Boomtown Rats
Boomtown Rats - Roberts and Crowe
Boomtown Rat original members Garry Roberts and Simon Crowe present their new band
.... Nearly 25 years since playing at Live Aid to an audience of billions, Boomtown Rats guitarist Garry Roberts and drummer Simon Crowe have returned to the music scene with their highly rated new band, with Bob Bradbury on bass and lead vocals and Darren Beale on guitar, playing all their massive Boomtown Rats hits including Rat Trap, She's So Modern, Diamond Smiles, Like Clockwork, Someone's Looking At You, Looking After Number 1, Mary of the 4th Form, their brilliant new version of I Don't Like Mondays, and many more.
Since the very beginning of the band, Garry & Simon have been the driving force behind the Boomtown Rats sound. They have put their powerful alliance together once again to play their music as it should be heard, with its essential driving rhythms and meaty guitar riffs.
CONCERTS
January 2012
Saturday 28th Mecca Venue, Swindon
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February 2012
The band are unavailable from 16th Feb to 24th March.
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March 2012
The band are unavailable from 16th Feb to 24th March.
The Longfield Suite, Prestwich. Manchester. will be resheduled to a later date to be announced.
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April 2012
Saturday 14th unavailable
Friday 20th unavailable
Saturday 21st unavailable
Tuesday 24th unavailable
Saturday 28th The Factory, Porth.
Sunday 29th Great British Alternative Festival
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May 2012
Friday 4th The Big Stoochie Scotland
Saturday 19th unavailable
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July 2012
Saturday 7th unavailable
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August 2012
Saturday 4th R&T Festival Braintree
Saturday 11th Ripley Town Hall, Near Harrogate. Yorkshire
Sunday 26th Rhythm Festival Biggleswade
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October 2012
Saturday 6th unavailable
Friday 26th unavailable
What The Critics and Fans say
FINE ART RESURFACED - Whyteleafe FC 26th November 2010
Anyone who suggests Garry Roberts and Simon Crowe stayed on a ship that sunk long ago or that a no Bob outfit is a two bob outfit obviously hasn't seen this line up live. Anyone who was at Whyteleafe for this gig will testify to a band and packed crowd being as one, clearly enjoying every last minute of an hour and a half transportation back to a raw and vibrant late seventies, generating an energy and atmosphere anyone who ever did the Rat as a teenager must have lamented as long gone. It truly was as close as you'll ever be.
Full marks to Peter Barton for persuading Garry and Simon to rediscover those early years and hit the road again, for having the presence and talent not only to combine vocal and bass duties but also successfully to banish his predecessors from the immediate consciousness, though mostly for finding a pair or skintight black and red striped jeans the like of which had not been seen in public for thirty years. Huge respect also to Darren Beale for mastering an entire catalogue of songs written before he was born and somehow both effortlessly yet dynamically producing from one guitar what was once sax and keyboard sound in tandem with his superb lead.
From the opening chords of Mary of the Fourth Form right through to a rousing guitar-revamped rendition of I Don't Like Mondays, the current Rats deliver a searing set that intersperses the first eight singles (all top twenty hits from a time when that actually meant something) with the best of the eponymous first album. Garry and Simon pay due homage to their early influence Dr Feelgood, taking lead vocals for She Does It Right and Riot in Cell Block #9 respectively, but it's the reaction of the crowd to perhaps forgotten gems such as She's So Modern, Like Clockwork, Diamond Smiles and Someone's Looking At You that brings home just how prolifically brilliant the Boomtown Rats were at their peak.
There was a lot of rocking going on that night. Look out for future dates and make it if you can.
Keith Sussemilch
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Mathew Street Festival August 2010.
Main Stage
For some the Mathew Street Festival means a chance to relive their youth and catch some cover acts that play extremely well and catch the spirit brilliantly of those bands that no longer tour or that are so popular, therefore so expensive, that the average person in the street cannot afford to attend any of the gigs they may arrange.
For others it's the chance to catch fresh talent, young bands that are still doing it for the love and only have the barest glimmer of a world beyond the pubs, clubs and backstreet venues that for now they inhabit. They know that one day they will escape the dark underbelly of their profession and stand upon the bigger stages. More power to them and long may these bands live and breathe.
