First UK gigs and move to London

In the summer of 1976, the group played their first UK gig as well as gigs in Amsterdam, and Groningen in The Netherlands before moving to London where they signed with Ensign Records later that year. Their first single, ” Lookin’ After No. 1 “, released in August 1977 after a year of touring, including a support slot with Tom Petty . It reached the Top 40 of the UK singles chart at No. 11. Their first album The Boomtown Rats was released the following month and included another single, ” Mary of the 4th Form ” reached No. 15 in December. Music journalist Martin C. Strong commented, “Geldof’s moody charisma helped to give the band a distinct identity”.