Official Trailer

The Road to Ruane

A filmmaker's journey to capture the storied life of 90s indie music impresario Billy Ruane, becomes an examination of the human condition.

Billy Ruane, the legendary impresario of Boston’s 90s indie music scene, was a driving force behind some of the era's most iconic bands, including The Lemonheads, Dinosaur Jr., Elliott Smith, Pixies, Superchunk, Buffalo Tom, Pavement, and Sonic Youth. Known for his eccentric, larger-than-life personality, Billy set a new standard for treating musicians with generosity and respect. However, beneath his exuberance and Harvard-educated charm, he carried the weight of deep personal trauma. Struggling with bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and the complexities of inherited wealth, Billy's life was as tumultuous as it was impactful.

Through interviews with the musicians he championed, along with his friends, family, and rock journalists, The Road to Ruane paints an intimate portrait of a man whose influence cut deeply into the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Featuring a rich archive of video footage, voicemails, and animation, the film uncovers the highs, lows, and bizarre stories of a figure whose legacy continues to resonate in the Boston music scene.

Credits

Director (s): Scott Evans, Michael Gill
Producer(s): Pat McGrath, Greg Dalton-Kay, Mike Zarara
Editor(s):
Principal Cast: