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The Boomtown Rats are an Irish new wave band that had a series of international hits between 1977 and 1985. The group is led by front-man vocalist Bob Geldof. The other members of the original line-up were Garry Roberts (lead guitar), Johnnie Fingers (keyboard), Pete Briquette (bass), Gerry Cott (guitar) and Simon Crowe (drums).
The Boomtown Rats broke-up in 1986, but reformed with original members Geldof, Roberts, Crowe and Briquette in 2013.
Bob Geldof said, “Playing again with The Rats and doing those great songs again is exciting afresh. We were an amazing band and I just feel it’s the right time to re-Rat, to go back to Boomtown for a visit.” In June 2013, the band embarked on a UK and Ireland tour supported by a new “Best of” album called Back to Boomtown: Classic Rats Hits.
The response to the 2013 tour was excellent and The Rats continued to tour in 2014and played their first gigs for twenty-five years in North America (New York and Boston).
The Boomtown Rats have also released a compilation of classic Rats tracks entitled ‘So Modern – The Boomtown Rats Collection’, it mixes some of the bands biggest hits including the number 1 smashes ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ and ‘Rat Trap’ with some of the bands deeper album tracks and is a fantastic introduction to a group with an incredible legacy.
In March 2020, they released a new album, ‘Citizens of Boomtown’, and a lead single, ‘Trash Glam Baby.’
This year, 2025, The Boomtown Rats are celebrating their 50th anniversary and to commemorate this milestone, they are releasing “The First 50 Years: Songs of Boomtown Glory,” a compilation album featuring 24 tracks on 2LP and 27 tracks on 2CD, selected by the band members themselves. The collection spans from their debut single to their latest release, “There’s No Tomorrow Like Today.”
The Boomtown Rats’ legacy is marked by their dynamic music and impactful contributions to rock history. Their 50th-anniversary highlights their lasting influence and connection with audiences old and new
