Are The Boomtown Rats still playing? That’s a question that has been buzzing around in the minds of their fans for years. After all, the Irish rock band was at the height of their popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with hits like “I Don’t Like Mondays” and “Rat Trap” catapulting them to international stardom. But as the years passed, the band members went their separate ways, pursuing solo projects and other interests. So what is the answer? Are The Boomtown Rats still playing?
The fact is, it’s hard to say. While the original members of the band have reunited on occasion for one-off performances and charity events, they have not released a new album since the early 1980s. Lead singer Bob Geldof, who has become better known in recent years for his humanitarian work and activism, has said in interviews that he has no plans to record new music with the band. However, he and his bandmates have not ruled out the possibility of future concerts or tours. Fans can only hope that The Boomtown Rats will grace us with their presence on stage once again.
Regardless of whether or not they continue to make music together, The Boomtown Rats have left an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll. Their catchy, politically-charged songs earned them a legion of devoted fans, as well as critical acclaim. And while their music may harken back to a bygone era, its themes of social justice and rebellion are as relevant today as they were in the band’s heyday. So even if The Boomtown Rats never perform together again, their legacy lives on.
The Boomtown Rats’ Music Career
The Boomtown Rats were an Irish rock band formed in 1975. The band consisted of lead vocalist Bob Geldof, guitarist Garry Roberts, bassist Pete Briquette, drummer Simon Crowe, and keyboardist Johnnie Fingers. They are best known for their hit song “I Don’t Like Mondays”, which reached No. 1 in the UK singles chart in 1979.
- Despite achieving commercial success with several of their albums, The Boomtown Rats’ music career started to decline in the early 1980s. Their last album, “In the Long Grass”, was released in 1984 with little success. After that, the band split up, with Bob Geldof pursuing a successful solo career.
- However, in 2013, The Boomtown Rats reunited for a tour, playing at several festivals across Europe. The following year, they released a new album titled “Back to Boomtown: Classic Rats Hits”.
- Since then, The Boomtown Rats have continued to tour and perform at festivals, with Bob Geldof still fronting the band. They have also released several compilation albums and reissues of their classic albums.
The Boomtown Rats’ Discography
Throughout their music career, The Boomtown Rats released six studio albums, two compilation albums, and several singles. Here is a table of their discography:
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| The Boomtown Rats | 1977 |
| A Tonic for the Troops | 1978 |
| The Fine Art of Surfacing | 1979 |
| Mondo Bongo | 1980 |
| V Deep | 1982 |
| In the Long Grass | 1984 |
| Loudmouth – The Best of The Boomtown Rats | 1994 |
| The Boomtown Rats – Greatest Hits | 1996 |
The Boomtown Rats’ music career has had its ups and downs, but they still remain a beloved band of the 70s and 80s. With their energetic live performances and catchy songs, they continue to attract fans old and new.
The Band’s Early Years
Formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1975, the Boomtown Rats quickly gained popularity with their energetic live performances and socially conscious lyrics. Led by charismatic frontman Bob Geldof, the band’s early years were marked by a DIY punk attitude and a desire to challenge the status quo.
- The original lineup consisted of Geldof on vocals, Garry Roberts and Pete Briquette on guitar and bass respectively, Johnnie Fingers on keyboards, and Simon Crowe on drums.
- The band released their self-titled debut album in 1977, featuring the hit single “Lookin’ After No. 1.”
- In 1978, they followed up with their breakthrough album, “A Tonic for the Troops,” which included the hits “She’s So Modern” and “Rat Trap.”
The Boomtown Rats were known for their socially conscious lyrics, tackling topics such as poverty, war, and political corruption. They were often critical of the establishment and worked to raise awareness about important issues.
