Do the Rat in Blackpool

Ian · House on Fire

Do the Rat in Blackpool

Derek The Dane · V Deep

Go get Bob.It is time for a RAT reunion.Somebody go get Bob............NOW

Derek The Dane · V Deep

It DOES advertise THE BOOMTOWN RATS.COME ON GUYS .PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Derek The Dane · V Deep

Someone get a hold of Mr Fingers and Pete B plus Mr Geldof and bingo the Rats are back(for one night only).

Ian · House on Fire

somehow i dont think so

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

Neither do I. But we can dream can't we? biggrin

Derek The Dane · V Deep

To be honest,I do not think so.But I am going to send messages to bobgeldof.info everyday and TELL Bob (and Pete) to do this.I suggest we ALL should do the same and let Bob(and Pete) know how we fill.If they reform for this concert I WILL BE THERE.So come on everyone a bit of friendly group pressure has never hurt anybody.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Derek The Dane wrote:
To be honest,I do not think so.But I am going to send messages to bobgeldof.info everyday and TELL Bob (and Pete) to do this.I suggest we ALL should do the same and let Bob(and Pete) know how we fill.If they reform for this concert I WILL BE THERE.So come on everyone a bit of friendly group pressure has never hurt anybody.

No chance of Geldof, and by implication, Pete attending after the court case. Gerry Cott & Johnnie Fingers (if he flys in from Japan) could join up. A guest vocalist could easily do it like Queen with Paul Rodgers. A Geldof alike like Johnny Borrell would do. In fact if he did it it'd probably be far more popular than Geldof. If the worst comes to the worst, I know the words, and can play guitar for the first couple of albums

-- Edited by ArrGee at 09:40, 2008-02-02

Scottie · Loudmouth

I agree, no chance of a reunion, though it would be nice. Too many things said and done on both sides. In fact, I foresee more trouble. Maybe copyright trouble? Hope not. Most of the songs were written by Bob and Pete, were they not? Would Geldof go as far as to sue them? It is so sad that these one time good friends don't speak now.
Maybe I am being a drama queen. (hope so)!

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Scottie wrote:
. Most of the songs were written by Bob and Pete, were they not? Would Geldof go as far as to sue them?

Geldof wrote most of them. The others, bar Garry, have a smattering of solo credits and co-credits, that would probably amount to around a dozen tracks.
Garry's only credit is for DUN LAOGHAIRE, among with the other five.

Not sure what Geldof could sue them for.

Would be good to go to Blackpool if they mainly do stuff off the first two albums. It's be like when I saw Sweet!

-- Edited by ArrGee at 17:29, 2008-02-02

Mark Boyle · House on Fire

Well some of you might be delighted by this news, but I am angry, utterly fizzing mad ANGRY!

This is NOT the Boomtown Rats. This is Mssrs Crowe & Roberts - who've already proven to be a pair of twisters - now completely destroying what credibility they had left by instigating what is clearly a con that will leave a lot of folk going along to it & unaware of who is the real line up VERY disappointed.

Let me guess now, are the other members of this "Boomtown Rats" Jiggerypipery by any chance?

If Crowe & Roberts want to start a band together and advertise it as "ex-Boomtown Rats", fine, and good luck to them. But to pretend to be the same band that disbanded back in 1986 - and which Simon Crowe played a large part in breaking up in the first place by deciding along with Johnny there was more of a future for them with Gung Ho than any post-Live Aid Boomtown Rats - is a disgrace.

I am sick to death of seeing loyal fans of bands being cheated by so-called "continuation" acts that are all about conning and nothing to do with value for money. That sod Buster Bloodvessel (of Bad Manners & failed tacky seaside hotels fame) pulled one last year by running a fake Macc Lads as part of a tour, which left a lot of their fans very angry (not helped by Muttley & The Beater refusing to warn folk that it was nothing to do with them, but that's another story).

And I am very surprised, and very disappointed, that the people responsible for all the best punk festivals in the UK, who have done so much to keep the flame burning bright, are party to this.

Let me assure you I will do everything in my power to make sure it is well known long before August that is not the Boomtown Rats that are playing, but the drummer & the second fiddle guitarist. And if that p*sses some folk in here off - tough!

With any luck, lawyers for Bob, Gerry, Pete and Johnny will put a stop to this nonsense anyway. If it isn't the real Boomtown Rats, let a great name rest in peace.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Mark Boyle wrote:

Well some of you might be delighted by this news, but I am angry, utterly fizzing mad ANGRY!

This is NOT the Boomtown Rats. This is Mssrs Crowe & Roberts - who've already proven to be a pair of twisters - now completely destroying what credibility they had left by instigating what is clearly a con that will leave a lot of folk going along to it & unaware of who is the real line up VERY disappointed.

Let me guess now, are the other members of this "Boomtown Rats" Jiggerypipery by any chance?

If Crowe & Roberts want to start a band together and advertise it as "ex-Boomtown Rats", fine, and good luck to them. But to pretend to be the same band that disbanded back in 1986 - and which Simon Crowe played a large part in breaking up in the first place by deciding along with Johnny there was more of a future for them with Gung Ho than any post-Live Aid Boomtown Rats - is a disgrace.

I am sick to death of seeing loyal fans of bands being cheated by so-called "continuation" acts that are all about conning and nothing to do with value for money.
And I am very surprised, and very disappointed, that the people responsible for all the best punk festivals in the UK, who have done so much to keep the flame burning bright, are party to this.

Let me assure you I will do everything in my power to make sure it is well known long before August that is not the Boomtown Rats that are playing, but the drummer & the second fiddle guitarist. And if that p*sses some folk in here off - tough!

With any luck, lawyers for Bob, Gerry, Pete and Johnny will put a stop to this nonsense anyway. If it isn't the real Boomtown Rats, let a great name rest in peace.

Bar the last statement, I pretty much disagree.

I have no problem with Crowe and Roberts doing a gig like this where they play a few old Rats numbers and make a few quid from it. The Sweet are still the Sweet with two dead members, and Oasis are Oasis, despite only having two original members (even the Stones have more). As no one is out there being the Rats, why shouldn't a couple of original ex-members keep it alive. Fingers and Cott may even join in (they did on the court case).

Gung~Ho was only created because Geldof was only ever going to do something solo and they thought they should at least try to continue their career.

It is NOT the Boomtown Rats, not the ****ney Rejects nor any of these bands that play these festivals. At best there are one or two original members.

I'm all for seeing anyone knocking out Mary, Kicks, Number One, She's So Modern, Joey, Howard Hughes, Eva Braun et al live. And given that Geldof ain't exactly that reliable when it come to playing a gig, more kudos to Crowe and Roberts for doing this.