One band that strides between the two, first made their name in the late 70's. With their fresh take on world around them, an outspoken vocalist and front man and the use of piano as part of their signature sound, hardly the done thing in the punk scene at the time, The Boomtown Rats were a phenomenon that shook the foundations of the establishment with their witty, urbane and scathing lyrics and precision timing of the collected musicians.
By the time the band finished, Bob Geldof was one of the most important men on the planet, he could command audiences, seemingly at will, and was finally accepted by the old guard. But along the way he left behind what was at first the most important thing, the band itself.
Thanks to drummer Simon Crowe and guitarist Garry Roberts the band started playing again and along with Darren Beale and vocalist Peter Barton have thrilled audiences, young and old, anew.
It is no wonder then that the band received a huge welcome at this year's Mathew Street Festival and as their 40 minute set progressed it was inspiring to see those who remembered them the first time round accompanied by children and young adults, obviously enjoying the unique sound, who weren't alive when the Festival first got underway 18 years ago.
Opening their set with Mary of the Fourth Form, the band rolled back the years and showed to all that were gathered at the Tunnels stage why they are still considered one of the best groups to come out of Ireland.
Peter Barton has added significantly to the band and where as he might not have Bob's sense of outspokenness, he more than makes up for it with the humour in his voice and satisfaction of playing songs that stand the test of time. Alongside Peter as "the new boys" in the band is Darren Beale who at times looked so in place he could have been an original Rat. With his effortless playing and Zebedee on speed manic expression it's easy to see why Simon and Garry rate the young lad very highly.
With time always against them and a multitude of acts still to come, The Rats gave the audience what they wanted in the hits and a couple of surprise tracks, these included the superb Someone's Looking at You, the angry look at demoralised inner city youth of Rat Trap and the excellent take on the song Looking Out for Number One.
The band finished an emotive and highly charged set with one of the songs that summed up Live Aid, I Don't Like Mondays. They might not be The Rats that you remember but they are still The Rats!
Ian D. Hall
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Boomtown Rats Roberts and Crowe - The Ropetackle Centre, Shoreham
December 2009 - Don Allen
A barefoot bassist/vocalist and a flying lead tell you that the 'Rats are re-energised.
Two of the original line up - Garry Roberts on guitar (and occasionally vocals) and Simon Crowe on drums and vocals - are augmented by the 'presence' of Animals' Peter Barton on bass and lead vocals with modern youth very ably represented by Darren Beale from The Caves on lead guitar and vocals. This fine brew delivered a set that was fast, loud and invigorating. Rats classics like 'I Don't Like Mondays', 'Mary of the 4th Form' and 'Joey's On the Street Again' have all been reinterpreted and given new life. The uber-classic 'Rat Trap' had the audience lifted and ready to rock. Peter's vocal had tremendous power and his delivery swept away any thoughts that we were to hear a load of old stuff.
The set included songs from a contemporary band - Dr Feelgood. This is where Darren let fly (amid some friendly banter from Simon and Gary about retuning between songs) to give a modern take on legendary guitar work by The Feelgood's Wilko Johnson (readers should look him up on Google). Darren was transported and the energy levels rose a notch or two higher. By now sections of the audience are 'head banging' and pogo-ing.
Simon Crowe's drumming - full on all night (so much so that he travelled 3 feet towards the front of the stage) took off for one of the finale songs - 'Like Clockwork'. There was an ecstatic response from the audience to a barn-storming close for a set described by Garry as a 'back to basics' approach. Well - long live the basics then, long live The 'Rats!
Don Allen
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The Rats, Liverpool Baby Blue 10th February 2009
Back in August of last year, two of the original members (Simon Crowe and Garry Roberts) of the Boomtown Rats got together with Peter Barton and Darren Beale to play their first full gig as The Rats at the Bilston Robin. It was a night that didn't disappoint. Six months down the line and the band, if anything, have got tighter and an awful lot of the old magic was in evidence for the audience to see.
The Rats opened up the night with "Close as you'll ever be" and the foot stomping "Looking after No 1." Even without Bob Geldof's trademark leer and biting vocals during the latter to give you the real sense of anger that accompanied the song, Peter Barton brought a fresh edge to the song, and rather than it sounding like a rant against the pop music industry of the time, it sounded more like a call to arms against the rampant tide of globalisation.
A lot of the set was taken from their self titled debut album which included the wonderful "Neon Heart" and "Joey's on the Street Again." Scattered amongst those were some of punk rocks classic gems which included the strangely prophetic, paranoids dream of "Someone's Looking at You" and the stirring "Like Clockwork."
