My fave rats gig

Mike menzies · V Deep

My fave rats gig

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Mike menzies wrote:
this was 1983they did the college circuits played Aston university you had to be signed in by students Pete briquette came out to talk to fans and old geezer on door would not let him back in until student rep arrived . They played a lot of songs from it'll and v deep &da couple of older songs they were brill and met fans in bar after gig (just a plain stage no trimmings but worth going to see) saw them again in1985 for it'll tour at odeon again very good

I saw both nights of the gig in Dublin last year, ie Saturday and Sunday. I thought the Sunday night was brilliant, Geldof was on fire(metaphorically!)totally in the zone, as they say.

You would think the second night might be less intense, but for me it was on a totally different level. A fantastic gig, and all the more remarkable in that I hear the band had a very late night on the Saturday.

In case you missed it the Rats at Chippenham, Wilts in on Youtube (from 1985)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxL-MLV-x0U

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

Sunday night at Dublin and Cork were on a parr. Something incredibly special about both of them. The first gig in Oxford features up there, because it was my first ever, it was back then in their prime and the excitement was teenager excitement.

Mike menzies · V Deep

Thanks for the info about Chippenham as I am house bound watching them on youtube will help regards

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

There are bits and pieces from Dublin 2013 on there too.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

I can tell you the worst (Blackheath), but the best is too difficult to say. Assuming Maida Vale wouldn't count, The Rainbow, Hammersmith Odeon, 100 Club, Whelan's, The Polo Club and Cork all have their unique merits so I'd tie them all equal first with the others bar Blackheath a close second.

manatthetop · In the Long Grass

Belfast 1980 played two nights £3 50 in Ulster Hall 5 years later feb 1985 £7,50 played one night All 3 gigs sold out. The only other time i was to see the Rats live again Belfast oct 2013 gig sold out then Oxford nov 2014 the only time i have that was. seen the Rats play live outside of ireland and have to say what a great gig/night that was. I have seen geldof more times live as solo than as a rat

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

ArrGee, you may have told us about Blackheath, but remind me.

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

My fave has got to be at the Forum - really enjoyed it and especially finally meeting Bob! Wolverhampton gig was also pretty good!

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Lisa wrote:
My fave has got to be at the Forum - really enjoyed it and especially finally meeting Bob! Wolverhampton gig was also pretty good!

That's interesting given you were at The Polo Club you didn't mention it. I would have thought that for any fan seeing their first performance with Geldof at the helm since 1986 (or in my case 1980) that would have been a fave (not dissing you in case I get more sh!t). I enjoyed The Forum but maybe cos I didn't meet Geldof, it wasn't a fave for me

PS also you got to see me at the Polo Club, so amazed that wasn't your fave

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

ArrGee wrote:
Lisa wrote:
My fave has got to be at the Forum - really enjoyed it and especially finally meeting Bob! Wolverhampton gig was also pretty good!
That's interesting given you were at The Polo Club you didn't mention it. I would have thought that for any fan seeing their first performance with Geldof at the helm since 1986 (or in my case 1980) that would have been a fave (not dissing you in case I get more sh!t). I enjoyed The Forum but maybe cos I didn't meet Geldof, it wasn't a fave for me

PS also you got to see me at the Polo Club, so amazed that wasn't your fave

Oh goodness, now you've got me! Why does everyone keep challenging me on what I say? It's because I'm a fickle female - I change my mind depending on what day it is - I answered on a Saturday, now it's a Sunday, so yes The Polo Club was great and the IOW of course. However, if I'm really honest the best ever RATS gig was seeing Simon, Garry, Pete Barton and Darren at Reepham, just because it was the first time I had ever seen Rats music played live - despite being an avid fan sadly I never saw them first time around ...

So yes seeing them reform for those first two gigs was great, but hearing and seeing them live anywhere would be great for me - maybe I was more anxious at The Polo Club/IOW - the former because it was a bit of a nightmare driving there and with 2 teenagers in tow so not the opportunity to stand back as much and enjoy it, the IOW, well I was going to a scary big festival on my own - well with a bunch of people I vaguely know - some random people I met on the internet as my boys refer to it (yes don't do as I do, just do as I say, kids!). But I have enjoyed all the gigs - just guess the whole package of spending the weekend in Wolverhampton/London, child-free, and able to just relax and enjoy it - ok well the opportunity to have more than a few drinks and just not care about anything other than enjoying myself! And yes meeting Bob was the icing on the cake - just sort of "completed" everything, and has taken away that urge to always seek that elusive missing piece.

The other downside of the Polo Club was some dodgy geezer trying to sell me a t-shirt that didn't fit wink But it was an absolute pleasure to meet you ArrGee, and I did eventually get a superb almost exclusive t-shirt!

