It’s March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day – so I thought I’d have a look at how The Rats have celebrated this most Irish of holidays over the years. I’ve relied heavily on t’interweb for this and sources don’t always agree – so if I have got something wrong, please let us know.
1978 - From what I can gather, in 1978 the band played a gig at Phil Lynott’s house – it seems that this was the only time they promoted the event as a special St. Patrick’s Day gig.
1979 - The Rats were in the middle of a US tour and played at the Opera House, Lawrence, Kansas. These photos from Peter Stone’s book Having their picture taken, were taken during the band’s stay in Lawrence for that gig...…love the giant paper rat.
1980 – Again the band seem to have been on a US tour but this time at the Orpheum Theatre Boston. As luck has it, this gig was recorded and can be found here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNG03yr4Iyo. Although Bob mentions St. Patrick’s Day a few times, the band don’t seem to make a big deal of it.
1981 – Again in the US, at the Paramount Theatre Seattle. The only reference I could find to this gig was a set list here https://www.wolfgangs.com/music/the-boomtown-rats/audio/21022759-112434.html?tid=2146598627
And that seems to be it until 1985 when they played a gig at the Mayfair Ballroom in Newcastle.
If any Citizens have any recollections of these or other St. Patrick’s Day gigs, please shout out!!!!
Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Thanks for your information!!! Happy Saint Patrick’s day!!!
Loved this! Thank you 🍀💕. I remembered seeing the Rats in my hometown Los Angeles, Ca
in March of 1981. It was just one week exactly after ST Patrick’s day!
Happy St Patricks Day.......have a really lovely Evening everyone xxx
Happy St Patrick’s Day. Pity there isn’t a Rat celebration this year 🐀.
Wonderful. Happy St Patrick’s Day to all
Great piece of research. Thank you