In The Long Grass had been a difficult album. The Boomtown Rats were pretty much broke but had a contractual obligation to release this sixth record. After doing a tour of UK universities to raise some cash, they recorded In The Long Grass in a small studio in south London. After struggling with the ancient recording equipment and calling in a few favours, the album was eventually finished - and the band were justifiably pleased with it.
The four singles off the album were Tonight, Drag Me Down, Dave and A Hold of Me and despite all of these being really strong tunes – Dave especially - inexplicably, they didn’t achieve much in the way of chart success.
The album didn’t do very well either. One of the issues was that it got tied up in Band Aid. Originally In The Long Grass was scheduled for release in December 1984, but there were concerns that amidst all furore of Do They Know It’s Christmas? The Rats would be accused of using Band Aid as some sort of publicity stunt! So, the album release was delayed until the following year.
The Rats really worked hard to make this record a success. Songs were remixed for the US and Canadian market – Dave was given a major re-write and released as Rain.
But although it should have all ended with “…dancing, songs and smiles…” (name that tune?), we know what came next….
Sadly, after In The Long Grass was released, the band split up.
I recorded an acoustic version of Dave, as a tribute to Garry.
The Boomtown Rats actualy toured the album in 85 and played at Glastonbury(which can be found on a BBC album).The tour sold well and the tour program told us about a Best Of album on the way.
I still believe is was Crowe and Fingers departure which ended the Rats as Bob was also working on a record deal which included a solo album and a new Rats album.
As for ITLG I love it and I prefer it to TFAOS but tonight should never have been the first single.
I'll name that tune in one.....