The first gig i ever went to was the Boomtown Rats as my elder sister had a spare ticket for their Glasgow Apollo gog 1979 during the Fine Art Of Surfacing tour and asked me to go, I thought nothing of it and I am so glad i did.

I was blown away by the whole experience. I have recently been listening to their albums again. I had A Tonic For the Troops and Fine Art Of Surfacing when i was 15 and recently bought re-masters of those two as well as the debut and 4th album. I was not so impressed by those but A Tonic For the Troops and Fine Art Of Surfacing are superb albums that bring back great memories for me.

J.O'B.

You did better than I did then: my first gig was also with my older sister, but I only got the New Seekers (circa 1973-4)! It's a miracle that I haven't spent my entire adult life in therapy!

I saw the rats at the Capitol theatre Sydney in May 1980 and they remain the biggest surprise for a live act that I've seen. Great sound mix, honky tonk wild piano and pure rock and roll. I remember someone saying they were the world's best live band at the time. They would get no argument from me.

John, i too was at that concert. Saw them 3 times at the apollo in total. Each one was excellent. nearly got thrown out for taking pictures during "Having My Picture Taken"

A wee bump because they are playing the O2 Academy in Glasgow on Nov 3rd. Unfortunately i have a prior engagement so cannot attend.