  See the map in 1872 →
• 1950–1960

  StoryvilleJazz Club

  Billie Holiday played her final Boston engagement at this legendary jazz club that launched the Newport Jazz Festival.

  See the map in 1951 →

Nearby history