Derek The Dane · V Deep

I pretty much agree with you guys.But it would be great if they could patch up there problems and BLAST out a live gig.Bob has cost me a lot of money with cancelled gigs so I am NOT going to order a ticket untill more details of WHO is playing are annouced.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Arr Gee, do you know what the final outcome of the court case was? My guess it was settled out of court, as there was such little publicity, but to whom? Did they get any money, or as much as they wanted? I am wondering if Geldof put the kybosh (is that how you spell it, you know what I mean) on this US TV documentary too. The last I heard, they were at the editing stage and I was going to receive a copy, but have not heard a dickiebird. Since some of the Rats were contributing to that too, I would not be surprised.
Everything is so complicated, isn't it? it is so sad when really good friends fall out. Friendship is important.

Mark Boyle · House on Fire

Oh come on Arr Gee, this is not comparing like with like. There is a difference between a band that continued and as members died/left were replaced (eg. the Stranglers, Rolling Stones, etc), and one that folded donkeys years ago and only two of the six members - all still very much alive - are taking part.

Two members whom let us remember have been making clocks (failed), been insurance brokers (failed), doing other bands (failed)...doing everything BUT trying to reform the Boomtown Rats...and are now trying to make a fast buck on an old name, with it appears zero consent of the surviving members.

Let's give ELO some credit, they played as ELO Part 2 when without Jeff Lynne, even though they have Bev Bevan, Richard Tandy, Mik Kaminski, Kelly Grouchet, Hugh McDowell & Melvyn Gayle...then became ELO again when Jeff returned, but the rest retired apart from Richard Tandy - because they knew damned well that as far as the public were concerned, without the singer/songwriter Jeff Lynne, it wasn't the real McCoy, it was little more than a "tribute" band (although ELO Pt II did release their own Yes-ish stuff).

Secondly comes Gung Ho. Let's be clear about this, Gung Ho was done because the Boomtown Rats were in limbo thanks to Geldof's Band Aid/Live Aid committments. Roberts, Crowe & Briquette even wrote songs for Tracy Ullman during this period. But when Geldof tried to round up the band again, Roberts & Briquette were immediately in, but Crowe & Fingers made it clear they wanted to spend more time with Gung Ho as they felt the Rats were finished. That's not my interpretation of it: that was in The Sun - not exactly a friend of Bob's - in late 1985 thanks to Jonathan "Kiddie Fiddler" King - when Geldof admitted that Crowe & Fingers didn't want to do the Rats anymore, and that only Pete was interested with working with him anymore.

Of course, when Gung Ho promptly didn't set the heather alight, it was no surprise that the missing three were back after all for Self-Aid (Garry, to be fair, seemed to be enjoying himself, but Simon & Johnny looked like they were sulking throughout), only to hear Bob on stage do the right thing & knock it all publicly on the head for good. Pete remained loyal - and it proved the right choice. Bob went solo not because of the myth "I've got new famous mates like Dave Stewart & Eric Clapton, so long suckers," but because just as with Fachna O'Kelly, people he thought were mates were junking him as surplus to requirements.

It could have been the Boomtown Rats that had the hits with "This Is The World Calling" and the worldwide hit with "The Great Song Of Indifference." But it wasn't. As Stiff Little Fingers put it : "But you gave yourself the sack - and there's now turning back - and now all your future's just 'wait & see'."

And I'm sorry Arr Gee, but most of the bands that play these punk festivals do have a tradition of continuity - Splodgenessabounds, UK Subs, The Crack, etc. as members have dropped out, died, and been replaced (Splodgenessabounds in particular have a spectacular death toll of members).

The bottom line is Crowe & Roberts are doing it as The Boomtown Rats. Which they aren't. It is blatantly trying to con the general public out of their hard earned cash for what is little better than a "tribute" act by two individuals that haven't given a flying French one about its fans or reforming the band for the last two decades.

Yes, Geldof's not exactly great on the old output these days, but that doesn't mean I'll settle for any old dross with a thin veneer of Boomtown Ratsness spread on it - I haven't quite lost my sense of self-esteem enough for that. I'll stick to the six albums and DVD, and enjoy them. Like "The Trip To Bountiful", you can regret going back for the sake of it - this is one such occasion.

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

And in terms of comparisons you can hardly compare Simon Crowe et al to Queen, Roger Taylor, John Deakon, Brian May. Everyone's heard of them, they are strong in their own right as musicians. No disrepect to the rest of the Rats, but who's actually heard of them apart from us? wink

I asked someone about the Rats and who they remember. 'What apart from Bob Geldof, well there was that one with the pijamas, I can't remember any of the others.' biggrin

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

I don't really see that Crowe & Roberts playing a festival as The Boomtown Rats is too bad a thing. The up side is that they play some old songs that most people will have forgotten and maybe generate some interest. As for the downside, I read all the comments, but if Crowe & Roberts really think they are going to make serious cash touring as The Boomtown Rats, then they are as misguided as Geldof was in thinking he could sell out large venues at £30 a seat.

To answer some points.....

Crowe & Briquette actually wrote a song with Kirsty MacColl back in 1979, not for Tracey Ullman. The latter recorded You Caught Me Out in 1984. Kirsty had recorded it as her first single, but it was only on white label and never properly released until her anthology in 2005.

John Deacon is so famous people can't spell his name

The point I had made would be there would be no problem is a version of The Boomtown Rats sans Geldof. I wouldn't compare the band members in terms of fame, but it is true of most bands that apart from the singer, very few of the others are known.

And as for the court case, the last I heard was about 18 months ago http://theboomtownrats.blogspot.com/2006/09/garrick-plumber-turns-nasty.html To be honest I don't think it will ever go to court.

"If it isn't the real Boomtown Rats, let a great name rest in peace." - I probably agree with this. I never saw them live after Gerry Cott left, because I didn't think they were the same band, but having 2 out of 6 makes them lesser. That said, the line up at the Rebellion Festival makes me think it might be worth going up, and then I can judge for myself.

http://www.rebellionfestivals.com/rebellion-blackpool-bands.html

-- Edited by ArrGee at 13:11, 2008-02-04

Ian · House on Fire

I must confess i do really like reading Mark Boyle's and Arrgees posts, always have done as they are knowledgable on their subjects. I feel there is still a lot we dont know about this forthcoming show, i see from the website that this propsed Boomtown Rats show is taking place on the acoustic stage. I am just wondering if its a case of the promoters billing something to make as bigger impact and in fact Simon and Gary and whoever maybe doing an acoustic set under a new name. If it was billed as whatever they are calling themselves, feturing ex members of the Boomtown Rats, i think thats ok.

An example i know of from first hand experience, was when I was booking the tour. Mik Kaminski (ex ELO) and Phil Bates (ex ELOll)who were doing an acoustic tour. We turned up to venues to find they had been billed as ELO and this was emblazened everywhere. Even though it was stated in contracts what the billing should be. Thus we pulled the gigs.

So we will have to wait and see the developments. Like I said, there is so much we dont yet know. It may not be all it seems.

-- Edited by Ian at 11:14, 2008-02-04

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Ian wrote:
I must confess i do really like reading Mark Boyle's and Arrgees posts, always have done as they are knowledgable on their subjects.

Hey, and I like your posts too! Always good for a little inside information.