When the Boomtown Rats were starting out in the clubs in and around Dublin they didn't have enough of their own songs to get through the night so they would play cover versions Dr Feelgood's records. Now over thirty years later they went back to that tradition and played "She Does it Right" and "Riot in Cell Block number 9" which was magnificently bellowed out by drummer Simon Crowe and Garry Roberts.
Much praise must go to the youngest member of the group Darren Beale, who puts so much energy, skill and dedication into his performance that you forget how young he actually is, but by playing with three of the best professionals on the circuit he will only learn more and become even better, which can only be a huge testament to the band.
Garry Roberts, one of the under-rated musicians of the time, proves that form maybe fleeting but class will always be permanent. And Garry Roberts will always be permanent.
The Rats finished off an impressive night with a few of more radio played hits of the bands career with a storming version of "Rat Trap", "She's so Modern" and the Boomtown Rats biggest hit "I don't like Mondays", before leaving the stage to huge applause from a crowd, (some too young to remember them in their heyday, others who grew up in times of turmoil and good live music) who wanted them to carry for a few more hours.
Ian D. Hall
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The Rats, Baby Blue in Liverpool on the 10th February 2009
An hour and a half of waiting, briefly interrupted by a rather excellent and amusing acoustic set from ex-Alarm guitarist, Dave Sharpe, had given me plenty of time to ramp up my concern over the idea of Boomtown Rats without either Bob Geldof or Pete Briquette, the latter being the inspiration behind me taking up the bass guitar. But within 30 seconds of 'Close As You'll Ever Be' I was entirely won over, and by the time they'd set into the second song of the night my grin was set in my face for the next three hours.
Original drummer, Simon Crowe, was quick to point out that new band members Peter Barton (vocals and bass) and Darren Beale (guitar) may be 'a bit different to Bob and the rest were back in the day', but both did a well above par job of filling the void left by Geldof, Briquette, Johnnie Fingers and Gerry Cott. It would be simple enough for Barton to have battled through as a decent impersonation of Sir Bob, but as it was he made it his own, without detracting anything from the original. Visually, he brought up the somewhat disturbing image of a Briquette/Geldof lovechild, and had a Meatloaf-esque air, with less bolsh. My immediate reaction to Beale was to awh at what appeared to be a little guitar playing psychopath, but he certainly had the talent to accompany his presence.
As a fan born a good five years after the band originally split up, I was definitely in it for Crowe and guitarist Garry Roberts. It seemed the new members were well aware that this was an additude that would be shared by the majority of the audience and were completely acceptant of the fact, taking numerous opportunities to bellow the names of the duo to the tightly packed crowd.
Roberts and Crowe have obviously had plenty of time to age, but both were still easily recognisable. As soon as Crowe shuffled through the crowd to the stage I knew it was him, despite having seen only one photograph of him since the bands' demise in 1986. Worryingly, having for many years been adamant that there was nothing attractive whatsoever in the baby-faced drummer, faced with the same man at the age of 54, suddenly my opinion switched completely. I can only hope that it was hearing a voice that played a big part in getting me through my early teens at such close quarters that did it for me, though I fear I may be lieing to myself and you. In appearance, Roberts has changed much more, as he noted in reminiscence, "back in the good old days, when I was about half the size I am now." But one thing he has maintained that is distinctly his own is his 'guitar face', a particular expression of concentration when he really gets going that made me laugh when I noticed it was still there.
Musically, The Rats are as good as ever, nothing has been lost, perhaps a little gained with time, and every song stressed this. Their revamped version of the band's most famous hit, 'I Don't Like Mondays', easily overcomes the lack of keyboards (originally Fingers) with lively guitar riffs and repeated catchy breakdowns. It would have been easy if not obvious for The Rats to completely evade any mention of Geldof, but there was no such coldness. On several occassions they conceded to Sir Bob's writing power in the songs, Barton commenting mostly on the high quality of the lyrics, something that cannot be overlooked.
The full on Boomtown tirade was broken down by three Dr Feelgood songs (the band spent a few years playing mostly songs from Dr Feelgood's first two albums before they began writing their own material), giving both Garry Roberts and Simon Crowe the chance to stretch their vocal chords, the former taking the lead for 'She Does It Right', and the latter for 'Riot In Cell Block Number 9', with all four having a pop at the mic for 'Down By The Jetty'.
