IRISH band The Boomtown Rats may have toured the world and had a string of hit singles, but that hasn't dampened their drummer's excitement for their 2013 reunion — he is 'really looking forward' to the band's headline set at this year's Chagstock Festival.

Featuring all four original members, Bob Geldof, Simon Crowe, Pete Briquette, and Garry Roberts, The Boomtown Rats' Chagstock appearance is one of only two UK dates this summer.

Formed in 1975 in Dublin, The Boomtown Rats played their first UK shows with the Ramones and Talking Heads, and fought the punk wars alongside the Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Jam and The Stranglers.

The band has reformed after 27 years to play a world tour and more UK dates in the autumn. They are currently working hard on rehearsing for their upcoming summer dates, which include the Isle of Wight Festival and dates in Australia, Ireland and Germany.

Drummer Simon Crowe, who lives in Devon, says he 'can't wait' to play the festival.

'Considering we haven't played together in 27 years, rehearsals have been pretty great so far,' said Simon.

'It has been a long time apart but it is great fun to renew those old bonds and play the old music.

'I've played some of our music in other bands since the Rats split, but to play with Bob and Pete again and put it all back together again is great, really amazing actually.'

With so many years away and anticipation for their return high, Simon declared that the band will revisit all their biggest hits during their Chagstock set.

He said: 'You don't go and see David Bowie and not expect to hear those songs you know and love. We want to put on what people want to see, so we will play all our old stuff. What some people don't realise is that the Rats are a proper rock band.

'They know "I Don't Like Mondays" and expect us to play ballads, but we will put on a full-on, high energy show.

'I think we are one of those bands where people turn up thinking I know one of their songs. Then as the set goes on, they go, "I know that one, I know that one", and they know about ten of our songs. We did have lots of hits back in the '70s and '80s, and anyone of that era should hopefully remember a lot of these songs.'

Despite working in Chagford for a time, Simon has never had the chance to attend Chagstock before, and is excited for his maiden appearance at the festival.

'I am really looking forward to Chagstock. I can't wait. It is a nice sized, smallish festival and I have heard it has a great atmosphere too. It always has a really good line-up too, and to be playing on the same weekend as Billy Bragg is great.

'I always really enjoy festival gigs. There is usually such a good atmosphere, and such a variety of entertainment. A gathering of people like that always makes for a good thing.

'You also get the chance to play to many people who may not have even been alive when we were around, and we get the chance to broadcast our music to a new generation. It's great.'

Chagstock runs from July 19 to 20. For more information on ticket prices, the rest of the line-up and more, visit .http://www.chagstock.info">www.chagstock.info