Reading between lines there are a couple of things worth noting.

i) They are not on the acoustic stage (there is a long list of other acts that are). I can't imagine Garry Roberts being too hot acoustically! They will play on Friday along with the ****ney Rejects. I suspect they will be on a different stage (there are four), possibly with the likes of The Sweet, The Rezillos, The Dickies and Lloyd Grossman (I kid you not!) to save them from the more hard core fans.

ii) the name of the act is BOOMTOWN RATS. This is quite a subtle thing but may be important. In all likelihood, THE BOOMTOWN RATS is owned by Geldof in some way, but dropping the THE makes it different because they are Boomtown Rats, though not The Boomtown Rats. A number of bands have had issues with using their original name. In some cases, the original name is used by a band with no original members mainly because it is inherited and when the band reform with some original members they prefix it with New (Sweet did this) or Original (Bucks Fizz infamously did this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/2195267.stm) or post fix it as Part 2 or say starring Simon Crowe & Garry Roberts.

Derek The Dane · V Deep

Has anybody tried to get in touch with Johny Fingers?.Maybe he could shed some light on this.And what about Gerry?,whould he be interested(if asked).I am really exited by this news but if it is only the Simon and Gary show then they can stick it somewhere the sun does not shine.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Derek The Dane wrote:

Has anybody tried to get in touch with Johny Fingers?.Maybe he could shed some light on this.And what about Gerry?,whould he be interested(if asked).I am really exited by this news but if it is only the Simon and Gary show then they can stick it somewhere the sun does not shine.

Well I don't have any contact details, but I suspect not. Fingers has not dismissed the idea of a re-union and is good friends with Gerry Cott. However, I'm not sure he would come over from Japan for a one off.

http://theboomtownrats.blogspot.com/2005/02/fingers-speaks.html

Cott has not played live for many years, and has dismissed a re-union. Sans Geldof he may be persuaded but he runs a pretty successful business training animals, so I suspect he wouldn't.

http://www.cyberspace7.btinternet.co.uk/gerry3.htm

I suppose if the issue of travel and willingness are overcome, there is nothing to stop the gang of four playing together. They all get along, and Cott is a notional head. The others apologised for their treatment of him at the end of his time in the Rats and he was the spokesman on the announcement of the legal action.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4092722.stm

If you consider that Pete is Johnny's cousin he may even come along despite his close association with Geldof.

But there is no way Geldof will be part of it. Not unless they put a ring up. Come to think of it that would be worth going to see!

Mark Boyle · House on Fire

On the subject of Gerry Cott, utterly no chance he will get involved in this reunion.

Simon & Gary are the ones needing the money, and thus the reunion. Not him, not Johnny - who have done even better post-Rats than they did within. For them it would be a nice windfall, but nothing more.

Although he's on good terms with the other band members again, he's also wise enough to realise that their "apology" had more to do with needing him on board for the court case for back royalties (he wasn't the original instigator behind it, but as he is by far the smartest it was inevitable that he'd end up becoming the front man for it - he's also noted as a scourge of local authorities in his neck of the woods). So that's as far as it goes. 20 years have passed and he's got another life.

Which brings us to why the hell either of them would waste their time at some grotty festival in a run-down English seaside town? In Gerry's case, at the risk of perhaps pissing off Boomtown Rats fan Joanne Rowling once the inevitable s**t hits the newspaper fans. She is currently responsible for giving him some rather good work in the "Harry Potter" movies for his animal training business - currently the best meal ticket in the whole of Hollywood these days. Risk the wrath of Rowling for some Blackpool rock? No chance.

Face it, it's never happening. Johnny answered the question about reformation with a double negative ("I don't think it's a definite no-no"). That's just being polite and not wanting to disappoint anyone or step on toes. He won't do it, Gerry won't do it, and that leaves us with a third left.

With that in mind, calling themselves Third Lanark would be more appropriate - a name synonymous with pathos-ridden nostalgia and feebly attempts to resurrect past glories after an ignominious end, that only leave a sense of embarrassment within the witnesses for the participants and themselves.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Mark Boyle wrote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johnny answered the question about reformation with a double negative ("I don't think it's a definite no-no").
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Surely that's a triple negative, which is err, negative, whereas a double negative is positive. Now I am confused.

I think in terms of probability it ranks

Simon & Garry 100% (they need the dough)
Fingers 1% (only if he happens to be over from Japan)
Cott 0.1% (only if the owl drags him on stage)
Briquette 0.0001% (only if his mum and auntie insist he plays with little Johnnie, and tell him to stop hanging out with posh Robert)
Geldof 0.00000000000000000000000000001% (but of course if there is a big bag of cash that could be 100%)

-- Edited by ArrGee at 22:58, 2008-02-04

Derek The Dane · V Deep

I have just e-mailed Yushi in Japan and asked him to get in contact with JF and find out whether he is playing or not.I will let you know should I get a reply.

Ian · House on Fire

Derek
just a thought why dont you just e mail the promoters website and say your thinking of buying tickets as you are a big Boomtown Rats fan please could they confirm the line up of the band who will be appearing

-- Edited by Ian at 17:35, 2008-02-07

Mark Boyle · House on Fire

Incidentally, I e-mailed Tina at the Geldof "official" website for a response to the news of this "Boomtown Rats" gig, and they can't be arsed replying it seems.

Ho hum... hmm

tinamcbain · Like Clockwork

Hi Mark

What a rude person you are. Firstly I would say it was us here who started this thread, so therefore we alerted you about this (sometimes I dont know why we bother). So comments on our views arent really necessary. We dont have news about this gig, and as Bob and Pete arent playing, we are hardly going to put it on the gig list are we.

I would like you to inform me of the exact date, time and email address you sent this mail to, as I find no record of receiving one from you. And do bear in mind that we handle over 500 emails a day, mostly spam and rubbish, which you might appreciate is more than a little trying.

Do you think I sit here all day waiting for Geldof stuff to come in. I also have a life. I am currently working on new music and The Orchestra stuff, which at this moment in time takes priority. Its not that i cant be arsed, its just that I am rather busy and I tend not to spend much time looking at idle banter.

As I stated I havent seen your email, and we have no view on the Blackpool situation other than what has been discussed privately. Which of course I dont divulge to this forum or the indeed bobgeldof.info. I am sure you can appreciate this.

Regards

Tina

-- Edited by tinamcbain at 11:13, 2008-02-08

windchill · Mary of the 4th Form

Only ever posted once before but here goes my second.
It was always a dream of mine to see The Boomtown Rats reform, they have been such an important part of my life and have I taken some ridicule over Bob and the rest of the band.They were the first band I ever saw live (Rainbow Dec 78) and apart from Stiff Little Fingers they are the band I have seen most and never tire of listining to there music.
I saw the Jam in May last year without Paul Weller (Paul Hastings was fantastic) I see SLF about 3 times a year (Only 2 remaining original members) and in both cases its like watching a gig from the 70's so maybe you don't need the original members, but for The Boomtown Rats I'm afraid we do. I would dearly love to hear them live again but without Bob, Pete Fingers & Gerry it wouldn't be the same.(They weren't the same when Gerry left !)
When you watch Bob live he plays many Rat tracks, o.k they are a diffrent interpretation but he gives the songs there bite, I would pay to see Jiggerpipery just because its Simon, however I don't believe there will ever be a full reunion of the band and maybe its best that the greatest band in my life should stay in the past.
These are just my thoughts on the Blackpool/Boomtown Rats thing I'll just go back to watching the DVD's and listining to the CD's. and carry on living when music was music and not the Sh*t it is now.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

tinamcbain wrote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Firstly I would say it was us here who started this thread, so therefore we alerted you about this (sometimes I dont know why we bother).