And when did I ever give you sh!t?? I always try to be nice - but it depends what day it is of course

Ian D · House on Fire

1985 Portsmouth Guildhall, my first ever gig and just caught the Rats before they disbanded.

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

The Polo Club - yes, that should be added to the list and the Bristol gigs and, and, and nearly very one I've been to.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Lisa wrote:

And when did I ever give you sh!t?? I always try to be nice - but it depends what day it is of course

Never, just seems I upset some people by disagreeing. Need my ears checking and so on.

Tango · In the Long Grass

Only two to choose from, unless you count Simon/Garry/Darren/Barton at Baby Blue in Liverpool, which was novel for being first incarnation of the Rats I'd seen, even if there were only a handful of people making up the 'crowd', got to be the The Forum, if only because it's a far better venue than The Roundhouse.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Lisa wrote:
The other downside of the Polo Club was some dodgy geezer trying to sell me a t-shirt that didn't fit

Yeah, that's a real bummer! Though the way I remember it is I thought it looked too big and ordered one specially for you cos you're so special

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

ArrGee wrote:
Lisa wrote:
And when did I ever give you sh!t?? I always try to be nice - but it depends what day it is of course
Never, just seems I upset some people by disagreeing. Need my ears checking and so on.

Maybe you should change your name to DisArrg(r)ee? biggrin I love it when people disagree - just not with me though 'cos then I get all sensitive and think everyone hates me!

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

ArrGee wrote:
Lisa wrote:
The other downside of the Polo Club was some dodgy geezer trying to sell me a t-shirt that didn't fit
Yeah, that's a real bummer! Though the way I remember it is I thought it looked too big and ordered one specially for you cos you're so special

You missed a trick there - I would have probably paid more for a smaller size as I was so chuffed it was too big for me! And have to arrgree with you, I am very special!! Gee shucks! biggrin

suss · In the Long Grass

Tough call, but if pushed I'd say Cork, it being first proper headline gig for reunited band, in front of thousands of partisans, with a long set (longest since the old days?) and the band absolutely on fire that night. Add the fact it was a trip away, on a blazing summer weekend, with numerous fans/friends there, and the drink flowing, and what's not to like?

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

Suss is the only person who can truly give an answer to this post. The rest of can only talk about the gigs we've been to

suss · In the Long Grass

Not at all. Anyone who's been to more than one will have a view.

Guess main problem is it's very subjective, including location, company and possibly levels of inebriation.

The more difficult question would be at which gig did the band truly surpass themselves, and that would most likely include gigs from 30 odd years ago none of us went to.

daggerrat · Never In A Million Years

You are correct Suss, as a sixteen year old in 1978 3 nights at the odeon followed by 3 nights at the rainbow were fantastic.

Thats when i realised mum and dad are not that bad after all as they bank rolled me though they did not let me go to Loch Lomond

The back up band were quite good as well an irish outfit called Protex.

I did also really enjoy seeing them at IOW though obviously it was far too short a set , i think Bob tried to prolong it best he could.

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

suss wrote:
Not at all. Anyone who's been to more than one will have a view.
Guess main problem is it's very subjective, including location, company and possibly levels of inebriation.
The more difficult question would be at which gig did the band truly surpass themselves, and that would most likely include gigs from 30 odd years ago none of us went to.

Yes, it is very subjective.

Ive vey never been to a rubbish gig. They pull it our of the bag every time. Some may stand out more than others. Sometimes it's the whole package. The weekend in iow, meeting the crowd the night before and more people on the day Etc etc.

Joke · The Dutch One

suss wrote:
Tough call, but if pushed I'd say Cork, it being first proper headline gig for reunited band, in front of thousands of partisans, with a long set (longest since the old days?) and the band absolutely on fire that night. Add the fact it was a trip away, on a blazing summer weekend, with numerous fans/friends there, and the drink flowing, and what's not to like?

Yes, that's my favourite one too, if I have to choose. Followed by Skegness with two gigs in one day, and Isle of Wight because it was the first "official" one.

manatthetop · In the Long Grass

Jules wrote:
Suss is the only person who can truly give an answer to this post. The rest of can only talk about the gigs we've been to

100% right Suss is the real rats fan Think he's been to more Rat gigs than Geldof LOL. Go man go Suss

ArrGee1991 · Dave

manatthetop wrote:
Jules wrote:
Suss is the only person who can truly give an answer to this post. The rest of can only talk about the gigs we've been to
100% right Suss is the real rats fan Think he's been to more Rat gigs than Geldof LOL. Go man go Suss

He has been to more Rats gigs than Geldof this century. I can only think of three people who have been to more.

Though to be truthful, he's a bit of a Johnny Come Lately, some of us saw the Rats long before he turfed up (well once in my case)

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

Was there a Suss around in the early days? That is someone who didn't miss a single gig. Hard call, given the number of years they toured. I only saw them once back in the day and had a lot of catching up to do.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:
Was there a Suss around in the early days? That is someone who didn't miss a single gig. Hard call, given the number of years they toured. I only saw them once back in the day and had a lot of catching up to do.

