The Time Aerosmith Was Almost Sued Over “Rats In The Cellar”

March 20, 2025

In the mid-1970s, Aerosmith was riding high on the release of their second album, “Get Your Wings.” They were a band on the brink of superstardom, fueled by raw rock energy and a growing fanbase. But as they wrote and recorded new music, a storm was brewing behind the scenes. The band had a track called “Rats in the Cellar,” which was not just an energetic tune but a reflection of their struggles and experiences as musicians. Little did they know, this song would soon become the center of a legal battle that could have changed everything for them.

The trouble began when a local pest control company in Massachusetts, which had a catchy name that involved the word “rats,” caught wind of Aerosmith’s song. They were not amused that a heavy rock band was using a name so close to their own. The company believed that “Rats in the Cellar” could hurt their business reputation and confuse potential customers. It was an unlikely conflict, but one that threatened to escalate into a lawsuit. A band full of dreams suddenly found themselves facing a disappointing reality: the very essence of their art could be challenged in a courtroom.

As the band discussed the situation, the mood grew tense. All the hard work they had put into their music was now threatened by a legal battle. However, instead of shrinking away in fear, Aerosmith decided to stand strong. They gathered to discuss their options, and with their characteristic resilience, they chose to fight back not with anger, but with creativity. They reached out to the pest control company and invited them to hear the song, hoping to find common ground. This act of goodwill replaced animosity with understanding, and the band hoped that their passion for music and the message behind their lyrics might connect them.

In a surprising turn of events, the pest control company, after hearing the song, softened their stance. They realized that Aerosmith was not trying to harm their business, but instead, they were simply expressing their own experiences and emotions through music. The two sides came to an agreement, and the company ultimately decided not to pursue legal action. This experience not only taught Aerosmith the importance of communication and understanding but also reinforced their commitment to their craft. They learned that music was more than just notes and lyrics; it could break down walls and foster connections between people.

With the threat of a lawsuit behind them, Aerosmith’s spirits soared higher than ever. They poured that energy into their music, and “Rats in the Cellar” went on to become one of their beloved tracks. The band continued to evolve and grow, ultimately achieving legendary status in the music world. Looking back, they saw how close they had come to losing their freedom to create, but their persistence and determination had not only saved them from a lawsuit; it had also forged their legacy as a band that stood up for their art.

In the end, Aerosmith continued to rock the world, reminding everyone that resilience in the face of adversity can lead to unexpected opportunities. Their story of overcoming the near-suit over “Rats in the Cellar” became a testament to their unwavering passion for music and a reminder that even the toughest challenges can be turned into opportunities for growth. The band emerged stronger, not just as musicians, but as human beings, fearless and ready to embrace whatever came next on their incredible journey.