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Finding influence from the likes of Roxy Music and U2, Simple Minds formed out of the remnants of Glaswegian punk group, Johnny and the Self-Abusers, with guitarist Charlie Burchill and singer Jim Kerr joining forces with bassist Derek Frobes, drummer Brian McGee and keyboardist Mick McNeil in 1978. The band's initial releases moved between dense art-pop ("Life in a Day") to the experimental-leaning "Reel to Real Cacophony," to Euro-disco influenced "Empires and Dance." With "Sons and Fascination" and "Sister Feelings Call," they streamlined their sound into more accessible pop, before finding significant chart success with "New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)."
However, it was with the 1985 hit single, "Don't You (Forget About Me)" that Simple Minds found international success. Despite its success, topping the American charts, Simple Minds decided not to feature the single on their next album, "Once Upon a Time," due to Kerr's dislike of the song's lyrics. The album was still a success, breaking into the US Top Ten and becoming certified Gold.
Simple Minds failed to build on the momentum of their last album, with the overtly political "Street Fighting Years' failing to meet its success. Personnel changes after the more straightforward "Real Life" threw the band's future into question yet Kerr and Burchill managed to persevere and breathe new life into the act. 1995's "Good News From The Next World" gained moderate airplay support, with a short North American tour shortly after yet they were unable to restore their previous energies.
Into the new millennium, Simple Minds had found a new enthusiasm of sorts, releasing the cover album, "Neon Lights," which covered the likes of Patti Smith, Neil Young and David Bowie. New material appeared a year later with "Cry," followed by "Our Secrets Are the Same" in 2003, which helped to reignite interest in the band. Several reissues and two more albums of new material, "Black and White" (2005) and "Graffiti Soul" (2009) maintained the band's relevance, prompting a global tour and festival appearances. 2014's "Big Music" found critical acclaim with their well-crafted pop, debuting at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart.
I had to see Simple Minds in concert just because their song "Don't You Forget About Me" from "The Breakfast Club" was such a pivotal point in my young life. I heard that song as a child, and bought their albums throughout the years listening hard for the next lesson that I needed to learn from them.
I enjoyed their brand of 80s music just because it wasn't the typical bubble gum pop type stuff that was out at the time. Their music was more timeless, like a progressive rock that could stand along side Tears for Fears and Depeche Mode. The concert was something I will be forever grateful for having the opportunity to attend. The audience had a fair representation for all walks of life and all ages. The music was well appreciated by everyone in attendance and there as much dancing and singing to accompany the performance. While some of their music may have a moody feel, the overall emotion the audience got was enjoyment and happiness.
The music of Simple Minds has a purity to it that allows for some of the derogatory subjects that they address in their songs. Hopefully Simple Minds will continue to inspire future generations.
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