Who Is Keytar Bear And Why Does Boston Love Him?

Unsuspecting tourists in Boston might dismiss the man dressed as a bear playing on a keytar as an average busker. But what they don’t realize is that he is known throughout the city as Keytar Bear.

Keytar Bear is a performer who has become a beloved Boston character since he rose to fame in 2014. The man behind the bear—or rather within—has stayed mostly anonymous throughout the years. Interviews are a rarity, and when they do occur, he refers to Keytar Bear as a separate entity. His covers of Prince and other favorite ’80s tunes have made him a star in local media, which has loyally followed his ups and downs ever since.

In 2014, Keytar Bear was attacked while performing one night. His loyal followers came through with a show of support, and thousands of dollars were raised to help with his recovery in an online campaign.

The year 2017 was another busy one for the bear. He made multiple official appearances at local festivals, including the 5th Annual Boston Family Festival and the Make Music Festival. Keytar Bear was attacked again—three New Hampshire teenagers faced criminal charges after being seen ripping his mask off and punching him in the face. The Boston community once again reacted with outrage and took to supporting Keytar Bear financially and spiritually. Keytar Bear bounced back and continued playing defiantly.

Keytar Bear started 2018 strong, appearing in a 30-second advertisement for Boston sports clothing store, Sully’s Brand.

But he may have gotten his biggest partnership break yet with Trillium Brewing Company, a Boston brewery that created a Trillium beer in his honor. The company said they got close to Keytar Bear after he performed a few times at their Roslindale beer garden. The creamy, deep orange double IPA has hints of lactose, wildflower honey, and vanilla.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.