Biography
Scottish rock band Simple Minds have been on an extraordinary journey – from humble beginnings in post-punk 1970s Glasgow to becoming one of the UK’s most successful and pioneering bands – selling over 60 million records, achieving six number one albums, topping the American chart with ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’, and playing sold-out stadiums across the globe.
2022 saw the release of their eighteenth studio album, ‘Direction Of The Heart’, which reached #4 in the UK charts.
Simple Minds have achieved five No.1 albums as well hitting the top spot in countless other territories including Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Australia and New Zealand.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is that people say to me what Simple Minds are you talking about? The avant-garde, the art-rock, the pop, the ambient, the instrumental group, the political, the folk, the stadium band? We’ve been on one hell of a journey. To play all those different styles but at the same time be quintessentially Simple Minds is an amazing thing.” Jim Kerr.
Simple Minds have been musical pioneers for 40 glittering years. Catching the mood of the post-punk era, when the angry sounds of 1977 were splintering into a thousand different shapes. They went on to become one of the great bands of their generation, deploying rousing choruses and booming atmospherics to provide a soundtrack that has endured.
Topping the American chart with Don’t You (Forget About Me) and in the UK with Belfast Child and selling over 60 million records, they have seen three of their 20 studio albums reach number one in the UK – Sparkle In The Rain, Once Upon A Time and Street Fighting Years – a chart-topping feat equalled by their live album Live In The City Of Light and the compilation Glittering Prize. A spellbinding touring band, they have graced the world’s biggest stadiums, starring at Live Aid and playing three momentous London shows in honour of Nelson Mandela.
2022 saw the release of their eighteenth studio album, ‘Direction Of The Heart’, hitting #4 in the UK charts.
Social Feed
A huge thank you to everyone who joined Jim & Charlie at the @ifccenter for the NYC premiere of ‘Everything Is Possible’.
The acclaimed feature-length documentary chronicling the extraordinary story of Simple Minds is now playing in North American theaters and available to rent ...everywhere today.
Showtimes and watch options at the link in bio.
“Audiences who come to see Simple Minds are no mere passive observers. Instead, both band and crowd naturally collaborate together in creating an atmosphere that often comes close to being 'euphoric.' It is something we have witnessed particularly happening every night during this ...current American tour... And it is truly a wonderful thing!”
Jim Kerr
Mike Milstein posts “I saw you in 1983 and again last night. If anything, you've gotten BETTER with time.”
Jessica Masters says “It was a PHENOMENAL concert! I saw you 30+ years ago in College Park, MD and when I saw you last night, it was as though no time had passed. The energy was amazing. Thank you for a great show!!”
Nah Kureshi “Such a brilliant concert. I saw Simple Minds in 1991, and Jim Kerr sounded EXACTLY the same as back then, with the same energy level!”
Tommy Brennan “What a great show last night in New Jersey. Simple Minds as always never fails & the atmosphere was electric. Great to see Jim on top form & Cherisse’s drumming was outstanding not to mention Charlie & everybody else. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen SM but brought a friend who became a new fan last night. Thanks again to Jim & Charlie & everyone for a great night.”
Christine Mary Hanson “You didn't disappoint. Was so happy to finally see in person the band that has occupied so much of my head space over the years. Jim Kerr's vocals are as strong as ever, searing and riveting; the band was fantastic; and the drum solo was out of this world. Many thanks to Jim and the band for giving us such great music over the years, and giving it your all during the concert.
Shannon Bacon “Love ya all! I drove two hours in a storm to see you in AR! All of you were, (are), extraordinary! Thank you so much for making one of my dreams come true!
Pic: Jim Kerr
See Simple Minds Live across North America this year.
Get tickets via link in bio.
“Audiences who come to see Simple Minds are no mere passive observers. Instead, both band and crowd naturally collaborate together in creating an atmosphere that often comes close to being 'euphoric.' It is something we have witnessed particularly happening every night during this ...current American tour... And it is truly a wonderful thing!”
Jim Kerr
Mike Milstein posts “I saw you in 1983 and again last night. If anything, you've gotten BETTER with time.”
Jessica Masters says “It was a PHENOMENAL concert! I saw you 30+ years ago in College Park, MD and when I saw you last night, it was as though no time had passed. The energy was amazing. Thank you for a great show!!”
Nah Kureshi “Such a brilliant concert. I saw Simple Minds in 1991, and Jim Kerr sounded EXACTLY the same as back then, with the same energy level!”