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

Fair enough. I think it was very good of Ian to start this thread and this very lively discussion.

The lack of response to correspondence with geldof.info is a common complaint on this board.

That said you have made it very clear that geldof.info is the Official Geldof Information source and there is no information on activities of former members of the Rats. That's what this forum aims to provide.

I contacted Simon Crowe through myspace for some information on the Blackpool gig. He hasn't been ar$3d to reply!

(well maybe he just hasn't seen the message - little joke)

-- Edited by ArrGee at 20:33, 2008-02-08

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

windchill wrote:
I would dearly love to hear them live again but without Bob, Pete Fingers & Gerry it wouldn't be the same.(They weren't the same when Gerry left !)
When you watch Bob live he plays many Rat tracks, o.k they are a diffrent interpretation but he gives the songs there bite

Oddly enough I'd quite like to see them and not see Geldof. Main reason being is I wouldn't have to endure Geldof's solo material (cue masses of flak from the Geldof devotees) to hear a few Rats songs.

Even if Crowe & Roberts aren't the real deal, at least they'll play 45 minutes of proper Rats songs, and quite possibly nothing from Mondo Bongo nor V Deep. So I'm all for it. Don't know if I'll go, think I'm too old for gigs. Even if the band are older than me!

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

No offense to any other Rat, and Bob could never have done it without them. However, I don't think they could cut the mustard without him. If they were playing locally, I must just go, but otherwise well, seems too much effort. I also think it is essential that Johnnie Fingers be present. Would never be the same without the pijamas. biggrin

Think I agree that should be left in the past and be enjoyed on CDs and DVDs, unless of course Bob could be persuaded... But that sadly is just a dream.

Windchill - good to see another original Rats fan around here. Someone who can remember them from their early days. They were my first live band too, Oxford October 1979. Thin Lizzy being my 2nd in May 1980.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:
No offense to any other Rat, and Bob could never have done it without them. However, I don't think they could cut the mustard without him. If they were playing locally, I must just go, but otherwise well, seems too much effort.
Think I agree that should be left in the past and be enjoyed on CDs and DVDs, unless of course Bob could be persuaded... But that sadly is just a dream.

C'mon! You went to Italy for a cancelled concert and got tickets for a few more that were postponed. I'm the one who only bothers with the CDs/DVDs (and lest not forget it took many years for them to arrive, and they aren't quite complete).

Geldof can kiss American Ar$e!

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

Indeed I did, for Bob solo and would do it again. What I was saying here is that I wouldn't travel to Blackpool to see Simon and Garry. No disrespect to them but without Bob I couldn't and wouldn't do it. biggrin

I bother with CDs etc regularly. Been enjoying a few tracks today on my iPod as I do every day on the way to and from work.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:
Indeed I did, for Bob solo and would do it again. What I was saying here is that I wouldn't travel to Blackpool to see Simon and Garry. No disrespect to them but without Bob I couldn't and wouldn't do it.

I bother with CDs etc regularly. Been enjoying a few tracks today on my iPod as I do every day on the way to and from work.

You'd do it again? If Geldof played our village hall I wouldn't go cos he'd cancel it.
At least, Crowe & Roberts will play.

-- Edited by ArrGee at 22:55, 2008-02-08

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

You might be wrong. If people think like some of us, they won't sell tickets (not that I'm wishing that on them). Would they still play then? biggrin

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You might be wrong. If people think like some of us, they won't sell tickets (not that I'm wishing that on them). Would they still play then?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Rebellion Festival sells about 5,000 tickets regardless of who plays. Also I had a look in on the forum and there are a least a couple of people who are quite keen on seeing them beside me.
So I think they will play and judging by some of the publicity they are being billed as a main attraction.

Mack
View Post REBELLION 2008
Posted: 22 Jan 2008 at 7:04pm
Woah, Excellent to see the Boomtown Rats added! It's looking like a very strong line-up this year. Try getting on EVERYBODY OUT!, Sweeney Todd (Dead Pets) new band. They're pretty damn good. www.myspace.com/everybodyoutband Maybe add someone like SLF also and it will make it the best festival yet!

clashpistols
View Post blackpool 2008
Posted: 18 Sep 2007 at 11:02pm
The Briefs, love to see the Boomtown Rats perform their early stuff (they have reformed a few times), The Barracuda's too!

Though not everyone is so positive (from Damned MB)

That Nasty Mr Hodges Re: Sillicone Chips #14 [-]

Posts: 399
(24/01/08 12:03:55)
If the Boomtown Rats play at Rebellion, I'll make sure to take plenty of bricks and bottles along with me.

(a) they were never punk, they were just an Irish show band/pub rock band

(b) the reason they fizzled out was that they simply overstayed their welcome on the music scene, like Erasure did

(c) they're just one of those bands whose day has gone and for some reason the nostalgia thing just doesn't work in their case

I'd sooner see Lieutenant Pigeon at Blackpool

Mr Blewitt Re: Boomtown Crap #15 [-]

Posts: 191
(25/01/08 12:08:52)
If they lets them Boomtown Rat bleeders play this year, they'll be lettin' them buggers Showaddywaddy play there next year.

Stop the blinkin' rot, I says.

-- Edited by ArrGee at 23:16, 2008-02-08

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

If it sells out 5,000 regardless, why doesn't Bob play there solo?

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

maybe geldof.info could answer that question. Probably not paying too much for their acts.

Derek The Dane · V Deep

I have had 4 Bob Geldof concerts cancelled on me and I did not even get a reply when asking for Milan tickets.And secondly I will not go to Blackpool if it is only the 2 playing as the Rats.

Ian · House on Fire

Oh dear more criticism of myself and Tina here is a solution if you feel you are not getting the info you need Speak to us Arrgee has access to my mobile number if you think you need to contact us directly

-- Edited by Ian at 14:48, 2008-02-09

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

You're brave publishing your phone no. for all to see on the internet. watch out for the nutters (or should I say watch out for the normal people, if you get any) biggrin

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Ian wrote:
Oh dear more criticism of myself and Tina here is a solution if you feel you are not getting the info you need Speak to us.

so this means you now have a direct link to us but please use it wisely

May I suggest you send your mobile number as a pm, there is always a danger that some of the more fanatical admirers of Geldof could abuse it. Not the likes of Derek The Dane nor Mark Boyle, but there have been some colourful characters who have been on this board down the years. You should be able to edit your own post to remove the number but if you have any problems let me know.

