The Boomtown Rats join Rewind Festival lineup in Cork and Dublin

Rewind 2025 have today announced an addition to the lineup with The Boomtown Rats.

Known for their raw energy, thought-provoking yet belt-worthy lyrics and a legacy that transcends decades, The Boomtown Rats will light up both Dublin’s St. Anne’s Park on June 1st and Virgin Media Park in Cork on June 21st.

The Boomtown Rats were formed in 1975, and so the gigs will see them play their 50th anniversary gigs. With Bob Geldof to the fore, they blazed a trail out of Dublin, signing with Ensign Records – later also the home of Sinéad O'Connor and The Waterboys – and immediately started to rack up the hit records. 'Looking After No.1' was their first hit, in 1977, reaching No.11 in the UK charts. That was followed by 'Mary of the 4th Form' (No.15), 'She's So Modern' (No.12) and 'Like Clockwork', before the band scored what was the first ever UK No.1 by an Irish rock band with 'Rat Trap' in 1978.

They had their biggest global hit with the follow-up, 'I Don't Like Mondays', which was a Irish, Australian and UK No.1 in 1979 and a Top 6 hit in the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Germany, New Zealand and Canada, among other territories. That propelled the album The Fine Art of Surfacing into charts across the world, delivering a platinum album in Canada and gold in the UK.

The band's other major hit was 'Banana Reublic' – a scathing comment on the Ireland of the early 1980s, which went to No.3 in both Ireland and the UK.

The band made a long-awaited return to recording and live action in 2020, with the release of the Citizens Of Boomtown album and the related movie of the same name. The film was launched almost immediately before Covid hit – with the pandemic casting a long shadow over what was widely regarded as a powerful statement of intent by the revived Rats. For many fans, the band's appearance at Rewind will be an opportunity not just to celebrate The Boomtown Rats' immense legacy, but also to highlight the contemporary relevance of their work as a trail-blazing Irish outfit that still delivers a powerful rock 'n' roll noise and potent songs alike.

Tickets for both shows start from €59.90 are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

This year’s shows promise to be the ultimate throwback, featuring beloved names from the ‘80s and beyond. Fans can expect to groove to hits from pop sensation Tiffany, Irish favourites Boyzlife, new wave star Toyah, the cabaret provocateur Jerry Fish, plus ABC, Something Happens and Matt Goss (Bros).

But, wait there’s more! Each city will host a unique headliner to close out the night with a band. In Dublin, the legendary Billy Ocean will keep the good vibes flowing with his timeless hits, while Cork fans will be treated to a performance from Squeeze.