71-year-old rock star surprised to still be performing, expected to be in retirement home
The Boomtown Rats star, Pete Briquette, recently reflected on the band’s 50th-anniversary celebrations and their ongoing success despite his initial doubts about their future. As they gear up for an upcoming tour and special documentary release, Pete, along with Bob Geldof and Simon Crowe, is excited about the band’s busy schedule. In a recent interview with the Mirror, Pete, now 71 years old, shared his surprise at still being active in the music industry after five decades.
He humorously mentioned that he had envisioned himself in a specialized retirement home for aging musicians by now but is grateful for the band’s continued popularity and success. Pete highlighted the band’s milestone year with the Boomtown Rats’ 50th birthday celebrations, Live Aid’s 40th anniversary, and Band Aid’s 40th anniversary, all of which have kept them engaged and busy with various projects.
Reflecting on his career, he admitted that young people today are often impressed by his involvement in Live Aid and Band Aid, as well as his experience touring with iconic bands like the Ramones and Talking Heads. Despite the passing of time, Pete remains grateful for the memorable moments he has experienced, especially performances like the Feed The World rendition at Wembley Stadium alongside legendary artists like Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Bono, and Bowie.
As The Boomtown Rats prepare for their upcoming tour, Pete expressed his gratitude for still feeling relevant and visible in the music industry at his age. While acknowledging that many artists tend to fade into obscurity as they age, Pete feels fortunate to have maintained a place in the hearts of fans and younger generations. Their upcoming concert in London will showcase a half-hour documentary chronicling the band’s journey and successes over the years, offering fans a glimpse into their musical legacy.
Despite the challenges of selecting their setlist and leaving out beloved songs, Pete emphasized the importance of choosing songs that resonate with fans and sound great live. He also shared his admiration for bands like Oasis, noting their ability to engage audiences with B-side tracks and captivate sold-out crowds. Growing up, Pete found inspiration in bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, driving his passion for music from an early age.
Today, his music tastes lean towards newer artists like Fontaines DC, Kneecap, and Arctic Monkeys, finding solace and joy in their music as they continue to inspire him. While acknowledging the recent resurgence in bands, Pete lamented a lack of new bands making an impact in the industry. He believes that the power of a band lies in its unique chemistry, creating a connection with listeners that transcends individual talent.
Looking ahead, Pete emphasized the importance of maintaining the band’s legacy and relevance in the ever-evolving music industry. With a renewed sense of purpose and excitement about their upcoming projects, The Boomtown Rats are determined to carry on creating meaningful and impactful music for years to come.