Rats: revisiting the past

But, as long ago as that was, there’s a history for Bob Geldof that goes even further, back to his Irish homeland.

We don’t need to go too far back (to when he worked as a music journalist in Vancouver) — 1975, when he joined the Boomtown Rats will suffice.

The Irish punk band became such a hit in their homeland that it was just a matter of time before mainland Britain caught up.

The Boomtown Rats burst onto the British punk scene with the high-energy Lookin’ After No. 1.

This started a slew of hits towards the end of the decade and on into the 80s.

The band broke up, in the aftermath of Live Aid, in 1986, which puts paid to those who claim he only did it to revive a flagging career, and the band only reformed this year for another waltz.

You can expect hits such as Mary of the 4th Form, Rat Trap, Like Clockwork, She’s So Modern and, a favourite, the anthem of the paranoid — Someone’s Looking At You.

Four of the original six band members are taking part.

The Boomtown Rats play the O2 Academy on Sunday, November 3, with doors opening at 7pm.

Tickets, available at the box office, cost £27.