Is this true? BOOMTOWN RATS REFORMING FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL ? (Yes it is)

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

Is this true? BOOMTOWN RATS REFORMING FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL ? (Yes it is)

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Is this true?

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Ian D wrote:
So nice to read the comments below the stories in the newspaper links posted in this thread.......not. I seem to remember them getting a right slating back in the 70's. Nothing changes it seems. Don't these people know the Rats were huge in their day? Let's hope Bob and the lads will give them a reminder of how good they are on the IOW in June. Can't wait for the tour if it comes about.

Yes Ian it's always interesting to read those comments both good and bad. One guy said O no we'll have Geldof preaching about famine for 45 mins. I hope not! Others say the Rats were not real punks, but I always thought a lot of the "real punk" bands were overhyped, and Geldof and the boys wrote great tunes, great lyrics and had an unmistakeable "personality", so I just don't get the people who are overcritical of the Rats. Music is all about divided opinion so you cannot really please everybody, no matter what you do.

I say this as someone who was quite into punk and new wave music. Not as some innocent abroad who does not know his music, and has never listened to a wide range of "cool or hip" music. The Rats were socially aware by writing songs about characters in difficult sitations, rather than sweeping polemic songs about the proletatiat. It they did not suit the agenda of the music papers then it's as much to do with the music papers agenda, which seemed to me largely left wing politics.

I can see this reformation giving Geldof the chance to shoot his mouth off again, to the music papers. It should be interesting, and I dearly hope that the band records a new album, a Boomtown Rats album in that great tradition.

The Suns showbiz editor Gordon Smart says "It's got to be better than the Steps reunion" lol.

-- Edited by noelindublin on Monday 28th of January 2013 03:07:37 PM

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

BOOMTOWN RATS REFORMING FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL JUST BOUGHT TICKETS I LOVE MONDAYS

suss · In the Long Grass

RE: Is this true?

Scottie · Loudmouth

Bob confirms it here. Possible album and tour as well. I had an inkling this was on the cards. Both Garry and Simon let it drop they had been talking to Bob and Pete has been dropping hints long enough. Garry is in constant touch with Johnny too.

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

We must have a get together for the fans on Saturday night, somewhere on the Isle of Wight . biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

Yes, Pete made one or two comments which did get me thinking...

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

Pete, the man from the Boomtown Rats say yes and:

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/bob-geldof-to-reunite-with-boomtown-rats-for-first-time-in-25-years-at-isle-of-wight-festival-8469347.html

do the rat · The Elephant's Graveyard

Fantastic news,never thought this would happen but its true what they say.....never say never.

2013 just got a lot better!!

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

No words really, am speechless for once - just WOW!

Derek The Dane · V Deep

**** my boots,happily stunned.Now to sort out tickets.

Ian D · House on Fire

So nice to read the comments below the stories in the newspaper links posted in this thread.......not. I seem to remember them getting a right slating back in the 70's. Nothing changes it seems. Don't these people know the Rats were huge in their day? Let's hope Bob and the lads will give them a reminder of how good they are on the IOW in June. Can't wait for the tour if it comes about.

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

Peter says no Fingers. Alan from Bobs current band is stepping up.

Derek The Dane · V Deep

Booked my bed and sunday ticket and its already cost me £134 and I have not yet got out of Denmark.ROLL ON THE GOOD TIMES?.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Derek The Dane wrote:
Booked my bed and sunday ticket and its already cost me £134 and I have not yet got out of Denmark.ROLL ON THE GOOD TIMES?.

Not sure about going to IOW but I can't see the band reforming for just one gig. It would hardly be worth it. If they do a UK tour then they would cater for a lot more fans, and give fans a better chance to see them. Festival tickets tend to be expensive, so is accommodation, and who knows about the weather. Remember last year?

Ideally a new album and a series of dates would be better, giving fans around the country a chance to see them. If there's a proper tour than I certainly would go to more than one of the gigs- three or four more likely- but at the moment we can just be thankful of this great news and see how things develop in the summer.

Derek The Dane · V Deep

Yeah,its going to cost me a lot of money to get there but what the hell you only live once.Hope some people from here are going.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Wow. I'm speechless.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

http://www.isleofwightfestival.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=30166

Very positive reaction.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:
Peter says no Fingers. Alan from Bob's current band is stepping up.

So I assume that's Bob, Pete, Garry & Simon plus Alan. Is Gerry Cott in? What about Darren? I suppose Bob Bradbury will step aside, but what about the RAM dates? And what are they going to play? How easy would it be to do a day trip to the Isle of Wight? And why didn't they play another night when Bon Jovi weren't the headliners? questions, questions, questions.

