Though most Yanks were aware of this ensemble by way of their sole US hit penned by Sir Bob Geldof – which mordantly detailed Brenda Ann Spencer’s mass gun murder – Ireland’s Boomtown Rats were a major force in Europe as influencers and recording artists.

Bassist, composer Pete Briquette – who derives his stage name from a form of decayed vegetation which is used as a coal substitute in his native Ballyjamesduff – has anchored the Rats and Geldof as a solo artist since their formation in 1975 with passages that traverse punk, ska, reggae, funk, soul, and blues.

Among his standout performances include the #1 UK hit “Rat Trap”, the #6 UK hit “Clockwork” – both from A Tonic for the Troops (1978) and the #3 UK hit “Banana Republic” from Mondo Bongo (1980) – the latter two which include included Pete in the writers’ credits.

Pete Briquette Sound & Vision

“Rat Trap” https://youtu.be/YhXwyxDFmdw

“Banana Republic” https://youtu.be/Igzet9z0hNE

“Trash Glam Baby” https://youtu.be/or8dD5VYk_4

Aside from his work with the Geldof and the Rats – who reformed in 2013, Pete is also a producer, and helmed French singer Renaud’s chart-topping 2009 release Molly Malone – Balade Irlandaise.