Mary Of The 4th Form

Alright, Zoo Freaks, you're tuned into THE ZOO with your favorite hippie DJs, the Zoo Crew, spinning the wildest vinyl vibes! Right now, we’re grooving to Mary of the 4th Form by The Boomtown Rats, straight off their debut album, The Boomtown Rats, from 1977. This track’s got that raw, rebellious energy, and there’s some juicy trivia to share. Did you know this song was the band’s second single and hit No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart? It’s a re-recorded version, 19 seconds longer than the album cut, with a fiercer edge. The lyrics, penned by frontman Bob Geldof, tell a cheeky tale of a schoolgirl turning heads and driving her teacher wild with her bold moves. Some say it echoes the vibe of The Police’s Don’t Stand So Close to Me, tackling that taboo teacher-student tension. On French and Dutch releases, the B-side Do the Rat stole the A-side spotlight, flipping the single’s identity. Oh, and check this: the vinyl came in green and red picture sleeves, with some rare lime-green injection-molded labels, making collectors go nuts!

Let’s dive into another tidbit, Zoo Freaks. Mary of the 4th Form was recorded in Germany, giving it a gritty, live-wire feel. The alternate version, featured on some 1977 vinyls, has a slightly different mix, with Bob Geldof’s vocals dripping with that punky swagger. Fans on The Boomtown Rats’ Facebook have shared stories of catching the band live back in the day, with Geldof prowling the stage like a caged animal during this track. The song’s raw power comes from the band’s early days playing pubs and clubs, where they honed their sound before signing with Ensign Records. It’s a snapshot of their youth, rebellion, and that in-your-face attitude, perfectly capturing the late ’70s new wave scene. If you’re digging this, join the chatter with other fans in the Boomtown Rats Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks like you swap stories and rare vinyl finds!

Now, let’s rewind to how The Boomtown Rats got their start. Formed in Dublin in 1975, the band was a gang of six: Bob Geldof on vocals, Garry Roberts on lead guitar, Gerry Cott on rhythm guitar, Johnnie Fingers on keyboards, Pete Briquette on bass, and Simon Crowe on drums. Most hailed from Dún Laoghaire, a coastal town in County Dublin, except Briquette, who came from County Cavan. The name “Boomtown Rats” came from Woody Guthrie’s book Bound for Glory, where a young Guthrie joins a gang called the Boomtown Rats—Geldof thought it was the perfect fit for their scrappy, streetwise vibe. They started as a pub rock outfit, playing covers and originals in Dublin dives, but their punky energy and Geldof’s charisma set them apart. By 1976, they were gigging in the UK and Netherlands, landing a deal with Ensign Records after a year of relentless touring. Their first single, Lookin’ After No. 1, cracked the UK Top 40, and Mary of the 4th Form soon followed, cementing their place in the new wave explosion.

Zoo Freaks, if you’re vibing with The Boomtown Rats, connect with them online! Their official website, theboomtownrats.co.uk, has tour dates, merch, and news on their latest album, Citizens of Boomtown. Follow them on Facebook for throwback pics and live updates, or check their Instagram for behind-the-scenes snaps. On X, they share quick hits of news and fan love. For deeper dives, visit fan sites like RatsTracks, packed with discographies and rare photos. The Boomtown Rats Fans Facebook group is your spot to trade concert tales and vinyl treasures with fellow Zoo Freaks. Keep it locked to THE ZOO, and let’s keep the vinyl spinning!