From bobgeldof.com

EXCLUSIVE BOB back with the Boomtown Rats - [28/01/2013]

Bob and the Rats are playing the Isle of Wight festival in June. Some thing he says he has always wanted to do. Is this the first of many? We certainly hope so. Please note Johnnie Fingers is not playing . Alan Dunn from Bob's band will take his place. All the others will be there.
http://onthewight.com/2013/01/28/isle-of-wight-festival-bob-geldof-and-the-boomtown-rats/?utm_source=IOWfeed

JoanOfArc · The Fine Art of Surfacing

oh my goodness

Wes[Wolverhampton] · House on Fire

Argee--Its Bob,Pete,Garry,Simon,Darren and Alan Dunn

suss · In the Long Grass

I really think a 'classic' Mondays mid set would give the crowd what they expect, but a 'modern' guitar Mondays as their surprise encore would blow them away.

Will be interesting to see if they stick with the early stuff a la G&S, or if BG gets final say and some later stuff creeps in. Suppose Banana Republic is a fair bet on top of the earlier singles, and I'd lay good money When The Night Comes will feature. Be great to hear Dave too. If Eva Braun was resurrected it might even knock Palace doing Brighton at the Amex off the top of my ecstacy charts biggrin .

Hopefully they'll get a reasonable time on stage - would be disappointed if not an hour. Not been to IOW festival to know average duration. Anyone?

I'd love it if Bob's guitar was accidentally lost in transit, from a truly nostalgic (ok selfish) perspective, but somehow think that might be asking too much.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

So I suppose that means it will be more or less the same set as the current Rats play. 5.00pm Sunday Main stage?

Surprisingly, this seems to be big news...

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/the-boomtown-rats-and-other-bands-from-yesteryear-who-have-reformed-recently-8470379.html

Who'd have thought they'd be mentioned in the same article as the Pistols, Led Zep, The Stone Roses, Blur, Pixies and err, 5ive ?

2013 is turning out to be a very interesting year...

suss · In the Long Grass

Got no idea, but would be dare I say foolhardy to whack out loads of album tracks at expense of singles if time is limited, if they want to 'wow' the crowd that is.

Maybe we'll get really early stuff, like some of the demo tracks from the CDs.....ooh the anticipation smile . Would be a shame if their slot clashes with Blondie, who I'd rather see than Bon Jovi in all honesty.

suss · In the Long Grass

Hopefully the organisers start one band as another finishes for that sort of money, unlike these small festivals where bands very often play simultaneously.

ArrGee1991 · Dave

suss wrote:
Would be a shame if their slot clashes with Blondie, who I'd rather see than Bon Jovi in all honesty.

On different stages and different times from what I understand. Blondie headline big top stage, Rats are on earlier on main stage. I guess the best thing to do would be to see The Rats and then head for the the big top...

-- Edited by ArrGee1991 on Tuesday 29th of January 2013 08:03:01 AM

ArrGee1991 · Dave

suss wrote:
I really think a 'classic' Mondays mid set would give the crowd what they expect, but a 'modern' guitar Mondays as their surprise encore would blow them away.
Will be interesting to see if they stick with the early stuff a la G&S, or if BG gets final say and some later stuff creeps in. Suppose Banana Republic is a fair bet on top of the earlier singles, and I'd lay good money When The Night Comes will feature. Be great to hear Dave too. If Eva Braun was resurrected it might even knock Palace doing Brighton at the Amex off the top of my ecstacy charts .
Hopefully they'll get a reasonable time on stage - would be disappointed if not an hour. Not been to IOW festival to know average duration. Anyone?
I'd love it if Bob's guitar was accidentally lost in transit, from a truly nostalgic (ok selfish) perspective, but somehow think that might be asking too much.

As there is a keyboard player, expect a "classic" Mondays and I doubt there will be time for another rendition. I hope not as it will just end up with people saying they are one-hit wonders. Generally festival sets are up to an hour, so in all likelihood, they will probably do the abridged Class of 77 set. Possible that Banana Republic and When The Night Comes could sneak in. John Turnbull could also turf up to assist as The Blockheads play on Thursday.

I can't see Geldof playing guitar.

-- Edited by ArrGee1991 on Tuesday 29th of January 2013 08:04:23 AM

TJ Crucial · Mary of the 4th Form

This is the best news ever, I never thought I'd see the day... I'm only 33, so I know a lot of you folks have been fans longer, and have seen the boys in their prime, but even I have spent 20+ years dreaming of this. Wow. Don't know if I can swing a trip to the UK for just a festival gig, but I'm seriously considering it. I'm praying a tour that brings them to Canada will follow at some point.

