Simple Minds
Simple Minds have been making New-Wave, alternative music for over 30 years.
The band has had a number of changes since they first began. Simple Minds compromises: Jim Kerr (vocals, songwriting), Charlie Burchill (guitars, keyboards, other instruments, songwriting), drummer Mel Gaynor (joined 1982), Andy Gillespie (keyboards) and Ged Grimes (bass guitar). Past members were: Mick MacNeil, Derek Forbes, Brian McGee, Kenny Hyslop, Mike Ogletree, John Giblin and Eddy Duffy.
The Glaswegian band had most success in the mid ‘80s until mid ‘90s starting life in the late ‘70s as post-punk band, briefly named, The Cuban Heels.
Simple Minds first album was entitled Life in a Day did relatively well – reaching number 30 in the LP Charts (UK Album Charts) in 1979. Their second release, Real to Real Cacophony moved away from their punk roots and ventured to a more experimental, New-Wave sound which the band is most associated with today.
The early ‘80s saw the influence of early electronic dance pioneers such as Kraftwerk on their music and they released Empires and Dance (1980), Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call (1981). In 1982, Mel Gaynor joined the band and it was at this point the band experienced most commercial success.
New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84) followed in 1982 and it was here that their New Romantic sound was exposed. Simple Minds pumped out the singles, 'Promised You A Miracle' and ‘Glittering Prize’ which reached Top 20 and 10 (respectively) in the UK and Australian Chart. In 1984-1989, Simple Minds went on to achieve notoriety with their smash hit 'Don't You (Forget About me)’ which was used in the opening scenes of cult film – The Breakfast Club and proved to be a platform for future stars.
Throughout the ‘90s, Simple Minds continued bringing out music and in 2010 worked on a greatest hits album named Greatest Hits+.
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