Simple Minds was established through another band, Johnny & The Self-Abusers, breaking up. The remaining members of the former band continued together forming Simple Minds, which was named after a David Bowie song lyric from the song Jean Genie. In 1978 Simple Minds began to recruit more members, taking Duncan Barnwell on as another guitarist and keyboard player Mick MacNeil. The act has established themselves as an exciting live band, successfully gaining themselves a management deal shortly after establishing the group. The management deal came from Bruce Findlay who was the owner of Bruce’s Records.
1979 brought the release of the band’s first album, titled Life In A Day. Their first single was part of this album and reached number 62 in the UK Singles Chart. They have topped both the American Charts, with their song Don’t You (Forget About Me), and the UK charts with their song The Ballad Of The Streets. They have sold over 60 million records, with 20 albums reaching number one in the UK. The band have graced some of the largest stadiums worldwide, providing audiences with spellbinding tours. Their global presence was brought by their first UK Top Ten album, New Gold Dream.
As time went on it was clear that Simple Minds were changing musically, developing their own style as they developed their esteemed global name. Their songs began to see them sharing the musical spotlight with famous bands such as U2, with a member of U2 even joining them at Barrowland and Croke Park The band played at Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday concert, being the first band to sign up to play. They wrote a new song for the concert, which they titled Mandela Day, and the song went on to win them their first UK number-one single.
In 2017 to 2018 Simple Minds played over 150 shows, during which they had their biggest American tour. This tour consisted of 32 different dates on which they would play, travelling from one coast to another. The 40th anniversary of the band's first album Life In A Day is going to be marked by a tour taking place in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. With their global fame, Simple Minds are clearly star entertainment. Available for a range of corporate events and functions, Simple Minds are able to provide entertainment for a range of different audiences. Perfect for entertainment opening, during or closing your event, make sure they are the next addition at your event.
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