Tommy Brennan “What a great show last night in New Jersey. Simple Minds as always never fails & the atmosphere was electric. Great to see Jim on top form & Cherisse’s drumming was outstanding not to mention Charlie & everybody else. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen SM but brought a friend who became a new fan last night. Thanks again to Jim & Charlie & everyone for a great night.”
Christine Mary Hanson “You didn't disappoint. Was so happy to finally see in person the band that has occupied so much of my head space over the years. Jim Kerr's vocals are as strong as ever, searing and riveting; the band was fantastic; and the drum solo was out of this world. Many thanks to Jim and the band for giving us such great music over the years, and giving it your all during the concert.
Shannon Bacon “Love ya all! I drove two hours in a storm to see you in AR! All of you were, (are), extraordinary! Thank you so much for making one of my dreams come true!
Pic: Jim Kerr
See Simple Minds Live across North America this year.
Get tickets here: https://www.simpleminds.com/tour
NEW GOLD DREAMS... IN NEW JERSEY.
Redbank, Hoboken, and others. Through the years New Jersey has always been encouraging to Simple Minds, as was the case again in Holmdel last night. Cannot thank you enough, already can't wait until next time.
Next up Simple Minds are at Jones Beach, ...New York tomorrow night... Hope to see you there!
Photo: Marcela Figueroa
See Simple Minds Live across North America this year.
Get tickets via link in bio.
NEW GOLD DREAMS... IN NEW JERSEY.
Redbank, Hoboken, and others. Through the years New Jersey has always been encouraging to Simple Minds, as was the case again in Holmdel last night. Cannot thank you enough, already can't wait until next time.
Next up Simple Minds are at Jones Beach, ...New York tomorrow night... Hope to see you there!
Photo: Marcela Figueroa
See Simple Minds Live across North America this year.
Get tickets here: https://www.simpleminds.com/tour
Columbia, Maryland what an unforgettable night. Your voices during the sing-along gave us chills, thank you for such a warm welcome. We’ll carry that feeling with us until we have the joy of playing for you again
Images: @indietrent
See Simple Minds Live on tour this year.
...Get tickets via link in bio.
Before their show in Austin, Simple Minds met up with @soundwaves_art to sign a very limited collection of artworks created from the sound waves of ‘Alive & Kicking’. Each piece is hand-signed by Jim, Charlie, and artist Tim Wakefield to support @nordoffrobbins, the UK’s largest ...independent music therapy charity that uses music to enrich the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses, disabilities and feelings of isolation.
Only 60 signed prints + 4 signed originals available!
Order yours at the link in bio.
Before their show in Austin, Simple Minds met up with Soundwaves Art to sign a very limited collection of artworks created from the sound waves of 'Alive & Kicking'. Each piece is hand-signed by Jim, Charlie, and artist Tim Wakefield to support Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest ...independent music therapy charity that uses music to enrich the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses, disabilities and feelings of isolation.
Only 60 signed prints + 4 signed originals available!
Order yours here: www.soundwavesartfoundation.com/collections/simple-minds
Before their show in Austin, Simple Minds met up with @Soundwaves_Art to sign a very limited collection of artworks created from the sound waves of 'Alive & Kicking'.
http://www.soundwavesartfoundation.com/collections/simple-minds
JONES BEACH - Awesome as the venue is before the doors open - imagine the sight when packed full of people jumping up and down and singing every word to Alive And Kicking?
It is what Simple Minds... witnessed last night while looking out from the stage in Long Island, a sight that they are unlikely to ever forget!
pic Mark Wynne Edwards
See Simple Minds Live across North America this year.
Get tickets here: https://www.simpleminds.com/tour
A huge thank you to everyone who joined Jim & Charlie at the @ifccenter for the NYC premiere of ‘Everything Is Possible’.
The acclaimed feature-length documentary chronicling the ...extraordinary story of Simple Minds is now playing in North American theaters and available to rent everywhere today.
Showtimes and watch options at the link in bio.
“Audiences who come to see Simple Minds are no mere passive observers. Instead, both band and crowd naturally collaborate together in creating an atmosphere that often comes close to being ...'euphoric.' It is something we have witnessed particularly happening every night during this current American tour... And it is truly a wonderful thing!”
Jim Kerr
Mike Milstein posts “I saw you in 1983 and again last night. If anything, you've gotten BETTER with time.”
Jessica Masters says “It was a PHENOMENAL concert! I saw you 30+ years ago in College Park, MD and when I saw you last night, it was as though no time had passed. The energy was amazing. Thank you for a great show!!”
