Simple Minds Concerts Setlist

Formed in Glasgow in the 70s, more precisely, in 1977, Simple Minds is a rock band well known for their hit "Don't You (Forget About Me)." The song was such a huge success that it topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 85. As of today, Simple Minds has released 24 singles that entered the top 40 singles and 23 albums that also entered the top 10 albums in the UK. The band also reached some incredible numbers in sales; Simple Minds sold over 60 million albums all around the world and is considered to be one of the most successful bands from Scotland of the 80s and 70s.

The band started as a punk band called Johnny & The Self-Abusers, formed by Alan Cairnduff. John Milarky enlisted Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, who brought in friends Brian McGee and Tony Donald. Johnny & The Self-Abusers' first gig was in 1977, the same year the band debuted, held in Edinburgh. A split occurred, with Milarky and McNeill forming The Cuban Heels. The remaining members, dropping their punk style, became Simple Minds, named after a David Bowie lyric, and performed their first show in 1978.

One year later, Simple Minds was already on the TV, debuting on BBC. The band's first album was called "Life in a Day," with the title track reaching No. 62 on the UK Singles Chart and the album hitting No. 30.

In 1981, the band had some turbulent moments when the band members stated they weren't receiving proper support from their record label. As a result of that, they were released from their contract, which led them to sign a new record label. Simple Minds quickly released "The American," which reached No. 59 on the UK singles chart.

In 1984, "Sparkle in the Rain" was released. The album was a top 20 hit in several countries, and the band toured extensively in Europe, North America, and Asia. Another significant moment from that year was Jim Kerr marrying Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders that year, and both of them touring North America together.

After delivering "Our Secrets Are the Same" to Chrysalis, Simple Minds faced record company politics and lawsuits, delaying the album's release from late 1999. Unfortunately, the album was leaked on the internet and Simple Minds decided to go on hiatus. In 2001, Kerr and Charlie Burchill began working with Gordon Goudie on a new album, "Cry," with contributions from Mark Kerr and various Italian musicians.

In 2010, Simple Minds played a quick concert in Glasgow. Later that same year, the band decided to go back to the studio, this time, with a little different formation: new bassist Ged Grimes. One year later, in 2011, Simple Minds embarked on the Greatest Hits Forest tour, playing seven dates in woodland locations across England as part of Forestry Commission Live Music.

More recently, in 2023, Simple Minds surprised fans by releasing a new live album: "New Gold Dream – Live From Paisley Abbey."