Rats head to MECA...

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Rats head to MECA...

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

Sounds good ....though disappointing to read a few comments that are on the link, being negative and referring to tribute bands, mainly directed at T-Rex, but still mentioning that it is the Boomtown Rats without Bob Geldof and, according to them, only the original drummer ...

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Hope it's not the old Mecca bingo hall in Swindon....

http://www.derelictplaces.co.uk/main/showthread.php?t=14239

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
Hope it's not the old Mecca bingo hall in Swindon....
http://www.derelictplaces.co.uk/main/showthread.php?t=14239

It is.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-11318824

noelindublin · Loudmouth

I know Swindon a bit, from my days stalking Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding.

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

Well I've bought my tickets - something to look forward to after post Xmas blues ... Anyone else going?

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Might well do. It is a Saturday and Swindon isn't far from me. biggrin

suss · In the Long Grass

I'm planning on going. Have even shelled out a princely £12 on the Travelodge just up the road from Regent Circus.

Poss fly in the ointment if the mighty Palace progress into FA Cup round 4 and get drawn away somewhere way up north ...but likelihood of us going beyond round 3 is, based on previous experience, pretty low, unless we draw Man Utd in 3rd round obviously.

Are Rats the headline act? Can't believe I even need to ask that.....

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:
Are Rats the headline act? Can't believe I even need to ask that.....

No, they are vey special guests.

TREX1%20POSTER.jpg

Not sure they are really selling the Rats, though...

http://swindontickets.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=468

Bob Geldof was originally invited to be the band's manager, but he soon found himself nominated to take on the role of lead vocals by guitarist Garry Roberts, who originally had that job and didn't want it. Playing the guitar was difficult enough for him, without having to sing as well. Geldof's ridiculous harmonica playing impressed the others hugely and sealed his fate.

suss · In the Long Grass

Thanks ArrGee. Did think from OP that 'special guests' suggested 'support' but lived in vain hope that a T Rex tribute didn't outscore Rats for pulling power. Poster makes it clear that hope was forlorn.

Don't think whoever put together product info was ever an estate agent. No offence to any estate agents out there by the way...

noelindublin · Loudmouth

suss wrote:
I'm planning on going. Have even shelled out a princely £12 on the Travelodge just up the road from Regent Circus.
Poss fly in the ointment if the mighty Palace progress into FA Cup round 4 and get drawn away somewhere way up north ...but likelihood of us going beyond round 3 is, based on previous experience, pretty low, unless we draw Man Utd in 3rd round obviously.
Are Rats the headline act? Can't believe I even need to ask that.....

You never know Palace might get drawn away to Swindon Town!

Re League Cup drawing Cardiff was the best chance of getting to Wembley but Palace are the outsiders to go all the way, of the four teams.

-- Edited by noelindublin on Friday 2nd of December 2011 01:34:06 PM

Wes[Wolverhampton] · House on Fire

Yeh--we'll be there

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

My tickets have arrived

Anyone know the dress code? Does it have to be something sparkly??

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Lisa wrote:
My tickets have arrived Anyone know the dress code? Does it have to be something sparkly??

Bingo chic. Blue rinse. Think Mrs. Slocombe from Grace Brothers...

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

ArrGee wrote:
Lisa wrote:
My tickets have arrived Anyone know the dress code? Does it have to be something sparkly??
Bingo chic. Blue rinse. Think Mrs. Slocombe from Grace Brothers...

Perhaps not - and I haven't even got a cat anymore ..............

biggrin

noelindublin · Loudmouth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC8cCVtyN3A&feature=related

Mark L · Loudmouth

'Go to my front door, bend down and look through my letterbox and if you can see my pussy......'

How did they get away with it!

Hilarious trip down memory lane though......thanks Noel!

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Not a single dud characater in Are You Being Served- total comedy perfection. Always had a thing for Captain Pea****. Standards must be maintained, you know.

Wonder did old Mr Grace ever get to see Mrs Slocombe's pussy?

