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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.
Born on 8 March 1958, Numan worked a plethora of odd jobs as a teenager while playing guitar in various bands. He started to rise to prominence as front man of the band, Tubeway Army. Together they were signed by Beggars Banquet Records in 1978, and released a self-titled album the following year. The following year Numan recorded and released a solo album entitled “The Pleasure Principle” which reached Number one in the UK followed by a sold out tour. In 1980 Numan topped the UK charts with his “Telekom” album followed by another major tour; however he announced to retire from touring.
The retirement didn’t last long. After experimenting with jazz, funk and rhythmic pop, he released “Dance” topping at Number 3 on the charts in the UK. Unfortunately the following album “I, Assasin” in 1982 didn’t fare as well as “Dance” which only peaked at number eight. Numan then issued a series of albums through his own label, Numa, starting with “Berserker” in 1984. He then ventured into film scoring in 1991 by working with Michael R. Smith for the film “The Unborn.”
In 2002 Numan found charting success with the release of the single “Rip.” He continued to tour and write new music, and in 2008 he announced the upcoming release of his album “Splinter;” however the album wasn’t released in 2013.
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.
Some friends and I decided to go see Gary Numan at a small local venue. I remember as a kid, back in the 80’s hearing and seeing the video for "Cars". I thought it would be fun to see how his music evolved over the years.
There were only about 100 people at the small venue, mostly consisting of people in their late 20’s through people in their late 40’s. It seems as though he still has quite a cult following!
I was actually surprised at how much I liked his current music. Reminds me of Nine Inch Nails, due to his use of heavy synthesizers and haunting vocals. He did play a few classics, such as "Cars", "We Are Glass", "I Die: You Die", but what got the crowd really going is his new stuff from his current album, Splinter (Songs From A Broken Mind).
His music is captivating, raw and hard. Lots of heavy guitar. He still looks great, and played the set with tons of energy. I’m glad that I went!
I am a renewed fan and part of his cult following. If you get a chance to see Gary Numan live, I definitely recommend it.
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