TJ Crucial · Mary of the 4th Form

And if I may add, Suss mentioned Mondays, has anybody thought of the possiblity of the Rats skipping Mondays, and Bob doing it with Bon Jovi? Def not ideal, but I don't think it's completely improbable either...

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Is this true? BOOMTOWN RATS REFORMING FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL ? (Yes it is)

Mark L · Loudmouth

RE: Is this true?

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

So who is going then? What tracks do you want them to play?

Mark L · Loudmouth

Booked the Monday off yesterday.

Would love to hear as many as possible from these:

Rat Trap, Diamond Smiles, Looking After No. 1, I Never Loved Eva Braun, Someone's Looking at You, Joey's on the Street Again, I Don't Like Mondays, Like Clockwork, Dave, Elephant's Graveyard, Having My Picture Taken, Never in a Million Years, Wind Chill Factor, Keep it Up, Drag me Down.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Been told this morning no Gerry either. Darren from the new Rats will take his place. Down to 4 now.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

RE: Is this true? BOOMTOWN RATS REFORMING FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL ? (Yes it is)

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

Alan asked if he should wear pj's I said he must!

Irene I got the news about Gerry from this thread lol!!! biggrin

ArrGee I trust you will be there. My boss has said I can have Friday and Tuesday off, so I'm very happy, will have a nice long weekend in IoW. Do you know, I've never even been there before? Can't think of a better reason to go than to to see 2/3's of the Boomtown Rats perform.

My guess is that they will play their hits and chart 'releases' to appeal to the masses, in the hope that not just fans will remember. What do you think?

noelindublin · Loudmouth

The general reaction seems favourable, from what I've been reading ie various twitter feeds, newspapers, music sites. Of course Rats fans can brace themselves for some very ill informed attitudes as well. Generally people who have very limited exposure to the Rats music, and wouldn't know a good tune if it jumped up and bit them.

The Rats are just doing what almost every other major and minor band has ever done. I'd say it's a coming together of friends much more than a chance to make some money. Geldof is worth over £30 million so he is not doing it for the money. Fair enough if the others are not as well off. When you think of footballers getting paid huge sums for just kicking a ball around, surely musicians deserve a decent wage for all the pleasure they give us, in both their recording and live playing careers.

The Isle of Wight is an iconic festival so it's a really good place to make a 'comeback'. It's a pity Fingers and Cott can't make it. The Darren Beale 'loan deal' is a masterstroke, adding youth and panache on the left wing. Love to see him sparring with Bob Geldof. Worth the admission money alone.

I suspect only Geldof could blag the Rats onto a major festival bill. Equally only The original Boomtown Rats rather than Geldof's solo band would be worthy of playing such an iconic venue- the Boomtown Rats had the hits Geldof's solo career never came near equalling. In the end it's all just a bunch of musicians entertaining people and having fun - isn't that what music is supposed to be about- so lets enjoy it for what it is.

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

If you are going get your hotel booked asap, they more or less full. Nothing in Newport - well maybe if you want to pay a fortune (900+ for 4 nights). I've booked a place in Ryde.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Jules wrote:
If you are going get your hotel booked asap, they more or less full. Nothing in Newport - well maybe if you want to pay a fortune (900+ for 4 nights). I've booked a place in Ryde.

I think I'll take my chance on the Rats doing more than just the IOW Festival. There seems to be lots of ferry crossings from Portsmouth eg Southsea to Ryde and Portsmouth Harbour to Fishbourne so perhaps it might be cheaper to get the ferry back to the mainland rather than stay on the IOW.

You would need to book accommodation around Portsmouth but it might work out as less expensive. There are 30 + sailings a day from Portsmouth during summer. Sailing time is around 20- 40 mins.

suss · In the Long Grass

Jules wrote:
If you are going get your hotel booked asap, they more or less full. Nothing in Newport - well maybe if you want to pay a fortune (900+ for 4 nights). I've booked a place in Ryde.

Worth stressing this as many places are insisting on minimum stay, or not quoting for one night even though they show availability for a run of three. I'm gutted that Premier Inn unsurprisingly showed as full as at yesterday, but via another 'aggregator' site last night said last room sold 4 hours ago. System could be crap, but worth checking the various 'suppliers' as maybe they get a quota each to sell??