Mark L · Loudmouth

Well he did do a lot of a cat-napping!

You've all done very well!

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

What's the chances of the Swindon gig selling out anyone? We are holding out in case of snow lol!! But plan to get tickets at the last minute...

changing the subject from Mrs Slocombe's pussy...

suss · In the Long Grass

Be surprised if it sold out, but don't know capacity offhand. Sure you'll be fine on the night.

For anyone travelling/drinking/both the Travelodge sale starts again 29/12 - might well be £12 rooms again. It's a short (5 min?) walk from venue by looks of it.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Just have to hope not. Not in a position to buy tickets now and not be able to go. I'll keep an eye a week or so before. Thanks. Probably won't stay as only 40 mins away.

Ian MD · The Elephant's Graveyard

How long do you think the Rats will play for?

suss · In the Long Grass

If it's a support set only I'd guess about 45-50 mins tops.

Probably something like first 8 singles plus Joey or Do You In, and maybe Riot in Cell Block #9.

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

A couple of friends of mine are going and just received their tickets - numbers 17 and 18 ..... so probably a few more available if anyone else interested!

Unless the gig is in a very small room ....

suss · In the Long Grass

Surprised the tickets weren't issued with 'No 17 Dancing Queen', 'No 18 - Now You Can Vote / Coming of Age' or whatever the bingo lingo is....

I'll be happy if I get two fat ladies and it's a full house...

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

OK, mate, I know I've eaten too many mince pies and imbibed a few too many glasses of wine, but there's no need for that! Will try to wear something long-sleeved to cover my bingo wings .......

noelindublin · Loudmouth

suss wrote:
Surprised the tickets weren't issued with 'No 17 Dancing Queen', 'No 18 - Now You Can Vote / Coming of Age' or whatever the bingo lingo is....
I'll be happy if I get two fat ladies and it's a full house...

Just had to check the Wiki British Bingo Slang site to get Rats/Bingo connections- If anyone can add any more here is the link below.

No 7- lucky(for some) In The long Grass track

Sweet 16 Ain't that peachy keen

55 All the fives- V Deep

No 1 Kelly's Eye - Rats manager was Factna O' kelly.

3 Cup of tea-' a cup of tea for three, and six including v.a. t '

10[ Davids] Den- Song Dave it says that the current Prime Minister's name must be included before the 'den' part ie David Cameron.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_bingo_nicknames

-- Edited by noelindublin on Thursday 5th of January 2012 04:02:01 PM

Wes[Wolverhampton] · House on Fire

Booked into the travelodge!!!

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
suss wrote:
Surprised the tickets weren't issued with 'No 17 Dancing Queen', 'No 18 - Now You Can Vote / Coming of Age' or whatever the bingo lingo is....
I'll be happy if I get two fat ladies and it's a full house...
Just had to check the Wiki British Bingo Slang site to get Rats/Bingo connections- If anyone can add any more here is the link below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_bingo_nicknames

I'm sure suss will have 1-90 covered by 10am smile But while I'm sitting here letching at Emily Maitlis, some ratty bingo calls...

1 - Rat Trap (or Looking After)

3 - Banana Republic

4 - Someone's Looking (or Mary's form)

6 - Clockwork

7 - The Fine Art of Surfacing

8 - A Tonic for the Troops

...

73 - Tonight

78 - A Hold of Me

83 - Dave

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Rather obvious 1

75 - Hotel

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:
Rather obvious 1
75 - Hotel

You can't have that. It's just Rats, unless Geldof is playing a bingo hall.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Ok I'll try another as that's been disqualified

90 Man at the top

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

And 5 - Deep

suss · In the Long Grass

Just ordered my ticket in spirit of increasing likelihood of gig but according to Box Office they're expecting in region of 600-700. Venue is 1500 but that includes the upstairs seats which I believe won't be open.

Even if it's a wild exaggeration there ought to be 300 plus, unless guy was just deluded.

Looking forward to seeing some old faces (Wes, Lisa), and hopefully a few young ones too.