Derek The Dane · V Deep

I got a reply from the Rebellion people and Bob is NOT playing.Thats all they said.It is a major shame that Bob releases Boomtown Rats cds and STILL sells Boomtown Rats merchandise on his home page and refuses to play with them again after his own solo stuff is not exactly going well.Four solo albums in 21 years,he may as well play with the Rats just to drum up some interest.

Derek The Dane · V Deep

Oh yes,Ian and Tina sorry about my bitching.The time I flew from Denmark to England to see Bob and only to find out the concert was called of still makes my blood boil a bit.It should not reflect on the THANKLESS jobs you people do.I promise NOT to mention it again.I love Bob and I still hope to see him live again.Once again SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

ArrGee1991 · Dave

Derek The Dane wrote:
I got a reply from the Rebellion people and Bob is NOT playing.Thats all they said.It is a major shame that Bob releases Boomtown Rats cds and STILL sells Boomtown Rats merchandise on his home page and refuses to play with them again after his own solo stuff is not exactly going well.Four solo albums in 21 years,he may as well play with the Rats just to drum up some interest.

Geldof will NEVER play with the gang of four. Considering they are all after him for unpaid royalties, I don't think they would play with him either. And if he never released the Rats CDs no one would have. Geldof could quite easily tour as the Rats in his own right with just Pete B, but (and it pains me to say this) he has stuck to his guns and persisted with the idea that he is a solo artist rather than just fall back on what he did in the late seventies like many others do. I respect him for that.

Now look what you have done, you have made me defend Geldof as an artist! I may not like what he does, but I'll defend his right to do it.

BTR · Tonight

If BG does not want to do it, then I would love to be the lead singer of The Boomtown Rats. Here's a pic of me (from last weekend), 2 songs of my own (from 1996), and the remix I did of Storm Breaks:

http://www.myspace.com/1chrisgraham

-- Edited by BTR at 02:12, 2008-02-10

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

BTR wrote:
If BG does not want to do it, then I would love to be the lead singer of The Boomtown Rats. Here's a pic of me (from last weekend), 2 songs of my own (from 1996), and the remix I did of Storm Breaks:

http://www.myspace.com/1chrisgraham

-- Edited by BTR at 02:12, 2008-02-10

Be careful though, That Nasty Mr Hodges has a, err, reception planned for the Rats. (see above)

I have already volunteered my services in case of emergencies (see above), and am awaiting a call (methinks I won't get it)

Most likely Garry will sing and Simon will do backing vocals.

-- Edited by ArrGee at 15:11, 2008-02-10

Ian · House on Fire

ArrGee how could you .....lol

ive just read your post on the rebellion forum about how few Rats songs Bob plays at solo shows on the last lots of German dates he knocked out

Mondays
When the night comes
joeys on the street again
Mary of the fourth form
Rat trap
Banana Republic
Diamond Smiles
Someones looking at you

and in the past to my knowledge he s done Dave ,Drag me down, Like clockwork , Looking after number one, Neon heart ,Shes so modern ,Never in a million years and yes of course Elephants Graveyard

so i think your view that he only does the odd Rats number for the encore is somewhat misleading dont you ?

-- Edited by Ian at 17:18, 2008-02-14

-- Edited by Ian at 17:22, 2008-02-14

Joke · The Dutch One

Ian wrote:

ArrGee how could you .....lol

ive just read your post on the rebellion forum about how few Rats songs Bob plays at solo shows on the last lots of German dates he knocked out

Mondays
When the night comes
joeys on the street again
Mary of the fourth form
Rat trap
Banana Republic
Diamond Smiles
Someones looking at you

and in the past he done Dave ,Drag me down, Like clockwork , Looking after number one, Neon heart

so i think your the view that he only does the odd Rats number for the encore is somewhat misleading dont you ?

and I have heard him play The Elephants Graveyard at at least one occasion.

Ian · House on Fire

LOL -This could be a new forum parlour game guess the rats tracks BOB did at his solo shows

HOLD ON ME -FORGOT THAT ONE

-- Edited by Ian at 17:33, 2008-02-14

ArrGee1991 · Dave

Ian wrote:
ArrGee how could you .....lol

ive just read your post on the rebellion forum about how few Rats songs Bob plays at solo shows on the last lots of German dates he knocked out

Mondays
When the night comes
joeys on the street again
Mary of the fourth form
Rat trap
Banana Republic
Diamond Smiles
Someones looking at you

and in the past to my knowledge he s done Dave ,Drag me down, Like clockwork , Looking after number one, Neon heart ,Shes so modern ,Never in a million years and yes of course Elephants Graveyard

so i think your view that he only does the odd Rats number for the encore is somewhat misleading dont you ?

-- Edited by Ian at 17:18, 2008-02-14

-- Edited by Ian at 17:22, 2008-02-14

How would I know? I've never seen him solo, he cancelled the last time he was in London.

I believe this is a typical set list these days. He only does TWO Rats songs prior to Mondays which if it isn't the encore may well be more or less his last one before he takes a break.

Indifference, Love or Something, A sex thing, When the night comes, Walking back to Happiness, Banana Republic, My Hippie Angel, Harvest Moon, Scream in Vain, One for me, Mudslide, Birthday Suit, Mondays, Joeys on the street again, Mary of the Fourth Form, Rat Trap, Diamond Smiles, Return of Indifference.

-- Edited by ArrGee1991 at 19:53, 2008-02-14

ArrGee1991 · Dave

http://www.forum-x-press.co.uk/rebellion/forum_posts.asp?TID=116&KW=boomtown&PID=888#888

As far as I know they haven't performed/reformed since 1986.

In all likelihood, they will probably only do stuff off the first couple of albums, and with a bit of luck not do I Don't Like Mondays. Also should be better than a Geldof solo show where he bores the arse off everyone by playing his solo stuff for an hour, before knocking out a couple of Rats songs in the encore.

-- Edited by ArrGee1991 at 19:52, 2008-02-14

ArrGee1991 · Dave

ArrGee1991 wrote:
http://www.forum-x-press.co.uk/rebellion/forum_posts.asp?TID=116&KW=boomtown&PID=888#888

As far as I know they haven't performed/reformed since 1986.

In all likelihood, they will probably only do stuff off the first couple of albums, and with a bit of luck not do I Don't Like Mondays. Also should be better than a Geldof solo show where he bores the arse off everyone by playing his solo stuff for an hour, before knocking out a couple of Rats songs in the encore.

-- Edited by ArrGee1991 at 19:52, 2008-02-14

Maybe I exaggerated a bit, but in there there is truth. He does bore the arse off people for an hour

Ian · House on Fire

Arrgee I am only having a bit of fun. The fact you havent seen him solo means you really are just clutching at straws. Elephants Graveyard is sometimes put early on in the set................... and he doesnt take a break.............

Obviously i know and respect you are an authority on the Rats, and it is the BTR and not Geldof that float your boat. But your assumption that Geldofs solo stuff bores the arse of people is a sweeping statement. For me personally Bob's solo stuff particularly Sex, Age and Death is far more interesting than wallowing in the nostalgia of Rat Trap and Mary of the Fourth Form, but yes the hits have to be played and thanks goodness for that.