Other towns are less restrictive and pricy (e.g. Sandown or Ryde) but availability is apparently very low. Noel's tip is a good one if you're happy to ferry back to mainland.

Finally, I've got a reserve on one double and one twin in Ryde which I won't be using if it helps anyone? Both are Fri/Sat/Sun and are £297 each. Not cheap, but none on IOW are it seems.

Waverley Inn in Newport was happy to offer me single for Fri/Sat/Sun (and get Thurs free!)..if I laid out £555.

Good luck. I've got Sandown (along with Wes) if anyone else ends up there. The one good thing is most towns are a few miles distant only, and I gather there are (free?) shuttle buses from some of them. If not cabs (no doubt inflated) or buses won't take long.

Finally, Jules I'm happy for you to be akela and tell us where to be if you're sorting a 'meet' Sat night. Nice pubs in Sandown apparently biggrin .

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:
Jules wrote:
If you are going get your hotel booked asap, they more or less full. Nothing in Newport - well maybe if you want to pay a fortune (900+ for 4 nights). I've booked a place in Ryde.

Finally, I've got a reserve on one double and one twin in Ryde which I won't be using if it helps anyone? Both are Fri/Sat/Sun and are £297 each. Not cheap, but none on IOW are it seems.
Waverley Inn in Newport was happy to offer me single for Fri/Sat/Sun (and get Thurs free!)..if I laid out £555.
Good luck. I've got Sandown (along with Wes) if anyone else ends up there. The one good thing is most towns are a few miles distant only, and I gather there are (free?) shuttle buses from some of them.

Isn't there a big field you can stick a tent in for a tenner?

One interesting thing reading between the lines is it's a UK exclusive, which implies that they won't be at Glastonbury. But could be at Oxegen or Electric Picnic.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
I think I'll take my chance on the Rats doing more than just the IOW Festival.

I'm going to procrastinate, because I always do! Last time I was on the verge of heading off to Blackpool for Rebellion, they annouced the date at the 100 Club. And even then I took a while to get the ticket. I did the same with Pulp a couple of years ago, waited until a fortnight before the gig to get my ticket for Wireless. And as there are no hotels, likely to just do a day trip. Will catch the overnight ferry back at 4am

suss · In the Long Grass

ArrGee wrote:
Isn't there a big field you can stick a tent in for a tenner?

Funny you should say that as I'd only just signed off from posting when it occurred to me how we're all talking about hotels etc when the spirit of festival is exactly that.

Can cope with damp and portaloos for the duration of gig, just about. Anything more than that and £900 for B&B seems like good value.

Too old for this mullarkey clearly smile

suss · In the Long Grass

TJ Crucial wrote:
And if I may add, Suss mentioned Mondays, has anybody thought of the possiblity of the Rats skipping Mondays, and Bob doing it with Bon Jovi? Def not ideal, but I don't think it's completely improbable either...

Wouldn't put it past BG to maximise his moment smile

Interested to know what swayed you to Rats given they had disbanded probably before you'd even heard of them. Really glad you rate them obviously, but their exposure all but vanished post 85, so I'm intrigued. Hope you don't mind me asking. Welcome aboard by the way.

JoanOfArc · The Fine Art of Surfacing

i spoke to someone on the phone today called simon crowe

just saying

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

ArrGee wrote: Isn't there a big field you can stick a tent in for a tenner?

suss wrote:Funny you should say that as I'd only just signed off from posting when it occurred to me how we're all talking about hotels etc when the spirit of festival is exactly that.

Can cope with damp and portaloos for the duration of gig, just about. Anything more than that and £900 for B&B seems like good value.

Too old for this mullarkey clearly

I thought I was too old for that sort of thing back in 2004, but I have spent a few nights in the garden under the canvas with the kids since then. Amazing how noisy it is. Not so bad now we have a nice inflatable bed, but I did wake one morning unable to move after a night on the ground. But normally when the kids get cold and bored, we head indoors at 4am...

I'm still trying to work out how to get to there and back on a Sunday. The coach looks like the best option, £20 return + £14 return for the ferry. And then a £6 single bus fare on the island. The £80 ticket is a bit much for the Bon Jovi retirement fund. Shame none of the other headliners are doing Sunday.

-- Edited by ArrGee on Wednesday 30th of January 2013 08:07:48 AM

Wes[Wolverhampton] · House on Fire

Lets think about this logically for **** sake folks.

The Rats are never going to reform again.

The only way it will work is by support,especially from the real fans,let alone the loads out there who are curious and potential new fans.

