About

In 1977 Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchi ll, along with drummer Brian McGee, formed a punk band named "Johnny & the Self Abusers",

After one unsuccessful single, the bands line-up was quickly reshuffled and their name was changed to Simple Minds. Scotlands biggest ever band ...

In 1978 Derek Forbes joined Simple Minds - initially he stood in as bass player as a favour, for a gig at the infamous Mars Bar in Glasgow.

 This was Forbes and McGee’s first ever gig together, and the start of, probably, the most popular and creative period of Simple Minds career.

 Forbes and McGee were undoubtedly responsible for defining the unmistakable sound of the early Simple Minds albums and composed blistering rhythm tracks, such as 'Themes For Great Cities', 'Love Song', 'I Travel', 'The American', 'Changeling', 'Chelsea Girl', and formed a formidable partnership for the first 6 Simple Minds albums, 'Life in a Day','Reel to Real Cacophony', 'Empires and Dance', 'Celebration', 'Sons and Fascination' and 'Sister Feelings Call'.

Brian McGee left Simple Minds in 1981, after years of gruelling tours Worldwide, and joined Glasgow band 'End Games'.

Meanwhile, Derek Forbes carried on with Simple Minds through their Golden Phase, recording, writing and touring such albums as 'New Gold Dream 81,82,83,84.' and 'Sparkle in the Rain'.

However, after reaching the ultimate chart spot of number one in America, with the Global hit 'Don't You Forget About Me', Forbes was to leave the band, albeit unwillingly.....

Within 2 months Forbes was back on the music scene as bass player of German band 'Propaganda', and following the departure of Steve Jansen (Japan), from the drum stool, Forbes recruited McGee - they enjoyed another World Tour, and an album '1 2 3 4', which added another 7 great years of their time, performing together ...

Recently voted Scotlands best ever bass player, by readers of Dear Scotland - Derek Forbes has once again formed the partnership he shared with Brian McGee in the 1980's and 90s, and they are about to embark on dates across the UK, and into Europe, playing the songs they wrote and love.

The show is a nostalgic trip back to the seminal days of one of the Worlds greatest bands ... Simple Minds.

You will hear the very first song they ever played together, and go on a journey through the music which they composed - hit after hit -  with the added bonus of new unheard tracks.

The band features Brian's younger brother, Owen Paul, on lead vocals...yes, that Owen Paul ... You won't be disappointed...see you there!

 Contact Dini @ CAT International for XSM Bookings www.cat-international.com