Nah Kureshi “Such a brilliant concert. I saw Simple Minds in 1991, and Jim Kerr sounded EXACTLY the same as back then, with the same energy level!”
Tommy Brennan “What a great show last night in New Jersey. Simple Minds as always never fails & the atmosphere was electric. Great to see Jim on top form & Cherisse’s drumming was outstanding not to mention Charlie & everybody else. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen SM but brought a friend who became a new fan last night. Thanks again to Jim & Charlie & everyone for a great night.”
Christine Mary Hanson “You didn't disappoint. Was so happy to finally see in person the band that has occupied so much of my head space over the years. Jim Kerr's vocals are as strong as ever, searing and riveting; the band was fantastic; and the drum solo was out of this world. Many thanks to Jim and the band for giving us such great music over the years, and giving it your all during the concert.
Shannon Bacon “Love ya all! I drove two hours in a storm to see you in AR! All of you were, (are), extraordinary! Thank you so much for making one of my dreams come true!
Pic: Jim Kerr
See Simple Minds Live across North America this year.
Get tickets via link in bio.
NEW GOLD DREAMS... IN NEW JERSEY.
Redbank, Hoboken, and others. Through the years New Jersey has always been encouraging to Simple Minds, as was the case again in Holmdel last night. Cannot thank... you enough, already can't wait until next time.
Next up Simple Minds are at Jones Beach, New York tomorrow night... Hope to see you there!
Photo: Marcela Figueroa
See Simple Minds Live across North America this year.
Get tickets via link in bio.
Columbia, Maryland what an unforgettable night. Your voices during the sing-along gave us chills, thank you for such a warm welcome. We’ll carry that feeling with us until we have the joy of ...playing for you again
Images: @indietrent
See Simple Minds Live on tour this year.
Get tickets via link in bio.
Before their show in Austin, Simple Minds met up with @soundwaves_art to sign a very limited collection of artworks created from the sound waves of ‘Alive & Kicking’. Each piece is ...hand-signed by Jim, Charlie, and artist Tim Wakefield to support @nordoffrobbins, the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity that uses music to enrich the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses, disabilities and feelings of isolation.
Only 60 signed prints + 4 signed originals available!
Order yours at the link in bio.
MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILLION, MARYLAND.
What a venue, what an audience! A night to remember for sure - so thanks to all who turned out, for creating such a red-hot atmosphere.
But the beat ...goes on and next up is New Jersey tonight!
Meanwhile... James Bautista says. "As the Simple Minds tour continues, from the West Coast to the East Coast, I’m reading very similar feelings from the fans!! The emotional connection that Jim Kerr and the whole band brings to every show is truly amazing!!
Rosalind White Conrad posts. "The show was absolutely on fire!! Unbelievable how good y’all sound!!!
MB Cruiser. "I would go as far to say it was the best concert I have ever seen."
Kimberley Brown. "Fantastic! So much energy, so many emotions. You need to come back to California!"
Jola Umted. "They have only gotten better over the years! What a show!"
Image: @jamesmonkmanphotography
See Simple Minds Live across North America this year.
Get tickets via link in bio.
BIG MUSIC:
A big week ahead for Simple Minds. First up (tonight) in concert in Columbia, Maryland, followed by New Jersey, then New York, with Philadelphia and Boston looming. Not enough? We ...also have Montreal and Toronto firmly on the horizon. Hope to see you out there - somewhere!
P.S. In addition to all of that. On Thursday June 12, join Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill at the IFC Center in New York City for a special Q&A, followed by a screening of Everything Is Possible, the acclaimed feature-length documentary chronicling the story of Simple Minds.
Book your tickets search 'ifccenter simple minds'
Everything Is Possible will be released in theaters and on demand across North America starting June 13 - in New York.
Pic: Trent Barboza.
See Simple Minds Live across North America this year.
Get tickets via link in bio.
This month, Simple Minds return for their biggest UK headline show since 1991!
Join the band at Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park as they perform their iconic 1985 album ‘Once Upon A Time’ ...in full, along with a selection of fan favourites.
Last year, Jim spoke with @stvnews about the upcoming show and celebrating 40 years of ‘Once Upon A Time’.
Limited tickets available at the link in bio.
WARNING: SEEING SIMPLE MINDS LIVE CAN CAUSE WOBBLY LEGS!
So says Jimmy Graham re Atlanta concert. “I woke up this morning with wobbly legs from dancing. My voice is shot and my hands are sore ...from clapping. What a fantastic show. I have waited 30+ years for last night. It didn’t disappoint. I didn’t wanna leave. Thank you. I had tears for most of the show.’
