Garry Roberts: The Legendary Lead Guitarist of The Boomtown Rats
A Musical Legacy Born in 1976
Garry Roberts, the renowned Irish musician, is best known as the lead guitarist of The Boomtown Rats, a band that revolutionized the music scene in 1976. Alongside
Johnnie Fingers Moylett, Roberts co-founded the band, which went on to achieve immense success with hits like "I Don't Like Mondays" and "Rat Trap".
A Career Spanning Decades
Roberts' career with The Boomtown Rats lasted over a decade, during which the band released several albums and toured extensively. Even after the band disbanded in 1986, Roberts continued to work as a live sound engineer with notable bands like Simply Red, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, and Flesh For Lulu.
A New Chapter: Independent Financial Adviser and Central Heating Engineer
After his stint as a sound engineer, Roberts pursued a career as an Independent Financial Adviser for 15 years. However, he eventually became disillusioned with the life insurance industry and took up a new profession as a central heating engineer. This unexpected career shift allowed him to maintain a sense of fulfillment between gigs.
Rediscovering His Passion: The Velcro Flies and The Rats
After a 10-year hiatus from playing the guitar in public, Roberts reunited with Simon Crowe to form the rhythm and blues band The Velcro Flies. The duo later teamed up with Darren Beale and Peter Barton to form The Rats, performing material from the first three Boomtown Rats albums across Europe and the UK.
Giving Back: Guitar Workshops in Schools
Roberts was dedicated to sharing his passion for music with the next generation. He ran guitar workshops in schools, introducing children to the electric guitar, basic techniques, and the rich history of pop and rock music.
The Reunion: Citizens Of Boomtown
In 2013, Roberts and Crowe rejoined a reunited Boomtown Rats lineup, touring internationally and releasing the album Citizens Of Boomtown in 2020. This reunion marked a triumphant return to the music scene for Roberts and the band.
Personal Life and Legacy
Garry Roberts lived in Bromyard, Herefordshire, and sadly passed away on November 9, 2022, at the age of 72. His contributions to the music world, particularly with The Boomtown Rats, continue to inspire and influence new generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.
Discography
- Citizens Of Boomtown (2020)
- A Tonic for the Troops (1978)
- The Fine Art of Surfacing (1979)
Inspirational Quotes
"The guitar is not just an instrument, it's a way of life."
Garry Roberts' legacy serves as a testament to the power of pursuing one's passion, even when the path takes unexpected turns. His remarkable journey, marked by dedication, perseverance, and a love for music, continues to inspire and motivate us all.
FAQ
What bands was Garry Roberts a member of?
Garry Roberts was a founding member and lead guitarist of the Irish rock band The Boomtown Rats, known for their hits such as I Dont Like Mondays and Rat Trap.
What was Garry Roberts guitar style?
Garry Roberts guitar style was characterized by his raw, punk-infused energy and catchy hooks, helping to define The Boomtown Rats sound and style.
How did Garry Roberts contribute to The Boomtown Rats success?
Garry Roberts was a key songwriter and instrumentalist for The Boomtown Rats, penning many of the bands hits and helping to drive their commercial success.
What were some of Garry Roberts most famous songs?
Some of Garry Roberts most famous songs with The Boomtown Rats include I Dont Like Mondays, Rat Trap, and Banana Republic, which have become punk rock classics.
What happened to Garry Roberts after The Boomtown Rats?
After The Boomtown Rats disbanded, Garry Roberts went on to pursue a solo career, releasing several albums and collaborating with other musicians on various projects.