There is loads of time to save up for this and IF there is a tour even more time.

Lets rally around for this and make them 'MASSIVE' again.

Argee-Im sure you can travel outside of the M25 for this one at least-lol

ArrGee1991 · Dave

Wes[Wolverhampton] wrote:
ArrGee-Im sure you can travel outside of the M25 for this one at least-lol

I did that in December. Left the bl00dy country to see them! I'm just wary that if I do it again, I'll end up like you and suss Once is too much, a thousand times never enough...

More likely than not I will go, but I'm just holding off in case a more interesting date comes along. I'll probably get a pass for one weekend away, and I'd kick myself if they announce a Dublin gig when I get my ticket to the Isle of Wight. Especially with Bon Jovi headlining. Why couldn't any of the other headliners been on the same day?

Of course, should I get a ticket, it will rain. I have only been to one outside gig when it hasn't. Blur - rain, Oasis - rain, Franz - rain. And not just a splash, a total deluge. Same thing happens when I go to see Chel$ea or England. Always rains. You should be persuading me not to go

That said, sun always shines when I see Arsenal!

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Ian D wrote:
So nice to read the comments below the stories in the newspaper links posted in this thread.......not.

The funniest part is when someone bangs on about how overrated they are...

The truth is they are rated simply on people's personal opinion of Geldof. Most of those who post disparaging remarks think of them as one-hit wonders. Interesting that most people who have seen them live and particulary in the late seventies do rate them.

An alternative view

http://www.cheaptrick.com/forum/archive/index.php/thread-3139.html

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

Booked my ticket for Sunday

Have to look for my bucket and spade now! Hope the weather is good - would love a swim too ..

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

All an accident...

http://www.nme.com/news/isle-of-wight-festival/68610

Festival chief John Giddings has booked Bob Geldof's band to perform before Bon Jovi on the Main Stage at this year's festival after they reformed earlier in the year.

Speaking to NME about how the booking came about, Giddings said: "It's hilarious, isn't it? I booked them by complete accident. I heard Bob was looking to reform The Rats and so I took a chance and invited them to come and play the Main Stage directly before Bon Jovi. It's become a worldwide story. It was printed in The Pakistan Times. I used to be their agent a long time ago I put them on with Talking Heads and the Ramones once."

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

Who said they were coming on at 4 pm? Anyway the later slot is better

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:
Who said they were coming on at 4 pm? Anyway the later slot is better

Later slot ain't so good if you want to see Blondie and avoid Bon Jovi. Went to Field Day last year to see Vaccines and Franz, but timings meant I couldn't see Vacccines in the tent.

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

I like Bon Jovi and would prob go there as pref over Blondie (albeit disappointingly). There is chance Bob might appear on stage again too. You know I wouldn't miss that.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Lets hope our Ratszinger does not resign.

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

Due to age? evileye

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:
I like Bon Jovi and would prob go there as pref over Blondie (albeit disappointingly). There is chance Bob might appear on stage again too. You know I wouldn't miss that.

Funny you should say that...

Given that Bon Jovi is also on tour this summer, Geldof didnt rule out a meet-up with his old pals from New Jersey, who are playing Slane Castle in Co. Meath on June 15.

Bon Jovi are great friends, Geldof said. I sing with Jon when he does Wembley or the O2.

http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Bob-Geldofs-Rat-Pack-band-reunites-for-summer-gigs-190232401.html#ixzz2Kg3mtEDr

TJ Crucial · Mary of the 4th Form

suss wrote:
TJ Crucial wrote:
And if I may add, Suss mentioned Mondays, has anybody thought of the possiblity of the Rats skipping Mondays, and Bob doing it with Bon Jovi? Def not ideal, but I don't think it's completely improbable either...
Wouldn't put it past BG to maximise his moment
Interested to know what swayed you to Rats given they had disbanded probably before you'd even heard of them. Really glad you rate them obviously, but their exposure all but vanished post 85, so I'm intrigued. Hope you don't mind me asking. Welcome aboard by the way.

Hey Suss, sorry for the delay, and thanks for the greeting!

It's a bit of a long story, I'll try and keep it from becoming a ramble... My mother was a new wave radio DJ in Toronto when I was very young, so I was exposed to a lot of their stuff while they were still active, but it was hearing Bob's distinctive voice again when I first saw The Wall at age 12 or 13 that really got my attention...