I won't deny that I cried during 'I Can Make It If You Can', a song I haven't listened to in a good two years for that very reason, but I was at the same time amazed and pleased that this 'version' could have much the same effect on my tearducts. I loitered around for a good while afterwards listening to Crowe and Roberts talk, sign and pose for photographs, but was entirely lost for my own words, so just observed.
All in all, it's safe to say that these men have lost nothing of their musical skill with their youth, and as I screamed along to the final chorus of 'She's So Modern', half leaning against a brick column in a slightly dingey cavernous bar, surrounded by Rats fans, that until this point had only been a thing of the internet, they just weren't in my real 17 year old world, it was right then that it all felt perfect. It left me thinking, if any live band can create that kind of feeling, surely they must have a certain something?
Becky Walker
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17/01/09 Theatre Royal Wakefield.
Last night, the reformed Boomtown Rats (now known only as "the Rats" to keep Bob G happy) played Yorkshire, minus Saint Bob.
Two of the original members gave them the credibility to be much more than a tribute Band. Drummer Simon Crowe was original, as was Garry Roberts on rhythm guitar, although thythm is a misnomer as he could weave a complex tapestry of rich vibrant chords, as could fresh faced Darren Beale, lead guitarist, very energetic, enthusiastic and excellent. The band was fronted by Pete Barton (Animals and friends) who could leap about the stage playing Bass, dressed in somewhat incongruous stripy Beetlejuice trousers and singing more like Phil Lynott than Bob Geldof (which to my ear was a good thing).
Their Encore' was I don't like Mondays, performed unexpectedly as a thrash metal number, settling down into a fast rocking version.
So what is their music like thirty years on? Still powerful and refreshing, performed by four excellent musicians and a back catalogue of eighteen hits gives a varied set list, mainly drawn from the first three albums.
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Robin 2 Bilston, 06/08/08
Exceeded even my wildest expectations. Darren on lead was a star and is a genuine Rat and as for Pete's vocals!! Bob who? Top marks boys, top, top marks.
PS. The final encore blew me away!
jk
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Robin 2 Bilston, 06/08/08
Me and my big bruv went last night I cant begin to explain how good this was. I did not expect much but got one of my best nights, as good as bobs band any night of the week. I cant wait for to see em all again .
Mondays was the big finish! and what a finish !! they should release that right now!
Paul reeves
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Robin 2 Bilston, 06/08/08
Wow - what a surreal evening. I went to Bilston expecting nothing but got one of the most enjoyable experiences ever.
Bumped into Gary and Simon before the gig and had a great chat about the band. Two down to earth really pleasant blokes. Gary claimed the first album to be their finest work although we did disagree over the 'album filler' Kicks.
The gig itself stood up well against anything I've ever seen the band do before. Mind you I missed the early stuff first time round as my first Rats gig was during the In The Long Grass tour.
Great mix of early tracks brilliantly reproduced vocally by Peter but special praise to Darren on lead guitar.Gary and Simon were awesome and took it all in their stride. Already looking forward to Solihull in January.
If you're thinking of going to see the Rats - don't think, just go - they rock!
Mark
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100 Club, London 07/08/08
The Rats Rock London
More than two decades ago The Boomtown Rats opened the first Virgin Megastore on Oxford Street in London, and last night The Rats returned to Oxford Street to play at the legendary 100 Club.
The Rats consisting of original Boomtown Rats members Garry Roberts (guitar) and Simon Crowe (drums), with the addition of Pete Barton (lead vocals & bass) and Darren Beale (guitar) showed they could turn back the clock whilst still moving forward.
It was with some trepidation that I went to see The Rats - asking myself the same question as many will ask - how would the band stack-up playing live, not just against the Boomtown Rats of more than 2 decades ago, but also against Bob Geldof?
The Rats took to the stage, and the first thing to note is that Garry and Simon have aged well and are looking great. As soon as Garry launched into the opening riff of Close As You'll Ever Be it became apparent that he still has what it takes - the whole band does.
It was a full-on performance. This is clearly not a band going through the motions - they look very hungry, determined, and gave it all they've got - and then some. It was an astonishing band performance, which made the songs feel fresh and new, and as relevant today as they were back in the day.
