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Frank “Rat Bastard” Falestra, one of the most recognizable figures in Miami’s underground music scene, was hospitalized early Monday morning after a serious car crash near the Golden Glades interchange. Known for his signature dark glasses, black beanie, and shock of white hair, Falestra has witnessed — and shaped — the evolution of Miami music for decades. The accident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on the Florida Turnpike while he was transporting equipment for the Miami Music Archive, the nonprofit he founded.
Falestra, best known as Rat Bastard, was driving his pickup hauling a trailer when the load fishtailed, causing the rig to spin into a near‑90‑degree angle just prior to the I‑95 merger, a friend at the scene told New Times over the phone. According to the witness, street lights in the area were not functioning, and the ambulance’s arrival was delayed roughly 30 minutes. The driver who collided with Falestra’s vehicle reportedly refused to board the ambulance at the scene and left before the arrival of the Florida Highway Patrol.
Churchill’s Pub, where Falestra is a longtime fixture, shared on Instagram:
“We’re heart‑broken to share that Rat Bastard (Frank Falestra), was in a serious car accident around 2 AM last night while moving the Miami Music Archive to a new space. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance and is currently in the ICU. While no visitors are allowed at this time, we’ve been informed that he is in stable condition.”
The crash comes at a pivotal moment: The archive was in the process of relocating to a new facility. The friend present at the scene emphasised that Falestra’s recovery is critical not just for him personally but for the broader Miami underground music community to which he has contributed for decades.
Falestra is hospitalised and undergoing tests. According to New Times sources, he is in an induced coma, has received head stitches, and remains in stable condition.
For more than 40 years, Rat Bastard has been a guiding force in Miami’s experimental, noise and DIY music scenes — co‑founding a recording studio in Miami in the early 1980s and launching the annual International Noise Conference (INC), a free festival showcasing the city’s most daring sounds.
Supporters are asking for help in two ways: sending well‑wishes for his recovery and contributing to the archive’s campaign. Donation link is available on Miami Music Archive’s website.
This is a developing story and we will provide updates as soon as further information becomes available.
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Florencia Franceschetti, professionally known as Flor Frances, is the Music Editor at Miami New Times. An award-winning journalist and radio host with over 15 years of experience, she has contributed to outlets such as Bandcamp Daily, the Miami Herald, and Artburst. She is also the founder and former editor of the local publication Too Much Love. Her work focuses on documenting and amplifying cultural and artistic expressions within the music and art communities.
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