The Rats were not only one of the best Punk Rock bands ever to come out of Portland, Oregon…The Rats were one of the best Punk Rock bands ever…period! A direct pre-cursor to Fred & Toody Cole’s universally beloved & longest running (of many) bands, Dead Moon, The Rats originally reigned from 1980-1984, releasing three classic full length LPs, all highly sought after collector’s items (and now receiving the much anticipated re-issue service via Portland’s Mississippi Records label).
The Rats perfectly captured the urgency & energy of the still young Punk movement of the time, while still penning tunes melodic enough that they burrowed into your brain for life.
Beside The Cole’s, The Rats had a trio of great drummers in the bands fairly brief existence. Two of whom will be splitting time for this reunion. Sam Henry (also of The Wipers, Napalm Beach & Don’t) will be pounding the skins for earlier material, and final drummer Louis Samora (also of The Jackals & The Flapjacks) will Bam-Bam the later tunes. Sadly, the first Rats’ drummer Rod Rat (aka Rod Hibbert) passed by his own hand long ago.
All these musicians are among my favorites, and I’m as excited as I’ve ever been to host this historic performance, which will be the first time most of these songs have been played live for the public to hear in over a quarter-of-a-century !!
The Rats will also be performing a set the next night (Thursday November 17th) at The Star Theater, in Portland.