I had the pleasure of watching the gig with ex-Boomtown Rats guitarist Gerry Cott - who was wearing his trademark sunglasses. Three Boomtown Rats in the same room! Gerry was full of praise for all 4 members of The Rats. During the gig, Gerry gave me a running commentary on the background behind some of the songs, their musical influences, and memories.
Most of the set-list consisted of the early Rats music from the first 3 albums. In the early days, The Boomtown Rats were heavily influenced by Dr Feelgood - and some Dr Feelgood songs were played in early Rats style as a bonus.
Both Garry and Darren played fantastically well. It was great to hear the songs played with 2 guitarists - just as they should be.
Simon's drumming was spot-on - he is more than just a drummer and his style enhances the songs perfectly.
The Rats set-list involves complex, intensive and relentless drumming so Simon barely gets to pause for a second - and he does a lot of the singing too. Extremely hard work and physically demanding for anyone - but he did it perfectly.
Pete Barton is in the awkward position of covering for the parts of Geldof & Pete Briquette. He is a strong singer and certainly did the songs justice. He is as animated as can be whilst singing and playing bass, and is a good choice by the band. He should take a lot of confidence from the approval of The Boomtown Rats fans. All 4 members did their share of vocal duties.
An obvious challenge for the band would be working out how to play the epics Rat Trap and I Don't Like Mondays using 2 guitarists, bass, and drums. The Rats played them with vigour in an up-beat guitar driven style more in keeping with other early Rats songs. It worked fantastically well.
So what did The Boomtown Rats and Bob Geldof fans think? They gave it a unanimous thumbs-up and wouldn't have missed it for the world. There were even some teary-eyed fans at the end on the night - and not an onion in sight. They will be coming back for more.
After the gig, Garry Roberts showed Gerry Cott his guitar - Garry had made the guitar himself - a talented fellow! The dials on Garry's custom guitar go up to 11. Garry asked Gerry if he would like to do some guest appearances in the future. Gerry also exchanged tips with Darren. Everyone got along very well.
The band stayed behind after the gig to speak to fans until they had seen everyone.
If you are thinking of going to one of the gigs then don't just think about it, go and buy some tickets in advance and take your friends for a great night out. You are guaranteed to see a really fantastic band.
Not to be missed!
Official Boomtown Rats Website
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100 Club, London 07/08/08
I went to the 100 Club to see The Rats.
The band were amazing and played a great gig they rocked and it was back to hard core Rock Music as it should be played. I count myself very lucky to witness this great gig and over the years have attened 100s including early Pistol and U2 gigs well this stacked among them as an all time gig. Well done lads and i will be at some more next Year in and around London.
The band did not suffer in talent or energy and delivered well and yet again it proves that the Band is bigger and better than a singer who goes solo. The Rats should be proud. More please lads.
P.S It was nice tosee that they had not forgotten the fans and spent time talking to us. Cheers..............Steve Punk Pool
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100 Club, London 07/08/08
Just blew me away! It was like being transported back to 1977/1978 Sonically the Rats were immaculate. OK, they may be a little older & rounder but ain't we all?
Pete Barton was like Briquette/Geldof/Fingers rollled into one and dare I say it, spat out the lyrics far more impressively than Geldof could hope to do these days. At times I closed my eyes and it was no different , and if anything better.
And Darren Beale though he looked like he was bunking off school for the night was like Cott/Fingers and sundry musicians merged into one.
But Garry & Simon were the backbone on which it was all built on. Stood in front of Garry he showed how he was the core of a lot of the Rats sound.
Set list essentially all the hits from 77 - 80, the first album and Dr. feelgood covers. Who could ask for more?
And if that wasn't enough Gerry Cott turned up!
a little drunk and over excited right now and will probably be.
If you do get the chance to see the Rats anywhere in the next 12 months cancel all other engagements and see them!
Ar Gee
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100 Club, London 07/08/08
Well, what a night last night seeing the rats for the first time! my very first vinyl LP ever was the classic Tonic for the Troops. last night at the 100 club brought tears to my eyes to be taken back to my teenage years. long live the rats!
Fan
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Rebellion Festival, Blackpool 08/08/09
The place rocked to the rafters--About 2000 people packed in and they loved it. The long overdue return to a big venue went down really well and how the crowd loved the rocked up version of Mondays--We overheard some lads at breakfast this morning in the hotel and had a chat after--They were well impressed and said they would go and see them again--get your tickets everyone. Fan
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