Cheers

Ian

Hipcio · Diamond Smiles

ArrGee1991 wrote:

Maybe I exaggerated a bit, but in there there is truth. He does bore the arse off people for an hour

Really??? I never recognize it hmm

!

Mark Boyle · House on Fire

tinamcbain wrote:

Hi Mark

What a rude person you are. Firstly I would say it was us here who started this thread, so therefore we alerted you about this (sometimes I dont know why we bother). So comments on our views arent really necessary. We dont have news about this gig, and as Bob and Pete arent playing, we are hardly going to put it on the gig list are we.

I would like you to inform me of the exact date, time and email address you sent this mail to, as I find no record of receiving one from you. And do bear in mind that we handle over 500 emails a day, mostly spam and rubbish, which you might appreciate is more than a little trying.

Do you think I sit here all day waiting for Geldof stuff to come in. I also have a life. I am currently working on new music and The Orchestra stuff, which at this moment in time takes priority. Its not that i cant be arsed, its just that I am rather busy and I tend not to spend much time looking at idle banter.

As I stated I havent seen your email, and we have no view on the Blackpool situation other than what has been discussed privately. Which of course I dont divulge to this forum or the indeed bobgeldof.info. I am sure you can appreciate this.

Regards

Tina

-- Edited by tinamcbain at 11:13, 2008-02-08

Ho hum...

I smell gently roasting Marks & Spencers knickers....

For the record kiddywinks, this is the e-mail I sent on 2nd February at 8.20pm to enquiries@bobgeldof.info:

"Hi All,

I expect you've already heard the news, but in case you haven't:

http://www.rebellionfestivals.com/festival-news.asp

Breaking News! BOOMTOWN RATS to play Blackpool! - 21/01/2008
Boomtown Rats featuring original guitarist Garry Roberts and original drummer Simon Crowe
are confirmed to play the Friday at Blackpool Rebellion

Any chance of getting Bob et al to intervene and put a stop to this complete con?

Yes, I am very angry about this, though to be honest not in the least surprised where Simon & Garry are concerned.

Deagh Dhurachd,

Mark"

(Edited Scottie 17 February).- No matter how angry a member is, publicly swearing at other members of the forum and calling them stupid names for all to see is definitely out of order, and if it is reposted, I will just edit it again. Read the rules please.

-- Edited by Scottie at 22:30, 2008-02-17

Mark Boyle · House on Fire

Ian wrote:

Oh dear more criticism of myself and Tina here is a solution if you feel you are not getting the info you need Speak to us Arrgee has access to my mobile number if you think you need to contact us directly

-- Edited by Ian at 14:48, 2008-02-09

Yes, and I found a copy in my private messages tray today...

...BIG BLOODY DEAL!

I am more than familiar in my line of work with the old "give them a mobile number" routine - the mobile is never switched on, or always on the option to "leave a message" that will be denied thrice before ****-crow as ever existing when challenged as to the lack of reply to it.

So don't hold your breath sunbeam about me phoning - mobiles are costly enough to call without them being a complete waste of time & money.

Elsewhere, I alerted by phone & e-mail Half Man Half Biscuit's "enquiry" points about some git auctioning bootlegs of their Radio 5 session on e-Bay within an hour of it being broadcast. Within two hours e-Bay had expelled the individual concerned. And that was all on a Sunday.

Maybe, just maybe, because they keep on top of things, that's why they have no problem getting gigs at good British venues & selling all the tickets to boot despite being relatively unknown outside of the student world or Guardian reading fraternity, whilst one of the most famous people on the planet currently couldn't sell out a gig if it were booked a year in advance at the McKillop Institute in Lochwinnoch!

(And yes folks, as you can guess, I am well pissed off right now).

Scottie · Loudmouth

Mark, dont know about Ian, but to be fair on Tina, on the couple of occasions I have had to phone her, she has always answered immediately and been very pleasant. Why not try?

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

I have never phone either (that I can remember) but I am pretty sure Ian will talk you. Like Irene says, just call. And please sort it out over the phone, rather than have slanging matches around biggrin

tinamcbain · Like Clockwork

Well Mark, thats a great message.

Let me tell you a fact. I have not, repeat not, received the email from you.. I have been onto the server where all email are saved as a backup and its just not there. If it was we would have dealt with it.

Also I am more that capable of dealing with large amounts of emails, i do this for 27 accounts for various work I do. I have filters and spam filters. My skill levels are quite high regarding this sort of stuff.

With regard to me resigning, I wont waste my time even answering that comment, other than to say the people who i do this for think I am actually doing a decent job and thats is the main thing i think. But hey ho, youre entitled to your opinion. Just a shame that you have to be so rude and abusive.

Your comments about phoning Ian are ridiculous. Arrgee has Ian's mobile number and the phone is always on, if its not answered it cos we are in a meeting or even sometimes having a life, but the voice mail is on, and we always call people back. In fact, why dont you text it and we will call you, it wont cost you very much at all then. It was a genuine offer to people such as you or anyone who had a query, to try and alleviate all this nonsense. I am going to pm you MY mobile number then if you feel the urge to insult me by telephone, you can.

Tina

Mark Boyle wrote:

tinamcbain wrote:

Hi Mark

What a rude person you are. Firstly I would say it was us here who started this thread, so therefore we alerted you about this (sometimes I dont know why we bother). So comments on our views arent really necessary. We dont have news about this gig, and as Bob and Pete arent playing, we are hardly going to put it on the gig list are we.

I would like you to inform me of the exact date, time and email address you sent this mail to, as I find no record of receiving one from you. And do bear in mind that we handle over 500 emails a day, mostly spam and rubbish, which you might appreciate is more than a little trying.

Do you think I sit here all day waiting for Geldof stuff to come in. I also have a life. I am currently working on new music and The Orchestra stuff, which at this moment in time takes priority. Its not that i cant be arsed, its just that I am rather busy and I tend not to spend much time looking at idle banter.

As I stated I havent seen your email, and we have no view on the Blackpool situation other than what has been discussed privately. Which of course I dont divulge to this forum or the indeed bobgeldof.info. I am sure you can appreciate this.

Regards

Tina

-- Edited by tinamcbain at 11:13, 2008-02-08

Ho hum...

I smell gently roasting Marks & Spencers knickers....

For the record kiddywinks, this is the e-mail I sent on 2nd February at 8.20pm to enquiries@bobgeldof.info:

"Hi All,

I expect you've already heard the news, but in case you haven't:

http://www.rebellionfestivals.com/festival-news.asp

Breaking News! BOOMTOWN RATS to play Blackpool! - 21/01/2008
Boomtown Rats featuring original guitarist Garry Roberts and original drummer Simon Crowe
are confirmed to play the Friday at Blackpool Rebellion
Any chance of getting Bob et al to intervene and put a stop to this complete con?
Yes, I am very angry about this, though to be honest not in the least surprised where Simon & Garry are concerned.
Deagh Dhurachd,
Mark"

Edited Scottie 17 Feb, (see above comments on original post).

