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:…