Simple Minds: The Iconic Scottish Band
Simple Minds, one of Scotland’s most beloved bands, has been making music for decades. With their unique sound and charismatic frontman, Jim Kerr, they have captured the hearts of fans around the world. This week in 1985, Simple Minds released their iconic song "The Breakfast Club," which became an instant hit.
A New Tour and Documentary
Four decades later, the band is embarking on a new tour through North America, with special guests Modern English and Soft Cell. They will also be featured in a new documentary, "Simple Minds: Everything is Possible," which premieres in US cinemas on June 13th. Jim Kerr spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the upcoming tour and documentary, as well as the band’s history and legacy.
The Cruel World Festival
Simple Minds’ upcoming tour was inspired by their performance at the Cruel World Festival in Pasadena last year. "We put a toe in the water and saw how that would work, and we were blown away by the reaction we received," said Kerr. The festival appearance paved the way for their 24-date hike this year, and they couldn’t be happier to be back in the US.
Live Aid and the Power of Music
Simple Minds has always been known for their energetic live performances, and their appearance at Live Aid in 1985 was no exception. "One of the things from the first day was that we wanted to be a great live band," said Kerr. "What does that mean? It doesn’t mean that you can simply play well or sing well. It’s much more visceral than that. If you play, something happens – you transcend." Simple Minds’ ability to connect with their audience and create a sense of community has been a hallmark of their career.
The Hit Song "Don’t You (Forget About Me)"
Simple Minds’ hit song "Don’t You (Forget About Me)" was released in 1985 and became a huge success, reaching number one on the US charts. The song was featured in the iconic film "The Breakfast Club" and has since become a anthem for Generation X. "It was a great success all over the world," said Kerr. "Even now, radio stations will get in touch and say, ‘We’ve just had our survey of the best songs of the 80s, and we’ve lost count of how many times ‘Don’t You’ was mentioned.’"
A New Documentary and Life in Sicily
The new documentary, "Simple Minds: Everything is Possible," explores the band’s history and legacy. "There’s a great humility that I don’t see in rock documentary films often," said Kerr. "The director, Joss Cowley, has done a great job of capturing the essence of the band." Simple Minds’ frontman, Jim Kerr, now lives in Sicily, a place he has fallen in love with over the years. "It’s a breathtaking place, and the story is incredible – Roman, Greek," said Kerr. "At the end of the 1990s, when Simple Minds were less busy than we would have liked to have been, I thought, ‘I’ll go there and spend about a year. I’ll get the language, I’ll fish for swordfish.’" Kerr has made Sicily his home, and it’s a place that inspires him to this day.
