The Boomtown Rats (the B-Side)
Bob Geldof & The Boomtown Rats face audience questions about 1978’s album 'A Tonic for the Troops'. With John Wilson. From 2014.
Following on from the A-side of this two-part programme, the audience ask Bob Geldof & the Boomtown Rats questions about "A Tonic For The Troops", their 1978 hit album.
With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London.
The band also performs live versions of some of the tracks from the album which brought them their first Number 1 single with 'Rat Trap'.
Producer: Paul Kobrak
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.
Last on
Clips
![]()
The Boomtown Rats: Me and Howard Hughes
Duration: 03:15
![]()
The Boomtown Rats: Like Clockwork
Duration: 03:53
Broadcasts
Tue 2 Dec 201415:30BBC Radio 4- Tue 5 Oct 202123:30BBC Radio 4
- Tue 8 Aug 202321:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
Eight things we learned from Lily Allen’s Mastertapes
We hear about the breakdown of her marriage, substance abuse… and socks
10 things we learned from Randy Newman’s Mastertapes
The legendary songwriter's interview with John Wilson is fascinating and very funny.
Mastertapes special: Paul McCartney
Watch a filmed version of Paul McCartney speaking to John Wilson about his career.
Live performances
Watch and listen to exclusive live performances from the Mastertapes recordings.
Radio 4 on Music
Re-releasing music documentaries from the Radio 4 Archive.
Podcast
![]()
Mastertapes
John Wilson talks with musicians about a career-defining album.