-- Edited by Scottie at 22:33, 2008-02-17

ArrGee1991 · Dave

ADMIN NOTICE: I have removed a number of posts from this thread as they didn't add much to the subject under discussion and had descended into name calling.

-- Edited by ArrGee1991 at 16:44, 2008-02-18

Derek The Dane · V Deep

What happened to "freedom of speech".If Mark has a word to say then I say let him speak(or write as the case may be).When a forum is set up,people will get umpty dumpty sometimes.And secondly why has a homepage been removed from bobgeldof.info?.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Derek, I agree with freedom of speech, but the rules clearly state no personal insults. Criticise the idea, not the person. When one member is sworn at publicly and called insulting names on a public site, then in my view, that is unacceptable. That is what has been removed.

ArrGee1991 · Dave

Derek The Dane wrote:

What happened to "freedom of speech".If Mark has a word to say then I say let him speak(or write as the case may be).When a forum is set up,people will get umpty dumpty sometimes.And secondly why has a homepage been removed from bobgeldof.info?.

I have no problem with letting Mark and Tina write, and I have. However, essentially the posts were little more than name calling and directed at each other. So considering they have both read the posts as they were up for a day or two, they can continue the exchange via PMs or on the phone.

The two of us have been critical of geldof.info. I was critical to such an extent I was called a knob/knobhead by Willo via Tina. I have not removed posts nor censored them unless absolutely necessary. On this occassion, Scottie removed the offensive content, but I just thought the posts themselves should be removed as they added little to the discussion.

Please remember that I effectively hijacked the forum due the the lack of freedom of speech when the cancelled concerts threads were removed without explanation. I would say there is considerable freedom of speech on this forum, only rarely are posts moderated. But that is not a licence to insult all and sundry.

Which homepage was removed? Mine is the only one that has gone recently from what I can see. Must have upset them again (ho hum).

Mark Boyle · House on Fire

Contrary to what ArrGee has said, I've been away the last few days due to work so I have not seen what's happened since I rejected Ian & Tina's "offer" (that's two mobile numbers now I have been sent, & as I said, big deal - "here's my mobile number" is the modern world's favourite "get out" clause)

Considering ArrGee's been the very one to bang on about censorship before and Tina's perchant to become abusive to ArrGee when caught out ("k**bhead" wasn't it, ArrGee?), it smacks of "don't do as I do, do as I say."

They could have edited out the offending parts if they wanted, the fact they scrubbed the lot off betrays exactly what I'd suspected from the start: that there's something dubious about Geldof's supposed "enquiry team" tipping others off about a bogus Rats gig & refusing to reply to the simple question as to what Geldof's reaction to it.

Whatever the case is, as far as I'm concerned I wash my hands of this nonsense for good this time. Goodbye & good riddance.

ArrGee1991 · Dave

Mark Boyle wrote:
Considering ArrGee's been the very one to bang on about censorship before and Tina's perchant to become abusive to ArrGee when caught out ("k**bhead" wasn't it, ArrGee?), it smacks of "don't do as I do, do as I say."

They could have edited out the offending parts if they wanted, the fact they scrubbed the lot off betrays exactly what I'd suspected from the start: that there's something dubious about Geldof's supposed "enquiry team" tipping others off about a bogus Rats gig & refusing to reply to the simple question as to what Geldof's reaction to it.
Whatever the case is, as far as I'm concerned I wash my hands of this nonsense for good this time. Goodbye & good riddance.

No one was against you making your point, it was the way it was made and the language used that caused the posts to be removed.

Why should Scottie or I be editing your posts because you make them offensive? Your posts are your responsibility. The they is Scottie and me. We have nothing to do with geldof.info. The posts were removed from Tina and yourself for the reasons I stated. How can you conclude this "betrays exactly what I'd suspected from the start" from that?

Now I'm no pal of Tina nor Ian with regard to their treatment of this forum as some sort of subversive group who look to undermine Geldof at every opportunity, but there are rules, and your posts went beyond what was acceptable. There are plenty of questions we'd all like answers to, but they aren't necessarily forthcoming. It'd be a first if Geldof's reaction to anything was posted here.

Ah well, goodbye then. Sorry to see you go, but the moderators aren't here to referee slanging matches.

Scottie · Loudmouth

I too am puzzled by Mark's remarks. I edited the swear words from all messages. That was the right thing to do, and I make no apologies for it.

ArrGee1991 · Dave

For those that plan to do the Rat in Blackpool, the band is on stage at 10.20pm at the Empress Ballroom, the famed venue where The Stone Roses played their landmark gig back in 1989.

http://www.rebellionfestivals.com/rebellion-blackpool-bands.html

-- Edited by ArrGee1991 at 15:29, 2008-07-23

BTR · Tonight

Big venue:

http://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/empress_ballroom.htm

The last time I was there (more than 15 years ago) it was to see Little & Large. 2 hours to 2,000 people and not a single person laughed. Eddie Large did an impression of Bob Geldof - I laughed at that one because it was so bad.

The actor Nigel Havers was there in the crowd, and he was wearing a long black curly wig so that nobody would recognise him. Unfortunately, he just looked like Nigel Havers wearing a long black curly wig - and the wig only served to draw more attention to him - people just thought that he looked a berk.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

I'd love to go to this but would probably look out of place! I imagine you would have to have a mohican to gain entry, a black curly wig would probably get you a kicking.

I don't think it does the band any harm to be called The Rats for this. I think disassociating themselves from Geldof on this would be sensible and save them a bottling. Also I reckon that once they rip through Number One, Mary, Kicks etc. they'll go down a storm. Bad Manners are gonna sound sh!te coming on after them.

August is gonna be a kicking month!

-- Edited by ArrGee at 22:03, 2008-07-23

ROBIN · Mary of the 4th Form

I certainly did not spend hour after hour dreaming over thier album covers because of Bob Geldof. Simon and Garry were always the hottest. No one can sing like like Simon Crowe and, certainly no one can sweat like Garry Roberts! Whatever they call themselves, I know they will be great. What possible reason could Sir B.G. have to sue or hinder them in any way? Hopefully the true fans will help make it up to them for "Little Bob Doing Good" throwing them to the wolves, and show up by the millions. Truly, I am not trying to slam Sir Bob ,or insult his fans but, the facts are the facts and, my afore mentioned album covers had FIVE {sometimes six} BOOMTOWN RATS. Didn't those other guys like, play the instruments or something like that? Good on ya Simon and Garry, this is a dream come true for me! Love to all of my Rat brothers and sisters,Robin.

fastpaddy · Lookin' After Number 1

I don't know where Mark Boyle could have got the ridiculous idea that Garry and Simon are pretending to be the entire original "The Boomtown Rats", when it is quite obvious, especially to anyone who has seen them, that that is not what they are about. They are not that stupid. What they are doing is playing the songs that they themselves helped to create, with genuine feeling and understanding, and playing them as they were meant to be played. If they are not entitled to do that, then who is? I suggest that he goes and sees them, so that he will at least be able to take an informed view the next time he wants to submit a comment about them.