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

suss wrote:
Looking forward to seeing some old faces (Wes, Lisa), and hopefully a few young ones too.

Ha Ha! You'd better avoid looking in the mirror then if you want to see young faces!! Thought that was why you were keen to see TRex - to meet up with some of your peer group, you old dinosaur

Looking forward to seeing you, Wes - maybe we can just hide from Suss to avoid his insults. Then it could be a case of do-you-think-he-saurus!

biggrin

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Ha ha.

Well I've ordered my tickets so you'll see this old face too. Looking forward to seeing you all and see new faces lol

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Lisa wrote:
Re: song titles, don't know if it's a pub name, Suss, but how about She's Gonna Do You In??
Anyway, have changed my mind about Having My Picture Taken now .............

PS So what time are they on - do you know?

There's two pubs called The Bitter End, one in ****ermouth, Cumbria and the other in Limerick, Ireland.

Maybe The Fall Down Inn would make a good pub name. Shouldn't there be a pub called A Tonic for The Troops? Perhaps the Elephants Graveyard might make a good pub name too (somewhere near the local zoo).

-- Edited by noelindublin on Thursday 26th of January 2012 03:44:06 PM

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

http://www.arkells.com/pubs_more2.php?id=643

The Rat Trap, Stratton St Margaret

Sounds like a very appropriate pub .........

suss · In the Long Grass

Lisa,

Good shout. Got to be done.

Looks like it's about 3 miles out of town so I think I'll venture out (dump car in town then rely on bus/cab) for a pint or two there, plus a photo or two. They might even have a pub t-shirt.

Think I'll set myself a target to get there mid afternoon, just in case anyone else wants to meet there.

Cue a thread about pubs with song title names no doubt....

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

Think our plan is to meet up with friends there at lunchtime, then go to hotel (which is nearby) for a swim in afternoon, then will try to persuade my group to go back there prior to gig ... Will obviously have to allow time to put make-up on for photo

Anyway if all goes according to plan - indeed like clockwork, should see you there!

suss · In the Long Grass

Hmmm...are you sure the make up thing isn't a bit risky time wise? The band are only support so they'll be on early evening remember wink

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

Re: song titles, don't know if it's a pub name, Suss, but how about She's Gonna Do You In??
Anyway, have changed my mind about Having My Picture Taken now .............

PS So what time are they on - do you know?

suss · In the Long Grass

No real idea, but would guess about 8.15 to 9ish, maybe 15 minutes later?

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

Thanks - that's narrowed it down a bit!

Still plenty of time for making up ... Actually might not bother as I currently have a cold so have naturally rosy cheeks - and nose! All I need is a clown fancy dress costume - you've got one haven't you, Suss - that blue and red striped shirt would do

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

Ha ha! Good ones, Noel. And you could also have Having My Pitcher Taken - though maybe people would avoid that one!

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Lisa wrote:
http://www.arkells.com/pubs_more2.php?id=643

The Rat Trap, Stratton St Margaret

Sounds like a very appropriate pub .........

Fcuk me, that must be the coolest pub on earth! Don't know why they have the England shirts on the wall, when they could have a framed copies of the albums up there. Maybe Wes could make a donation smile

I wonder if they have lock ins... "It's the Rat Trap, ArrGee. And you've been caught!"

I'll get my coat...

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:
Cue a thread about pubs with song title names no doubt....

The ultimate pub crawl!

Apparently there is another Rat Trap in Wales...

http://www.rattrapcoachinginn.co.uk/accommodation-1/

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:
The band are only support so they'll be on early evening remember

I was thinking of going to see Real Estate @ Koko until I found they were third on the bill. In my experience, It's a bit of a bummer when you go to see a band as support. Years ago I saw Pulp supporting Boo Radleys (yes it is hard to believe). After Pulp, watched them for about half an hour and then headed home. I guess you could all go to the Rat Trap at about 9pm...

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

suss wrote:
No real idea, but would guess about 8.15 to 9ish, maybe 15 minutes later?

