On this day, 6 Jan 1981, Irish Punk rockers The Boomtown Rats played Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens supported by fellow Irish band, The Atrix.
Formed in Dublin in 1975.Between 1977 and 1985, they had a series of Irish and UK hits including "Like Clockwork", "Rat Trap", "I Don't Like Mondays" and "Banana Republic".
The original line-up comprised six musicians; five from Dún Laoghaire in County Dublin; Gerry Cott (rhythm guitar), Simon Crowe (drums), Johnnie Fingers (keyboards), Bob Geldof (vocals) and Garry Roberts (lead guitar), plus Fingers' cousin Pete Briquette (bass).
The tour Bongos Over Britain was to help promote their fifth album Mondo Bongo, produced by Tony Visconti and released the same month. The album peaked at No 6 in the UK album charts and included the singles Banana Republic and Elephants Graveyard.
The Boomtown Rats
Bob Geldof - lead and backing vocals
Johnnie Fingers - keyboards, backing vocals
Gerry Cott - guitar
Garry Roberts - guitar, backing vocals
Pete Briquette - bass, keyboards, backing vocals
Simon Crowe - drums, backing vocals
Setlist
Mood Mambo
Straight Up
(I Never Loved) Eva Braun
Me and Howard Hughes
This is My Room
Banana Republic
The Elephant's Graveyard
Nothing Happened Today
Having My Picture Taken
I Don't Like Mondays
Someone's Looking at You
Keep It Up
Rat Trap
Encore:
Under Their Thumb Is Under My Thumb
Looking After No. 1
Encore 2:
Diamond Smiles