-- Edited by fastpaddy at 16:55, 2008-08-11

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

fastpaddy wrote:
I don't know where Mark Boyle could have got the ridiculous idea that Garry and Simon are pretending to be the entire original "The Boomtown Rats", when it is quite obvious, especially to anyone who has seen them, that that is not what they are about. They are not that stupid. What they are doing is playing the songs that they themselves helped to create, with genuine feeling and understanding, and playing them as they were meant to be played. If they are not entitled to do that, then who is? I suggest that he goes and sees them, so that he will at least be able to take an informed view the next time he wants to submit a comment about them.

To be fair to Mark Boyle, his comments were made within days of the Blackpool gig being announced. I suspect he still holds this view and would never set foot in any venue where the (ex-Boomtown) Rats played. Sadly he left this forum in the wake of this discussion, so we'll probably never know what he thinks. But he is always welcome back.

I agree that Crowe and Roberts are fully entitled to re-form and having witnessed their majestic performance at The 100 Club, they certainly have a great feeling for these songs. The dozen Rats songs they performed were not just half-hearted reproductions, but were fully developed, and freshened up by the two new members despite the lack of keyboards, horns and strings. Mondays in particular was a real triumph, and a great improvement on Geldof's recent renditions.

For fans like myself who were just a liitle too young to catch the Rats when they toured with their first album (I got into them sometime around the time Clockwork was released and I would never have got into the Marquee aged 13), it was great to see a gig that predominately focused on the debut. And the three Dr. Feelgood songs an extra bonus.

stevepunkpool · Mary of the 4th Form

I find this all so amusing regarding a name in a Band. I watch the guys play the 100 Club and they bloody well rocked. Who actually cares if they are called The Boomown Rats or The Rats at least this way the fans of the music can yet again here the old tunesplayed LIVE.

If these guys are making money than good for them they are not alone in the music business for this. Geldof has made money from the band now allow the other members to also cash in.

I guarantee if Bob was offered lots of money to reform as did The Sex Pistols he would jump at the chance.
At least the band have yet again started at grass roots and started in the small venues like The 100 Club. I cant wait to see them again.
Go on you BOOMTOWN RATS with or without Bob

Wes[Wolverhampton] · House on Fire

Good words Steve--Good to see them get back to the grass roots in music as well as venues

kirjen3112 · She's So Modern

Agree with ya there Steve,lookin forward to Jan 09 when I can see them again,its a long time since 85

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

ArrGee wrote:
I think in terms of probability it ranks
Simon & Garry 100% (they need the dough)
Fingers 1% (only if he happens to be over from Japan)
Cott 0.1% (only if the owl drags him on stage)
Briquette 0.0001% (only if his mum and auntie insist he plays with little Johnnie, and tell him to stop hanging out with posh Robert)
Geldof 0.00000000000000000000000000001% (but of course if there is a big bag of cash that could be 100%)

Just like 2008 all over again

Mark L · Loudmouth

Really interesting to read these posts in the light of the last 12 to 18 months. As my grandmother used to say: You never know what's around the corner, apart from more corners.

I wonder if Mark Boyle ever got to see the gang of 4 or is planning to? Even though there's no JF or GC, he must be happy with the latest assembly?

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Mark L wrote:
Really interesting to read these posts in the light of the last 12 to 18 months. As my grandmother used to say: You never know what's around the corner, apart from more corners.
I wonder if Mark Boyle ever got to see the gang of 4 or is planning to? Even though there's no JF or GC, he must be happy with the latest assembly?

I doubt Mark Boyle ever came around. Have a read of his review of Back to Boomtown on Amazon. http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RONVY3L6QKXN1

Derek The Dane · V Deep

Wow,that must be the worst feedback ever left for an album.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Derek The Dane wrote:
Wow,that must be the worst feedback ever left for an album.

Mark Boyle seems to have some sort of vendetta against Garry and Simon that nobody else shares. Talk about vitriol. All the Rats get on now, and they sell out decent sized venues. Mr Boyle seems to think that Simon and Garry are some sort of 'chancers', tagging along for the money and have passed off some sort of inferior product prior to the band reforming.

I have always seen Simon and Garry as essential to the Rats sound and attitude. There may have been some bitterness after the band broke up but gladly that is all healed now. Let's enjoy this fabulous band and ditch the stupid idea that some members are more worthy than others-very much a minority view than the occasional odd 'contributer' can come up with.

Going to a lot of the gigs this is all nonsense anyway, as the crowds turn up in their thousands and seem to lap up all things Geldof and the Rats. Largely they/we are paying tribute to the music and it's legacy. The odd fan will put their own spin on things and have their own weird agenda, be it about money or some notion that certain members of the Rats were not worthy of being in the band in the first place, and later used the name to profit and flog a dead horse through the byways of the Uk.

All bands have their own internal politics and relationships and even money concerns, but for me the Rats were always a gang that stuck together and Boyle's assertions about Simon and Garry seem a bit barmy to me.

Generally I try to avoid controversial stuff but sometimes you just have to let off steam. smile

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

Interestingly, I was wondering why, all of a sudden, The Rats were being referred to as Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats by the media. This had never happened in the past and it felt wrong. Then I heard BG being interviewed and he stated, it's not Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, it's just the Boomtown Rats. Indeed, they are equally important, all six of them. BG has also said how much it has helped feeling the full force and energy of the band behind him.

ArrGee's predictions were interesting and I'm glad, for once, he was completely and utterly extremely wrong.

. Way off

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:

ArrGee's predictions were interesting and I'm glad, for once, he was completely and utterly extremely wrong. . Way off

What I should have done was sneakily edited my posts saying that in five years time they'd all be on stage together Well all bar Fingers.

Anyway I did say there was a 0.00000000000000000000000000001% chance of Geldof returning, so I wasn't completely utterly extremely wrong.

suss · In the Long Grass

ArrGee1991 wrote:
In all likelihood, they will probably only do stuff off the first couple of albums, and with a bit of luck not do I Don't Like Mondays
-- Edited by ArrGee1991 at 19:52, 2008-02-14

Oh I don't know, I remember being impressed with this foresight, especially as Mondays was all but dropped in the familiar guise.

bigbosscentral · House on Fire

Why has this story suddenly been featured at the top?

Mark L · Loudmouth

When a member posts a message even after months of inactivity, like ArrGee last year or me this year, the subject jumps to the top for awareness for others purposes.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

I find it interesting when the old stuff get resurrected on forums. There are occasions when I read back what I wrote seven or eight years ago, and find I totally disagree with myself. In so many ways, I'm glad this is a recent phenomena. My teenage opinions would have to be expunged.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

ArrGee wrote:
I find it interesting when the old stuff get resurrected on forums. There are occasions when I read back what I wrote seven or eight years ago, and find I totally disagree with myself. In so many ways, I'm glad this is a recent phenomena. My teenage opinions would have to be expunged.

It's amazing how people come and go on forums and SM. Some very interesting people along the way just seem to vanish. The percentage of regular posters on this forum is just a tiny tiny fraction of all those who attend the Rats gigs.