Think I misunderstood and thought you were saying they would be starting any time between 8.15 and 9.15 (which wasn't that much help), but now have realised you meant timing of whole set. I think that's what you mean anyway. Well sorry if I was a little sarcastic, not that I'm grovelling for the sake of that B side CD but ..........

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

See you all tomorrow evening.

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

Looking forward to meeting up

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Me too

suss · In the Long Grass

Excellent performance last night, in front of around 500 at a guess. Sound man got it spot on, and Garry remarked on how pleased he was with a newly acquired amp. Played for an hour or so, and included most of the "usual" set with only 'Close As You'll Ever Be' being notable for its absence.

Great to see Wes and Liz, Lisa and Jules (plus partners/friends), and now kicking myself for not snapping the forum fans en masse. Have loaded one shot below, plus the sign from the coolest pub in Swindon, not to mention most hospitable. Only drawback was it was 3 miles from venue and centre of town, so my decision to pop up there again post gig didn't seem such a great one when walking back to middle of town around 1am .

SAM_0826 (2).JPG

SAM_0821 (2).jpg

-- Edited by suss on Sunday 29th of January 2012 07:50:04 PM

suss · In the Long Grass

ArrGee wrote:
Lisa wrote:
http://www.arkells.com/pubs_more2.php?id=643

The Rat Trap, Stratton St Margaret

Sounds like a very appropriate pub .........
Fcuk me, that must be the coolest pub on earth! Don't know why they have the England shirts on the wall, when they could have a framed copies of the albums up there. Maybe Wes could make a donation
I wonder if they have lock ins... "It's the Rat Trap, ArrGee. And you've been caught!"

I'll get my coat...

Further to pic above, the pub was originally (until 1974) The Plough, but from around 100 years previous was always unofficially the Rat Trap as landlady of old would lock in customers until they settled their slate (hence sign).

The name became so prevalent to locals that they made it official as mentioned approx 40 years ago.

Wes[Wolverhampton] · House on Fire

It was a really good performance from the guys.Really enjoyed that Arkells bitter and meal in the Rat trap as well.Great turnout for the gig and yet another good choice of digs from Suss[only about 300 yards from the venue].Great to meet up again Suss,Lisa,Richard,Jules and Howard and great to meet Jo and Ian.Hope to see you all again at the next one.

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

Had a brilliant time! Gig was excellent - first time I'd seen "Little Bob", very impressed. And had a great time in the Rat Trap too, even returning there for lunch today. Now exhausted after late night! Back to work for a rest tomorrow

Good to see everyone - and hope to see you all again soon.

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

ArrGee wrote:
suss wrote:
The band are only support so they'll be on early evening remember
I was thinking of going to see Real Estate @ Koko until I found they were third on the bill. In my experience, It's a bit of a bummer when you go to see a band as support. Years ago I saw Pulp supporting Boo Radleys (yes it is hard to believe). After Pulp, watched them for about half an hour and then headed home. I guess you could all go to the Rat Trap at about 9pm...

Highlight of the evening was definitely the Rats - should have headlined, in my very unbiased opinion anyway! TREX band were ok, had obviously heard most of the songs, but no real rapport with audience or each other so didn't really get into it! In short they were alright - think Wes described them as something that rhymed with that, but maybe I misheard ...

biggrin

Yes, should have retreated to the Rat Trap ........

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Rats definitely the best act. Not that I'm biased or anything smile . Great to see everyone and meet Lisa etc. Hope to catch you at another gig soon. biggrin

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

Jules wrote:
Rats definitely the best act. Not that I'm biased or anything. Great to see everyone and meet Lisa etc. Hope to catch you at another gig soon.

Yes, hope to meet up at another gig soon - hopefully one reasonably local! Have pencilled in BG gig in Islington in June too.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Where is local for you Lisa? Swindon was relatively local ish for us, being in Oxford. Maybe another time we'll have time to come to a pub meet up beforehand.