I started to do some investigating into Bob's career, read "Is That It?" a bunch of times, and tried to get my hands on any music I could from him. The Happy Club had just come out, and I found Vegetarians Of Love, and Deep In The Heart Of Nowhere at the local record store and I loved it all. (Although "Deep in the Heart' hasn't aged very well since then.) I remember trying to get tickets to a Toronto show he played in 1993 I think, but it was 19+ and I was 14 at that point.

Then, I started to finally find some Rats stuff during trips to the record stores downtown, and my mind was blown. It was so strange/surreal to finally actually hear the songs I had only read about in Bob's book. It was still Bob singing, but the music was so much more upbeat and urgent, sometimes sexual, and often dark. Not to mention the rock solid musicianship. My kind of thing... I eventually scraped all their releases together on vinyl, cassette and CD, (not an easy task for a young kid before the internet was mainstream) and have adored them ever since. I still listen obsessively, I don't think a week passes in which I don't listen to each one of their albums. I can't exactly explain why I've never gotten tired of them. Same with Bob's solo stuff, DITHONowhere a little bit less though

There's a paragraph in Bob's book about why he loved The Stones, the "racket" they made, and the way Jagger "smeared his words like hot butter across my brain", or something to that effect. It reminds me of the way I felt, and still feel about the Rats...

suss · In the Long Grass

Thanks for the reply and explanation. I'm always amazed when a band or singer has that sort of pull after the event, but can't fault your reasons smile .

I liked the Beach Boys and Beatles not toooo much before I latched on to the Rats (and new wave generally as the teenage years kicked in) but never enough to track down original albums etc. Can't think of any band I really got 'into' retrospectively so fair play to you. Even Bob/Rats have failed to make me delve into Stones or Feelgood catalogues beyond greatest hits selections.

How is your swinging a trip to see the band progressing? Think most on here would agree that Cork (with band headlining in a smaller indoor venue) is possibly a preferable option to IOW, and without any doubt a better place for a night out, but is Oz an easier trip for you? Or will you hang in there in case tour goes Stateside or further north? You've got to see them at least once if at all possible after all these years.

Incidentally, I can remember trawling through record shops in Yonge St looking for anything unusual from Rats when I was there in '83. Don't think I found anything new there, but did get 'Ratrospective' elsewhere on the same trip. If it's any consolation it was hard work for us at times pre-internet too biggrin .

-- Edited by suss on Monday 25th of February 2013 09:24:48 PM

TJ Crucial · Mary of the 4th Form

Yeah, I don't know what it is about them that gave me "the fever", but whatever it is, it just resonates the exact right way with me.

It's a great feeling to be able to go back retrospectively, with any band that might catch your attention actually, and have fun searching for all their stuff. There's STILL a few Rats B-sides I can't find that I'm dying to hear, and I only just recently heard songs that I already love, like "Late Last Night" (A quirky/punky gem) and "Precious Time", (which, in my very humble opinion, is in some ways an impatient and cynical sister song to "Like Clockwork"). And I hope I didn't sound like I was complaining about life before the internet, ha ha, I liked the thrill of the hunt. Although I spent a full day doing the same trawl of Yonge Street record stores when I first got a car in the late 90s, and only turned up a Fine Art LP, which I already had. Bought it again anyways...

And I'm still losing sleep over this reunion... I haven't made a solid decision yet. If Johnnie and Gerry were there too, I'd f**king swim over. But it's almost like the same band I saw in Canada a couple times in 2012, with the addition of Simon. (Who's a total powerhouse by the way, not trying to slag him off) I heard about the Cork show, and yes, that does seem like a much better idea, although I had really wanted to see England for my first time. Either way, still thinking about it all... But even though I'm telling myself I've GOT to do it, I think I might up rolling the dice and waiting for something in North America to save a bit of money. My finances ain't tight, but they ain't right, you know?

raticus · She's So Modern

Only Found out today that the rats are touring with Geldof and it has brightened up a really ****ty month. The fact they are touring Aus makes it even sweeter. I have been a huge fan since 78 but i never thort i'd see them again. Gonna be a good few Months, the buzz****s then the Rats.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

raticus wrote:
Only Found out today that the rats are touring with Geldof and it has brightened up a really ****ty month. The fact they are touring Aus makes it even sweeter. I have been a huge fan since 78 but i never thort i'd see them again. Gonna be a good few Months, the buzz****s then the Rats.

