Rat Trap

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Rat Trap" was a single by The Boomtown Rats which reached #1 in the UK singles chart for two weeks in November 1978.

It is notable as it was the first UK #1 single by an Irish act and it was also the first official UK #1 single by a punk or new wave act. Though God Save The Queen by The Sex Pistols is widely thought to have sold sufficient copies to reach #1 in June 1977. The reason for this is because the Sex Pistols were owned by Virgin Music, and sales from Virgin did not count towards the UK Top of the Pops listings. It was also notable for finally topping the hit single from the soundtrack of Grease, 'Summer Nights', after that single spent 7 weeks on the top of the UK charts. Bob Geldof glorified this fact, by appearing on Top of the Pops, holding up a picture of Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta to loud cheers from the audience, then ripping it up.

Preceded by "Summer Nights" by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

UK number one single November 18, 1978

Succeeded by "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy" by Rod Stewart