Bob Geldof reveals meaning behind Boomtown Rats name after 50 years

Sir Bob Geldof recently unveiled the inspiration behind the iconic name of the Boomtown Rats as the band celebrates its 50th anniversary. The Boomtown Rats, formed in Dublin in 1975, gained popularity with hits like ‘I don’t like Mondays’, ‘Banana Republic’, and ‘Rat Trap’ between 1977 and 1985.

Speaking at the 40-year celebration of Live Aid, Sir Bob explained that the band’s name was influenced by Woody Guthrie, a mentor to Bob Dylan. Sharing the story behind the name, Sir Bob revealed that Guthrie, a prominent songwriter of the 1930s and 40s, was part of a band called the Boomtown Rats at the age of 11, who set off on their own path instead of joining the old gang. This spirit of independence resonated with the band and became the inspiration behind their name.

As part of the celebrations, a new rock album is set to be released alongside a West End stage musical based on the Live Aid event. The album, titled “Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical,” was announced at Wembley Stadium, with Sir Bob Geldof present to unveil the project. The show aims to capture the essence of the 1985 response to the Ethiopian famine, highlighting its significance in music history.

The album, produced by Matthew Brind and Jon Bath, and engineered by Jeremy Murphy, offers a modern take on the classic tracks while staying true to the original sound and emotion. Featuring new lyrics by Sir Bob Geldof himself, the album includes anthems from renowned artists who performed at Live Aid, such as Queen, David Bowie, U2, Elton John, and many more.

The upcoming musical and album serve as a tribute to the ’80s era, known for its bold anthems and emotional depth, reflecting the transformative power of music. Just For One Day will hit London’s Shaftesbury Theatre on May 15, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Band Aid Charitable Trust. The album is scheduled for release on July 11, just in time for the 40th anniversary of Live Aid on July 13.