Record Mirror 1981

Mark L · Loudmouth

Record Mirror 1981

Mike menzies · V Deep

I think I remember the edition and I also had sounds at which they were in in jan81 they were still popular then before the rot set in etc still nice to remenisce about the best band in the world

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

Can you take a photo of it? I'm sure I'd have read it at the time and would love to see it again after all these years.

Mark L · Loudmouth

Mark L · Loudmouth

Mark L · Loudmouth

Mark L · Loudmouth

Jules - hope you enjoy these snippets. Apologies that if you're watching on an I pad there may be much neck-twisting and screen auto-rotating but it's the first time I've uploaded photos to here (or any forum for that matter) and I'm light years behind the mighty and legendary Suss.

Mike - you're right, there's a general warmth to the article (there is the odd cold spot) and if course even as late as February 1981, the Rats still had yet to see a single fail to crack the top 20. That fate would be sealed on 14th February when, much to many peoples astonishment, The Elephants Graveyard slipped from 26 to 27. But as of this article, Mondo Bongo's short chart life was yet to come to fruition and it had reached 6, the highest album placement thus far.

Once EG peaked and Mondo Bongo was seen to be heading to the exits after 6 weeks, it was as though the starting pistol had been well and truly fired and the critics let rip.

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

Ha. Ha yes. I'm on my ipad. I will wait to look properly when I'm on the computer. These look great, thanks.

Mark L · Loudmouth

It was Fachtna O'Kelly who reviewed the singles, not Robbie McGrath.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Mark L wrote:
Just had a sort out and came across the above. 8 page feature on the Rats from January, with Mondo Bongo slipping from 9 to 11 on the official album chart (Our Price chart had them going up from 4 to 3 and Virgin holding steady at 5)
Elephants Graveyard new at 40 and was single of the week. Mind you, a certain Robbie McGrath was reviewing.
Fascinating to read it all again 30 years or so later.

I used to have this years ago, in another life. The EG single is reviewed by Facthna O kelly, who was the Rats manager, not Robbie Mcgrath. Some great photos of the Rats and some amusing writing as well by various members. Bob gets a let off from the Cumbria Constabulary, maybe today it would be a different story. What could be more 1981 than Space Invaders!One of the features was about the audience at Newcastle City Hall, can't remember if it was Gerry or Garry who wrote it, but it was quite funny and perceptive.

Mark maybe it's an Ashes gesture to our friendS in Australia, as the photos have come out upside down. Anyway good work. smile

-- Edited by noelindublin on Friday 31st of July 2015 01:14:25 PM

Mike menzies · V Deep

I also have mit condition fllexipop mag with dunlaohaire still taped on front cover there is a centre spread poster of the rats tis is about march 1981 have quite a few cuttings from1980s mags but don't know how to put on forum

Mark L · Loudmouth

Thanks Noel. I realised my reviewer error but I think our posts crossed in the post (if that makes sense!)

It was Mr Fingers who reviewed the audience and I'll photo that and a few other bits and Bob Geldofs from this 8 page special later tonight. I get where you're coming from re Cumbria Constabulary. I recall from Bob's autobiography that his virginity may have been 'taken' before he reached Eire's age of consent of 17, but again, sensibly, I don't think it was a matter that required the close attention of the authorities.

Mark L · Loudmouth

Mark L · Loudmouth

More snippets attached including Fingers witty audience review. Note the snake picture so the video for Up All Night must already have been recorded in 1980 so was possibly a contender for inclusion on Mondo Bongo and release as a single. A video was also done for Having My Picture Taken and Living In An Island, but again neither was released a single.

manatthetop · In the Long Grass

Nice one Mark. Some good reads and images. I think I must of had this at one time as I still have one of the photo's that's in it, the one with the band at the end of a gig with Geldof out stretched hands

Mark L · Loudmouth

Cheers - yep, I recall you uploading that one to the forum before. It's a good shot and seems full of camaraderie and team spirit, belying the imminent departure of Gerry Cott.

Mike menzies · V Deep

I had quite a bit of cuttings at this time I was also a member of the fan club but didn't receive much from them. The odd newsletter until 1983 telling about tour etc and apic of the band ( minus Gerry) then a few press cuttings from1984 Ad for tonight drag e down etc