I was wondering if any fans were gonna appear from Australia. Not sure we ever had one before. We are going global! Still wondering if there will be any Japan or US gigs. And if they do play in Japan...

suss · In the Long Grass

TJ Crucial wrote:
There's STILL a few Rats B-sides I can't find that I'm dying to hear
And I'm still losing sleep over this reunion... I haven't made a solid decision yet. If Johnnie and Gerry were there too, I'd f**king swim over. But it's almost like the same band I saw in Canada a couple times in 2012, with the addition of Simon. (Who's a total powerhouse by the way, not trying to slag him off) I heard about the Cork show, and yes, that does seem like a much better idea, although I had really wanted to see England for my first time. Either way, still thinking about it all... But even though I'm telling myself I've GOT to do it, I think I might up rolling the dice and waiting for something in North America to save a bit of money. My finances ain't tight, but they ain't right, you know?

If you've still got the means to play vinyl then most of the singles come up on eBay frequently enough to fill the gaps. Presume you've got the 2005 reissue CDs which include a good number of the b-sides between them. If all else fails drop a line and I'll gladly stick the missing ones on a CD.

As for the band being same (assume you saw Geldof's band), trust me, it'll be a very different experience. You're spot on with Simon being a powerhouse, and Garry plays in much the same way; far more raw then Johnny Turnbull. Darren is that rare combination of energy and virtuoso. I suspect, and sincerely hope, it'll be a level up from what BG does with his band in terms of the same songs. Hope you get your chance to see on home turf, but keep us posted if you're coming over as Jules is talking about planning a forum meet.

TJ Crucial · Mary of the 4th Form

suss wrote:
If you've still got the means to play vinyl then most of the singles come up on eBay frequently enough to fill the gaps. Presume you've got the 2005 reissue CDs which include a good number of the b-sides between them. If all else fails drop a line and I'll gladly stick the missing ones on a CD.
As for the band being same (assume you saw Geldof's band), trust me, it'll be a very different experience. You're spot on with Simon being a powerhouse, and Garry plays in much the same way; far more raw then Johnny Turnbull. Darren is that rare combination of energy and virtuoso. I suspect, and sincerely hope, it'll be a level up from what BG does with his band in terms of the same songs. Hope you get your chance to see on home turf, but keep us posted if you're coming over as Jules is talking about planning a forum meet.

Oh yeah, I love vinyl, my turntable is spinning at least an hour or two every day, and that's actually my preferred way to listen to the Rats. I'll start scooping more singles from eBay. I've just had some bad luck with them before, where they look pristine, but sound horrible, even after thorough cleaning. I got the reissues on day one, such a great event, I never thought I'd see all that stuff remastered. Anyways, long story short, I only imported the original album tracks into iTunes back then, shelved them, and only discovered a lot of those B sides again recently. The main ones that I'm missing are "Born To Burn", "Man At The Top", and "It's All The Rage". Thank you for the lovely offer to put a CD together, but maybe since there's only 3, email would be even easier? Also, is there any chance I might have someting in my vaults that people here would like to hear? I'm sure that's not likely, but I've got a couple strange things like, what I believed was a North America only release called "Rat Tracks" with a blistering live version of "Nothing Happened Today" on it, and I found an awesome instrumental version of "A Storm Breaks". I'm guessing these are all old news to people here...

I just re-read what I wrote about them being the "same band", and I realize how silly of a notion that was. I'm sure it'll be very different. Trust me, I SOOO want to be there as a precaution if they don't come stateside. The other problem is, if they do come here, I certainly won't have even more money laying around to follow them around the US and Canada, which is my ultimate dream... Anyways, that being said, I will certainly let people here know if I'm coming to the UK so I can get in on a forum meet. I always fantasized about meeting fellow fans, because I've never met a single Rats fan in person...

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

TJ Crucial wrote:
The main ones that I'm missing are "Born To Burn", "Man At The Top", and "It's All The Rage".

Send a PM, but they are not too hard to find on torrents.

TJ Crucial · Mary of the 4th Form

Thanks for the reply ArrGee, I'll dig around through some torrents first before I impose on anybody here, but thanks either way!!!

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

TJ Crucial wrote:
Thanks for the reply ArrGee, I'll dig around through some torrents first before I impose on anybody here, but thanks either way!!!

Send a PM with ur email address if you can't find them.

Mark L · Loudmouth

TJ Crucial wrote:

Yeah, I don't know what it is about them that gave me "the fever", but whatever it is, it just resonates the exact right way with me.

It's a great feeling to be able to go back retrospectively, with any band that might catch your attention actually, and have fun searching for all their stuff.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brilliantly put. I used to have great fun in the mid to late 80s trawling the record shops in Brum during my lunch hour and coming across 'new' tracks (mainly b-sides etc). I never bought Elephant's Graveyard as a single until 1987, missing out for 6 years on what a superb track Real Different is. Even now, something else emerges even if just a different version of Mondays, Late late night and Joey as per the Dudgeon sessions or the US version of Drag me Down, all discovered in the last year. It is ridiculous that this should set the heart racing in my mid 40s but there we are!

