The band is currently on their 50th anniversary tour, celebrating five decades of Irish rock and roll, proving that both the band and especially frontman Bob Geldof still seem to have endless energy. The O2 Guildhall in Southampton was packed with fans – old and young – some eager to relive some of their teenage memories. 

The night was kicked off by the British rock band Professional. The group brought heavy guitars and infectious energy, led by Mani Waldner, who jumped around the stage, earning applause from the crowd. They dedicated their song ‘In The City’ to Southampton after Waldner explained they come from London and wrote the song about their hometown. He went on to say, “We also love cities. This is where people come together and prove we can all be together.” encouraging the audience to sing along and even jokingly inviting a fan on stage to sing with them (which didn’t happen). According to the band's website, their mission is to redefine what it means to be a live band in 2025 through a monthly headline series in London called ‘Big Cheap Night Out’, which keeps tickets affordable and supports local bands. Before ending their set, Waldner thanked The Boomtown Rats for giving a new independent band this opportunity and their support. 

Professional were followed by a brief interval with a documentary screening about The Boomtown Rats‘ history. British musician Sting appeared saying, “They‘re Irish. They‘re outsiders. They‘re successful.” Mick Jagger and Bono also featured, praising the band. The documentary showcased their beginnings, their rise to fame, and noted Geldof’s involvement in Live Aid, showing clips of their performance in 1985. Their first ever show was in a class room on Halloween night in 1975, exactly fifty years (and one day) before their performance in Southampton. The documentary also paid tribute to the band’s lead guitarist, Garry Roberts, who passed away in 2022. The story behind their biggest hit, ‘I Don‘t Like Mondays’ – written about the 1979 Cleveland Elementary School shooting in San Diego – was also highlighted. When 16-year-old Brenda Spencer was asked why she did it, she reportedly said, “I don‘t like Mondays.” Despite the girls father threatening the band not to release the song, it quickly became a radio hit.