Their success continued throughout the early 1980s, with hits such as “I Don’t Like Mondays” and “Banana Republic.” However, by the mid-1980s, the band’s popularity began to wane, and they disbanded in 1986.
| Year | Album | Hit Singles |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | The Boomtown Rats | “Lookin’ After No. 1” |
| 1978 | A Tonic for the Troops | “She’s So Modern,” “Rat Trap” |
| 1979 | The Fine Art of Surfacing | “I Don’t Like Mondays,” “Diamond Smiles” |
| 1980 | Mondo Bongo | “Banana Republic,” “Up All Night” |
Despite their short-lived career, the Boomtown Rats left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their influence can still be heard in the work of artists today, and their commitment to social justice continues to inspire generations of fans.
The Boomtown Rats’ Most Popular Songs
The Boomtown Rats have been one of the most influential bands of the late 70s and early 80s. They have created some of the most iconic songs of the era, with a strong focus on political and social commentary through their music and lyrics.
Their Top 3 Most Popular Songs
- “I Don’t Like Mondays” – This song reached number one in the UK charts in 1979 and has become the band’s most well-known song. The song is based on a true event where a 16-year-old girl went on a shooting spree at a school in California.
- “Rat Trap” – This song was released in 1978 and became the band’s first UK number one hit. The song is about the struggles of working-class life and its title was inspired by the tough working conditions at a Dublin clothes factory.
- “Up All Night” – This song was released in 1981 and was the band’s last UK top ten hit. It is a catchy and upbeat song that is still played on radio today, often featured in 80s music compilations.
Other Notable Songs
The Boomtown Rats have many other notable songs that have become fan favorites over the years.
- “She’s So Modern” – This song was released in 1978 and reached number 12 in the UK charts. It is a fast-paced song with catchy guitar riffs and a danceable beat.
- “Diamond Smiles” – This song was released in 1979 as a single and was later included in their album “The Fine Art of Surfacing.” The song features a funky bassline and a memorable chorus.
- “Banana Republic” – This song was released in 1980 and is a commentary on the political situation in Ireland at the time. The song has a slow and brooding tone that sets the mood for the lyrics.
The Boomtown Rats Discography
The Boomtown Rats have released six studio albums, one live album, and multiple compilation albums. Below is a table with their discography and the year of release.
| Album Title | Year Released |
|---|---|
| The Boomtown Rats | 1977 |
| A Tonic for the Troops | 1978 |
| The Fine Art of Surfacing | 1979 |
| Mondo Bongo | 1980 |
| V Deep | 1982 |
| In the Long Grass | 1984 |
The Boomtown Rats have left quite a legacy in the music world with their influential songs and politically charged lyrics. Their music continues to inspire new generations of fans and musicians alike.
Reunion Tour and Comeback Album
After more than a decade of silence, The Boomtown Rats reunited in 2013 to perform a series of gigs in the UK and Ireland. Led by Bob Geldof, the reunion tour was a celebration of the band’s legacy and marked the first time they had played together since the mid-1980s. Fans were overjoyed to see the band back in action, and the concerts were a huge success.
The band followed up their reunion tour with the release of their first studio album in 36 years, titled “Citizens of Boomtown”, in March 2020. The album features the classic Boomtown Rats sound that fans know and love, while also incorporating modern elements and tackling contemporary issues. Critics have praised the album for its energy and relevance, with some even calling it the band’s best work to date.
- The reunion tour was a huge success, with fans flocking to see the band return to the stage after more than a decade
- The band released their first album in 36 years, “Citizens of Boomtown”, in March 2020
- “Citizens of Boomtown” has been praised by critics for its energy and relevance, with some calling it the band’s best work to date
The Boomtown Rats have proven that they still have what it takes to rock the world, even after all these years. With the success of their reunion tour and comeback album, the band has shown that they can still connect with audiences and create music that is both timely and timeless.
| Album Title | Release Year | Peak Chart Position |
|---|---|---|
| The Boomtown Rats | 1977 | 18 (UK) |
| A Tonic for the Troops | 1978 | 8 (UK) |
| The Fine Art of Surfacing | 1979 | 7 (UK), 20 (US) |
| Mondo Bongo | 1980 | 6 (UK) |
| V Deep | 1982 | 20 (UK) |
| In the Long Grass | 1984 | 70 (UK) |
| Citizens of Boomtown | 2020 | 15 (UK) |
The Boomtown Rats have had an impressive discography over the years, with hit albums like “A Tonic for the Troops” and “The Fine Art of Surfacing”. Their latest album, “Citizens of Boomtown”, has continued that legacy by receiving critical acclaim and charting well upon release.