TJ Crucial · Mary of the 4th Form

Mark L wrote:
Brilliantly put. I used to have great fun in the mid to late 80s trawling the record shops in Brum during my lunch hour and coming across 'new' tracks (mainly b-sides etc). I never bought Elephant's Graveyard as a single until 1987, missing out for 6 years on what a superb track Real Different is. Even now, something else emerges even if just a different version of Mondays, Late late night and Joey as per the Dudgeon sessions or the US version of Drag me Down, all discovered in the last year. It is ridiculous that this should set the heart racing in my mid 40s but there we are!

Thanks! And yes, Real Different is probably in my top 10 faves, it's crucial! I was lucky enough to have it since I first got into the Rats, I had it on the "Rat Tracks" 12" EP. I love Pete's bass line and the vox on it in particular. I just put on my US copy of In The Long Grass on to remind myself what the deal was with "Drag Me Down", I forgot how "messed up" it is compared to the original! Great guitar solo, and that spoken word part following the solo is cool too. I let the record keep going and then the homophobe friendly "Rain" followed. Flipped to the other side, and "Lucky" is wildly different too! Have you heard that one? By the way, "Late Last Night" was one I only discovered in the last year or so, instant classic in my books!

diffbrook · House on Fire

Apart from "Mondays" I have never heard the Dudgeon sessions. Anyone know where I can find them?

noelindublin · Loudmouth

diffbrook wrote:
Apart from "Mondays" I have never heard the Dudgeon sessions. Anyone know where I can find them?

Try www.bobjuice.co.uk

Or just google Boomtown Rats Dudgeon sessions 1979 and there should be a few more results.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Dudgeon session are on Punk Torrents.

Google "Punk Torrents Dudgeon Rats"

Also here

http://musicruinedmylife.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/the-boomtown-rats-dudgeon-sessions-1979.html

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

If you haven't booked your ticket yet and you have a spare 30K in your back pocket..

Isle of Wight VIP

-- Edited by ArrGee on Monday 29th of April 2013 08:28:48 PM

JoanOfArc · The Fine Art of Surfacing

ArrGee that is just mental........ more mental than going down under to watch the BTRs, ...... i am the only sane person left amongst the human race.... omg.

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

You could go down Under, see the Rats on both occasions, have a lovely holiday and have change for that!!!

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

It is for four people. So not that bad

JoanOfArc · The Fine Art of Surfacing

ah in that case i might be interested.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

What will they play? Given festival slots are up to an hour, I guess they will be dropping some songs from the other night.

I guess Elephant's Graveyard would probably go, Mary and Banana Republic could be abridged, but that still leaves at least 15 minutes or four songs to exclude.

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

Diamond Smiles would be abridged too, I would imagine.

Joke · The Dutch One

Did anyone receive their tickets yet? I didn't.

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

No, I haven't but I got the impression when ordering that they are only issued in the last week ..

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

No, nothing yet. Was wondering but forgot to post and ask.

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

This is what my confirmation email said:

"Ticketmaster aims to dispatch tickets as soon as possible. We are not able to be specific with exact dates of dispatch. Please allow as much time as possible for your tickets to arrive. If your tickets have not arrived five days before the show or, if you are travelling, five days before you leave, please contact us."

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Lisa wrote:
This is what my confirmation email said:

"Ticketmaster aims to dispatch tickets as soon as possible. We are not able to be specific with exact dates of dispatch. Please allow as much time as possible for your tickets to arrive. If your tickets have not arrived five days before the show or, if you are travelling, five days before you leave, please contact us."

The tickets for Chagstock are the ones you print off yourself, so I printed mine the day I bought the ticket, weeks ago. Needless to say it's in a safe place, along with my hotel booking. The were bought directly from the Chagstock Festival site and it was pretty painless and straightforward.So no waiting for the postman a few days before the gig wondering where my ticket is!

Ticketmaster seems to be the most complicated ticket agency. I forgot my password and they sent me a replacement one, which did not work. I had to buy my ticket for the Rats in Cork from the ticketmaster outlet in a Dublin shopping centre. Funny thing is that it worked out about 4 Euros cheaper than buying on line and paying hidden charges etc.

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

I've got my Chagstock and Cork tickets just impatiently waiting for iow. Ticket master is often slow....