Discover Boston's Rock and Roll History: Past, Present & Future
See more
Discover Boston's rich rock and roll history on a lively walking tour through the Fenway neighborhood. Led by a local musician, you'll visit legendary sites like the Rat, Storyville, and the Boston Tea Party, where the Velvet Underground once played. Learn how pioneering DJs, producers, and educators transformed the way music is shared, recorded, and taught in Boston.
Trace the city's influence on iconic artists such as B.B. King, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Springsteen, Tracy Chapman, Nirvana, Pixies, Radiohead, and many more. This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Boston’s role in shaping musical movements from the 60s folk revival to punk, new wave, and beyond.
Explore Boston's vibrant music scene, from historic venues to the city's impact on various genres. Whether you're a music lover or just curious about Boston’s cultural roots, this tour provides a fun, engaging way to experience the city’s musical past, present, and future.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in English.
What is the group size?
Groups are limited to up to 15 people.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
What’s included in the tour?
You’ll hear stories about legendary venues like the Rat, walk through historic Victory Gardens, and learn about Boston’s influence on the Folk Revival and its vibrant Lansdowne Street scene.
Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. Gratuities are also not included.
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Hear tales from the Rat, the cavernous club where many Punk and New Wave bands got their start
- Walk through America's oldest Victory Gardens still in use
- Examine Boston's impact on the Folk Revival in the 60s
- In the shadow of Fenway Park, stroll down lively Lansdowne Street home to numerous venues
Not included
- Food & Drinks not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary
-
Stop 1
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the Fens is a treasured greenspace in Boston and features America's oldest WWII Victory Gardens. On the Modern Lovers EP, Jonathan Richman sings, “I walk through the 'Fenway with my heart in my hand.” We will stroll through the gardens before heading into Kenmore Square.
-
Stop 2
Kenmore Square was the hub of Boston's music scene for decades, home to record stores and venues like Storyville and The Rathskeller. Here, you'll learn about garage, punk, and new wave bands that emerged from “the Rat” in the 70s and 80s. The Police played here four times during their first US tour in 1979, and Pixies shared bills with Throwing Muses. We’ll also visit "Nuggets," one of the last record stores in the neighborhood, before heading around Fenway Park.
-
Stop 3
Walk down Lansdowne Street, under the shadow of Fenway Park, and hear stories about historic venues like the Boston Tea Party, Venus De Milo, Avalon/Axis, and Spit. Today, bands load into venues such as the House of Blues and MGM Music Hall for performances.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
We will meet in the lobby of the Verb Hotel, which houses an exclusive collection of Rock and Roll artifacts from the David Bieber Archives, including vintage concert posters, album art, and tickets from historic shows.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day before
- 0% refund if cancelled less than 24 hours before
- Tour may be canceled due to bad weather
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $40.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
