The Boomtown Rats '50 Years' Tour
Cambridge Corn Exchange, Cambridge - 25/10/25
The Boomtown Rats
For any band, reaching a 50th anniversary is a momentous occasion, but when you’ve had not just the musical but also the cultural impact of The Boomtown Rats, it becomes a true cause for celebration. That is exactly what is happening right now, with the band currently midway through their nationwide tour celebrating '50 Rat Years', stopping last night at the iconic Cambridge Corn Exchange. It has been over a decade since The Rats last graced a stage in Cambridge, but they more than made up for lost time last night, mastering their way through a hit-filled set that had the audience on their feet from the word go. However, before taking to the stage, The Boomtown Rats would first treat the capacity crowd to a short documentary covering the band's 50 year history. This was certainly a first for me to experience before a concert, but I was extremely surprised at just how much I enjoyed it. The deep dive into the band's history added a sense of magnitude to what we were about to witness, reinforcing the group's cultural importance on those who somehow may not have been aware. The video also included a touching tribute section to guitarist and founding member Garry Roberts, who passed away in 2022.
It was not long after the documentary ended that the lights went down once more, and attention shifted back to the large screen shadowing the stage. A ‘Ratty Birthday’ video played, beginning with a 50th birthday cake being eaten before transforming into a swarm of rats. The ending of the video cued the unmistakable voice of Bob Geldof to ring through the venue with a triumphant cry of "Cambridge! Are You F**king Ready". The crowd’s response left no doubt, they were more than ready. As the cheers continued to erupt, the seven members of the modern-day Rats took to the stage, including Geldof and co-founders Pete Briquette (bass) and Simon Crowe (drums). This original trio was joined by four world-class musicians, Alan Dunn, Darren Beale, Paul Cuddeford and Steve Barnard, with each bringing an extra fire and energy to the performance.
The night opened with the classic ‘Rat Trap’, which immediately removed all questions as to whether this would remain a seated gig. The packed out Corn Exchange became one giant dancefloor, as Geldof stormed across the stage, rousing the crowd further. His presence on the night was up there with the very best I have ever seen from a frontman, and that even without taking into account that the singer had just celebrated his 74th birthday this month. The energy he carried through the upbeat performances was utterly infectious, whilst his star-like presence and stillness in the rare slower moments lent each song a weight and intimacy that made them all the more powerful. However, it would be a while before these slower moments appeared, as the high-velocity start continued with an anthemic performance of ‘(I Never Loved) Eva Braun’, followed by a humorous reminder about the clocks going back that led seamlessly into ‘Like Clockwork’. This opening trio of songs set the tone for the night perfectly, showcasing a band that is still at the very top of their game musically, with a deep understanding of what these songs mean to so many, while also weaving in moments of humour and personality that often go unnoticed.
One of the most memorable moments of the night came during the breakdown section of '(She's Gonna) Do You In', which followed a deeply impressive harmonica solo from Geldof. As the solo drew to a close, every member on stage, bar Simon Crow, who kept the pace driving with his rhythmic drumming,stepped forward, launching into a jam session that showcased the band’s effortless chemistry and sheer musical prowess. This was swiftly followed by Bob Geldof declaring The Boomtown Rats "were amazing 50 years ago, but we are f**king magnificent tonight". And truth be told, there is nothing I could write in this review that would ring more true than that statement.
Whilst most of the night was spent with The Boomtown Rats and the audience pouring every drop of energy into creating one big party atmosphere, there were still moments of poignancy, most notably during the band's most recognisable hit, ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’, delivered with renewed gravitas. For those familiar with the story behind the song, the weight of each line is undeniable, but after being played across the globe millions of times, there’s always a risk its impact can be lost. However, after the now-iconic pause following Geldof’s cry of “How to die”, he took a moment to reflect on the atrocities taking place in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and across the world, a moment that not only renewed the meaning behind the song but also demonstrated its enduring relevance.
The lyrics of ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ are just as important now as they were when first written, and the same could be said for The Boomtown Rats’ enduring place in the music industry. Later songs in the set, like the politically charged ‘Banana Republic’, only emphasised this point. But even beyond their political lyricism, songs like set-closer ‘The Boomtown Rats’, which is essentially a rock-infused club track, had the crowd bouncing chaotically, as if their lives depended on it, and I think that sort of joyous escape is equally as important now as it ever has been. Much can be said about the legacy of The Boomtown Rats, both musically and culturally, and quite rightly too, but what last night really demonstrated to me is how equally important they are musically and culturally in 2025, and that is a special position to be in.
The Horn
The night was kicked off by indie five-piece The Horn, who are accompanying The Boomtown Rats on the first half of their anniversary tour, capping off a huge 2025 which has been full of new music and stellar live shows. The band’s infectious music and confident stage presence quickly broke through what began as a seemingly reserved, seated crowd. Within a matter of songs, their energy was being mirrored back through audience clapping and a sea of phone lights.
It is the second time I've had the privilege of seeing The Horn live, with the first coincidentally also being a support slot in the same building nearly 2 years ago. On that night, I highlighted how the band's seeming natural ability to get audiences participating was "the perfect feature for a support band". However, there seemed to be an even stronger conviction in the delivery last night, as if the five musicians on stage had become increasingly assured of their sound, and now feel on the cusp of headlining rooms this big themselves.
Previous set closers 'Addicted to Love' and 'Do It Now' would find themselves shifted to mid-set songs, highlighting the growth in the band's discography over the last few years. Surrounding them were more recent songs like 'Drift Away' and 'Guess All You Want', with the band's most recent release 'Something You Forgot' receiving the honour of closing the set. Selecting a song to close with is always an important choice, especially when you're a supporting act and this is your last chance to leave your mark on an audience. Yet despite only being out for two weeks, this brand-new single felt tailor-made to provide the exclamation mark on a set that showcased exactly why The Horn's infectious brand of indie music is becoming so beloved.
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