Changes in The Lineup Throughout the Years
The Boomtown Rats were founded in 1975 in Dublin, Ireland and have gone through several line-up changes throughout the years. Despite the changes, the band continued to produce hit after hit and remained one of the most influential bands of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Let’s take a closer look at the changes in their lineup:
- Gerry Cott: Cott was one of the founding members of the Boomtown Rats and played guitar for the band until 1984.
- Johnnie Fingers: Fingers was the keyboardist of the band and played on many of their biggest hits. He left the band in 1985 to pursue other projects.
- Pete Briquette: Briquette was the bass player for the band from 1975 until their breakup in 1986.
Despite losing some of its key members, the Boomtown Rats continued to tour and produce music. In the late ’80s, they went through a reformation and released new albums with different members.
In 2013, the Boomtown Rats announced that they were getting back together and would be touring again. However, this time they were missing some of their original members, including Gerry Cott and Johnnie Fingers.
Here’s a table that shows the changes in the lineup over the years:
| Year | Band Members |
|---|---|
| 1975 | Bob Geldof, Gerry Cott, Johnnie Fingers, Pete Briquette, Simon Crowe, Garry Roberts |
| 1980 | Bob Geldof, Gerry Cott, Johnnie Fingers, Pete Briquette, Simon Crowe |
| 1984 | Bob Geldof, Simon Crowe, Pete Briquette, Johnny ‘Fingers’ Moylett, Alan Dunn |
| 1986 | Bob Geldof, Pete Briquette, Simon Crowe, Jamie West-Oram, Mick Gallagher, Paul Carrack |
| 2013 | Bob Geldof, Pete Briquette, Simon Crowe, Darren Beale, Jamie Moses, Aonghus McEvoy |
Despite the many changes in the lineup, the Boomtown Rats continue to be a band with a legacy that spans decades. Their music has influenced generations of fans and they remain a major influence in the world of rock and roll.
Bob Geldof’s Charity Work
Bob Geldof is not only known for being the lead singer of the popular band The Boomtown Rats but also for his extensive charity work. His philanthropic efforts have spanned several decades and have had a significant impact on the lives of many people around the world.
One of the most notable charitable initiatives that Bob Geldof has been involved with is the Band Aid and Live Aid projects. These projects were created to bring awareness to the famine that was happening in Ethiopia and to raise funds for those who were suffering from starvation. Since its inception, Band Aid and Live Aid have raised millions of dollars and have helped to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to those in need.
Bob Geldof has also been a strong advocate for HIV/AIDS research and funding. In the early 2000s, he worked with the Irish government to establish an initiative to deliver antiretroviral drugs to people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. He has also been a vocal critic of pharmaceutical companies and their high pricing of life-saving drugs.
- Bob Geldof also founded the charity organization – the Boomtown Rats. The foundation focuses on funding organizations that support a variety of causes including famine relief, anti-war efforts, and environmental protection.
- Additionally, he has been involved with the Make Poverty History campaign, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty by targeting issues such as trade justice, aid, and debt.
- In 2014, he supported the Ebola crisis in West Africa by organizing and releasing the track “Band Aid 30” to raise funds for those affected by the outbreak.
