The Boomtown Rats

The Boomtown Rats (aka Boomtown Rats) are an Irish rock band originally formed in Dublin in 1975. Generally associated wit the post-punk scene of the late 70s in the UK, they were one of the first groups to break into the mainstream and achieve hit singles and extensive television coverage and radio play.

The group's debut single, Lookin' After No. 1, released in August 1977 reached no. 11 in the UK, while their debut eponymous album, released the following month made the top 20 and spawned another hit single, Mary of the 4th Form, no. 15 in December. The Rats had two consecutive no.1 hits with Rat Trap (1978) and I Don't Like Mondays (1979) and scored their last top 10 hit with Banana Republic in 1980, while three further albums released between 1978 and 1981, all made the top 10.

Band members

 * Bob Geldof - lead vocals
 * Pete Briquette - bass guitar
 * Simon Crowe - drums, backing vocals
 * Johnnie Fingers - piano, keyboards (until 1986)
 * Gerry Cott - guitars (until 1982)