Billy Ruane, storied impresario of the 90s Boston indie music scene. Billy promoted shows and inspired cult-like followings of bands by the likes of The Lemonheads, Dinosaur Jr., Pixies, Superchunk, Buffalo Tom, Elliott Smith, Pavement, and Sonic Youth. His gracious treatment of artists set new standards in music. But underneath Billy’s exuberant cartoon-like demeanor and Harvard education, was the pain of a man with deep trauma, who struggled with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, and was confounded by the weight of an endless supply of money.
Bill Janovitz is an American musician and writer. He is the singer, guitarist, and songwriter of the rock band Buffalo Tom, and has also released solo records. He has written the 'Exile on Main St.' book for the 33 series, and written about music in Boston Magazine, the Boston Phoenix, and Post Road magazine. He is now living in Lexington, Massachusetts.