Yeah, Joey. But then he moved away....

I saw them a couple of times in the 1979 and 1981 and was there at the 100 Club for The Barton Rats in 2008. I don't think there would have been anyone who saw all their gigs back then who wasn't part of the crew.

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

Yeah,did Joey get murdered or just disappear?

suss · In the Long Grass

ArrGee1991 wrote:

Though to be truthful, he's a bit of a Johnny Come Lately, some of us saw the Rats long before he turfed up (well once in my case)

Very true, although I reckon I saw band about a dozen times pre-86. Wes has prob been to more than I have, but the one I know who went to loads then and all now, incl most of the Barton band, is the guy who now does merch.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:
ArrGee1991 wrote:

Though to be truthful, he's a bit of a Johnny Come Lately, some of us saw the Rats long before he turfed up (well once in my case)

Very true, although I reckon I saw band about a dozen times pre-86. Wes has prob been to more than I have, but the one I know who went to loads then and all now, incl most of the Barton band, is the guy who now does merch.

A dozen for me post 1978. well a baker's dozen including Maida Vale. but that includes all incarnations. I would be surprised if anyone not in the crew or the band has been to more.

I have seen Pulp, Happy Mondays and Franz Ferdinand about a dozen times each down the years, so I am just sharing the love a bit more

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:
Yeah,did Joey get murdered or just disappear?

Dunno, last i heard was a rumour from the docks.

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

ArrGee wrote:
suss wrote:
ArrGee1991 wrote:

Though to be truthful, he's a bit of a Johnny Come Lately, some of us saw the Rats long before he turfed up (well once in my case)

Very true, although I reckon I saw band about a dozen times pre-86. Wes has prob been to more than I have, but the one I know who went to loads then and all now, incl most of the Barton band, is the guy who now does merch.
A dozen for me post 1978. well a baker's dozen including Maida Vale. but that includes all incarnations. I would be surprised if anyone not in the crew or the band has been to more.
I have seen Pulp, Happy Mondays and Franz Ferdinand about a dozen times each down the years, so I am just sharing the love a bit more

I have done approximately 25 since 1979 . (29 or 30 including Roberts and Crowe). Boomtown Rats gigs are set to increase in 2015. BG solo - just lost count but not as many times. Other bands max 4, including U2.if The Rats don't clash with U2 this Autumn that will be 5 times.

-- Edited by Jules on Thursday 5th of February 2015 09:32:01 AM

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Jules wrote:
Was there a Suss around in the early days? That is someone who didn't miss a single gig. Hard call, given the number of years they toured. I only saw them once back in the day and had a lot of catching up to do.

I remember speaking with Wes and I believe he saw the Rats many times back in the day. I think he followed them around the West Midlands area, and further afield.He was over in Cork in 2013.

do the rat · The Elephant's Graveyard

Iv`e seen the Rats about 6 times before 86 ( mostly in Brighton) but my favourite gig by a mile is Cork in July 2013 , it was just perfect in every way possible.I have some fantastic memories from that weekend that will last forever.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:
Sunday night at Dublin and Cork were on a par. Something incredibly special about both of them.
suss wrote:
Tough call, but if pushed I'd say Cork, it being first proper headline gig for reunited band, in front of thousands of partisans, with a long set (longest since the old days?) and the band absolutely on fire that night. Add the fact it was a trip away, on a blazing summer weekend, with numerous fans/friends there, and the drink flowing, and what's not to like?
Joke wrote:

Yes, that's my favourite one too

do the rat wrote:
... my favourite gig by a mile is Cork in July 2013 , it was just perfect in every way possible.I have some fantastic memories from that weekend that will last forever.

Lots of support for Cork, glad I went to that one otherwise I would have felt like I missed out. Looking back it was a pretty full on twenty four hours and I also have lots of fond memories of it all.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:
ArrGee, you may have told us about Blackheath, but remind me.

Search for Blackheath on the forum. It wasn't terrible but it was the worst Rats gig by some distance. Sparse audience in big hall, abridged set and had I not already booked my trip to Dublin a fortnight later I think I would have given it a miss. I remember discussing the future with suss that night and concluded that was pretty much it as far as I was concerned as I didn't think the Rats would be playing much more. How wrong I was....

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

I am very happy to hear you were wrong. Often your predictions become true. Thankfully not on this occasion.

ronthecabbie · Diamond Smiles

Anything from 78 - 79 tho the roundhouse was a belter. ....

ronthecabbie · Diamond Smiles

Anything from 78-79 tho the roundhouse is up there that was a top gig,worst Cambridge 2013 total dog**** geld of forgot the lyrics all the time and atmosphere was poor..😕😕

daggerrat · Never In A Million Years

What ones we going to this year ? I know that you are keen to see the Editors but there must be room for a Rats gig or three