The Rock & Roll Rumble returned to the Boston music scene in 2023. Here’s a partial primer on Rock & Roll Rumble history.
As I wrote here recently, the Rumble traces its roots all the way back to 1979. In that year and in 1980, it was billed “The Rumble at the Rat,” as the multiple-night battle of the bands took place at The Rathskeller in Kenmore Square. The event was co-sponsored and supported by the legendary Boston rock station WBCN. For decades, it was the showcase in the city for up-and-coming local acts. And some of those up-and-comers became household names in the Boston area, thanks in part to the Rumble.
For more than a decade, Boston DJ and Boston Emissions host Anngelle Wood has produced the Rumble. Anngelle is a friend and a colleague and has done an outstanding job over the years of curating all of it, striking the perfect balance of honoring Rock & Roll Rumble history while also moving things forward in new and exciting ways. Together we’ve witnessed some historic moments over the years. I’m going to share some of my favorites and the lore that goes along with them.
11 Great Moments in Rock & Roll Rumble History
But before I do, a look back at the 2023 Rock & Roll Rumble Finals. Last year’s field was stacked. I was able to attend five of the six preliminary nights, which I recapped here and here. And while I missed the semifinals, there’s a recap of those over here.
The 2024 Rock & Roll Rumble Prelims take place at the Middle East Upstairs in Cambridge Thursday, April 4 through Saturday, April 6, then Thursday April 11 through Saturday, April 13. Doors at 8, rock starts at 9. Get your tickets here. And keep scrolling to get your Boston rock scene history lesson, as viewed through the lens of the Rock & Roll Rumble. I think there’ll be a few bands you remember.