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

We're in Winchester - so Swindon not too far away, but had to include a detour via Farnborough to drop boys off at grandparents. However, distance not necessarily a problem (a good excuse to have a w/e away in hotel actually!), just depends on day really, ie weekends easier to get away without children . Though hopefully there may be a few family friendly festivals in summer so we can all go .... Always more than happy to have a pub meet up beforehand

suss · In the Long Grass

As well as review on ArrGee's blog there's also favourable comment at http://www.flicwiltshire.com/2012/t-rex-and-boomtown-rats-rock-meca/

and a lengthier review at http://gigbook.blogspot.com/2012/01/839-boomtown-rats-swindon-musical.html

The latter is interesting as he was only there for the Rats. Suspect it was the same guy who called out for Eva Braun a couple of times during the set.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Suss yes that man who was next to me. He disappeared after the Rats smile

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:
As well as review on ArrGee's blog there's also favourable comment at http://www.flicwiltshire.com/2012/t-rex-and-boomtown-rats-rock-meca/
and a lengthier review at http://gigbook.blogspot.com/2012/01/839-boomtown-rats-swindon-musical.html
The latter is interesting as he was only there for the Rats. Suspect it was the same guy who called out for Eva Braun a couple of times during the set.

A review from me! I have to confess I haven't put anything on the blog for a while. Normally I'd be sitting at work writing all sorts, but since the turn of the year, I've been busy at home, so have no time for that smile

I really liked the David Rose review. His other reviews are good as well.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

lol A guy 'calling out for Eva braun a few times'. Sounds like one of those Bernie Ecclestone type parties.

Was he wearing leather boots?

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
lol A guy 'calling out for Eva braun a few times'. Sounds like one of those Bernie Ecclestone type parties.
Was he wearing leather boots?

You mean Max Moseley? Bernie is the Warhol look a like dwarf. Here he is pictured with his five foot tall wife.

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_dchWzW5XMjkj6lylW0LrXDkWdLpn7HjAULl5eNLr2KCgQBWwMQ

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

Fortunately it was too cold for anyone to be wearing lederhosen! But now wondering if there was some sort of alternative party taking place at the Rat Trap later that evening. Perhaps Suss could enlighten us ....

suss · In the Long Grass

ArrGee wrote:
suss wrote:
As well as review on ArrGee's blog....
A review from me! I have to confess I haven't put anything on the blog for a while.

Sorry, was a little ambiguous. I was referring to the link from blog to Swindon Advertiser review. Assumed you'd loaded that?

Agree about the David Rose one. Found myself reading several others of his for bands I've seen. Seems like he goes to gigs about 3 times a week!

suss · In the Long Grass

ArrGee wrote:
noelindublin wrote:
lol A guy 'calling out for Eva braun a few times'. Sounds like one of those Bernie Ecclestone type parties.
Was he wearing leather boots?
You mean Max Moseley? Bernie is the Warhol look a like dwarf. Here he is pictured with his five foot tall wife.

Just got in trouble with Mrs S because of you two. Actually did laugh out loud while reading these via laptop in bed. Just woke her up in doing so biggrin

As for lederhosen at the Rat Trap, bizarrely I did end the evening in conversation with a local (honest) guy by the name of Jurgen. Turns out he's a West Ham fan and we swapped numbers to meet up for a pint prior to Palace match in a fortnight from now. All in all a very surreal evening in a pub called Rat Trap drinking with a genuine bona fide Boomtown Rat for an hour or so then a teutonic (for the troops?) Swindonian for remainder of night.

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

Just don't wear your leather boots ....

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Do they serve Old Bob in the Rat Trap? biggrin

noelindublin · Loudmouth

MUST APOLOGISE FOR SLANDERING BE WHEN I MEANT TO SLANDER MAX MOSELEY- KNEW IT WAS SOMETHING CONNECTED TO FORMULA ONE. A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE ETC.

HE DOES LOOK LIKE ANDY WARHOL BTW SO IF HE EVER NEEDED EXTRA MONEY HE COULD SIGH UP WITH A LOOK ALIKE AGENCY.