Bob Geldof’s philanthropic efforts have earned him many honors and awards throughout his career. In 1986, he was awarded the Nobel Man of Peace Award for his work on the Band Aid project. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates by several institutions for his contributions to society.
| Charity Organization | Causes Supported |
|---|---|
| Band Aid and Live Aid | Famine relief |
| The Boomtown Rats Foundation | Anti-war efforts, famine relief, and environmental protection |
| Make Poverty History | Trade justice, aid, and debt |
Overall, Bob Geldof’s charity work has had a significant impact on the world, and his efforts continue to inspire people to make a positive difference in their communities. Through his work, he has shown that even small actions can make a big impact when we work together for a common cause.
Impact of The Boomtown Rats on Music History
The Boomtown Rats were a punk rock band from Dublin, Ireland, known for their energetic and socially conscious music. They were formed in 1975 and quickly rose to fame with their hit single “Looking After No. 1”. Over the years, the Boomtown Rats have made a significant impact on music history through their music, activism, and influence on other artists.
Here are some of the ways the Boomtown Rats have impacted music history:
- Introducing Social and Political Issues to Rock Music: The Boomtown Rats were known for their politically charged lyrics, tackling issues such as poverty, corruption, and social injustice. Their hit song “I Don’t Like Mondays” was inspired by a school shooting in California and became an anthem for a generation concerned about the state of the world.
- Pioneering the Genre of New Wave: While the Boomtown Rats were initially classified as a punk rock band, their experimentation with different sounds and styles helped to pave the way for the emergence of New Wave music. The band’s 1980 album “Mondo Bongo” is often cited as a major influence on the genre.
- Influencing Other Musicians: Many artists have cited the Boomtown Rats as an influence, including U2, Green Day, and Michael Stipe of R.E.M. The band’s unique blend of punk, new wave, and pop music has inspired generations of musicians and helped to shape the sound of alternative rock.
- Challenging the Status Quo: Throughout their career, the Boomtown Rats stood up against authority and questioned the status quo. From boycotting apartheid South Africa to advocating for the homeless, the band used their platform to raise awareness about important social and political issues.
The Boomtown Rats may not be as active today as they once were, but their impact on music history is undeniable. Their innovative blend of punk and new wave, socially conscious lyrics, and willingness to challenge authority helped to shape the sound of alternative rock and inspire generations of musicians.
| Album | Release Year | Chart Position (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| The Boomtown Rats | 1977 | 18 |
| A Tonic for the Troops | 1978 | 8 |
| The Fine Art of Surfacing | 1979 | 7 |
| Mondo Bongo | 1980 | 6 |
| V Deep | 1982 | 24 |
Despite disbanding in 1986, the Boomtown Rats reunited in 2013 to perform at the Isle of Wight Festival, and have since played several other shows. Their music and legacy continue to influence and inspire musicians around the world.
Are the Boomtown Rats Still Playing? FAQs
1. Are the original members still playing together?
No, the band has gone through some changes over the years and currently only two original members remain: Bob Geldof and Pete Briquette.
2. When was the last time the Boomtown Rats had a tour?
The Boomtown Rats had a tour in 2019, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their 2020 tour was postponed.
3. Do the Boomtown Rats still release new music?
Yes, the band released their most recent album “Citizens of Boomtown” in 2020.
4. What is the genre of the Boomtown Rats?
The Boomtown Rats are a new wave/post-punk band from Ireland.
5. What is the most popular song of the Boomtown Rats?
Their most popular song is “I Don’t Like Mondays,” which reached #1 in the UK and several other countries in 1979.
6. Do the Boomtown Rats have any upcoming shows?
As of now, no upcoming shows have been announced. However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on their official website and social media for updates.
7. Has the Boomtown Rats ever won any awards?
Yes, they won a BRIT Award for Best Group in 1979.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for taking the time to read about the Boomtown Rats and their current status as a band. Although they aren’t as active as they used to be, they’re still making new music and performing live from time to time. Keep an eye on their website and social media for any upcoming news or events. Thanks again for visiting, and we hope to see you again soon!