Meanwhile Kimberly Kersh Farrar states. “Such an awesome concert! You just can't get this quality of music anymore from other bands! Thanks for all the fun last night in Atlanta!"
Michelle Smith also says “Fantastic show!!! The sound was impeccable, the band was impressive and Jim Kerr still delivers powerhouse vocals!! Thank you so much! A very gifted and talented band!"
David Shulman “An over the top phenomenal concert!”
Greg Cooper "Haven't seen them since 1984 at the Fox. Played my all time favorite Minds song, Theme for Great Cities. The opening, Waterfront, was so powerful. Absolute great show. We forgive you Jim for forgetting you were in Atlanta, not Athens.”
George Lewis says “One of the BEST concerts I’ve EVER been to!”
image: RKN PHOTO
See Simple Minds Live across North America this year.
Get tickets via link in bio.
ATLANTA.
Not even a thunderstorm prior to events could dampen the spirits of the audience in Atlanta - a place where everybody seemed to know every word to every song played...
So thanks to ...all of you in Atlanta who came to see Simple Minds.
Including Curt Morse who posts "This may have been the best SM show I've ever been to! Jim really brought the full range and energy and @cherissedrums (pic) is an absolute beast! Simple Minds are the soundtrack to my life. First 4 songs literally had me in tears."
Pic: Chris Stokes, Post-Punk-com
See Simple Minds Live across North America this year.
Get tickets via link in bio.
SIMPLE MINDS SAY THANK YOU TO ALL.
Thanks to all for coming to see Simple Minds, it is more than appreciated... Tonight it is the turn of ATLANTA - a city that has supported Simple Minds from ...way back in their earliest days! Meanwhile, thanks also to those who post and spread the good word!!
Holly Anne says. “Thank you so much for fulfilling a lifetime dream of seeing ya’ll in concert! Thank you Simple Minds for the concert of a lifetime. “
Bruce Findlay posts “Fabulous reaction from the Americas. No doubt this is Simple Minds best and most enjoyable tour in decades. This seven piece lineup really works as one fully integrated dynamic unit and the fans are loving it...The band too.
Hail Hail Rock'n'Roll!”
Valerie Wedell posts. “Incredible in St Louis! Exceptional performance, gorgeous video production, unbelievable energy. One of the very best concerts I've seen in my life!”
Andie Hardy: There’s magic in the music. I hope I see them live again soon and may they keep on going for many years to come.”
Doug Duffy “I'm 60, seeing them next week at jones beach NY, always one of the greatest live bands in my lifetime and I'm a Zep, Sabbath, Floyd guy but you always walk out of SM shows in awe.”
Gregg Smith “I waited 40 years to see Simple Minds in concert. Highest of hopes and expectations. Exceeded. Worth the almost 6 hour drive each way from Omaha. First time I have ever teared up at a concert.”
Kristina Schlegel. “Austin was PHENOMENAL!! Thank you for *all* of the memories - old and new. So grateful for the magic, the poetry, the artistry, and the work you all do. The sublime beauty of time travel through music.”
Cookie Wallace says “SM will be the best show I see this year. I am still reeling from last night's show!”
See Simple Minds Live across North America this year.
Get tickets via link in bio.
Pic: Trent Barbosa
A huge thank you to everyone who joined Jim & Charlie at the IFC Center for the NYC premiere of 'Everything Is Possible'.
Now playing in North American theaters and available ...to rent everywhere today.
Showtimes and watch options: http://bit.ly/SimpleMindsMovie
Before their show in Austin, Simple Minds met up with @Soundwaves_Art to sign a very limited collection of artworks created from the sound waves of 'Alive & Kicking'.
...http://www.soundwavesartfoundation.com/collections/simple-minds
🎸 "We've never played it and we don't have any other plans to play anywhere else" Jim Kerr chats about @simplemindscom upcoming gig at Bellahouston Park.
#STVWhatsOn
Just announced, Yes&Maybe will join Simple Minds for their special one-off hometown show at Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park on Friday 27th June, as part of the Glasgow Summer Sessions. They’ll be... sharing the stage with special guests @futureislands, @KTTunstall and @HHawkOfficial.
On Thursday June 12, join Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill at the @IFCCenter in New York City for a special Q&A, followed by a screening of Everything Is Possible, the acclaimed feature-length ...documentary chronicling the story of Simple Minds.
🎟️ https://www.ifccenter.com/films/simple-minds-everything-is-possible/
📍 NYC, 1985
40 years ago this month, Simple Minds travelled to New York to continue work on what would become their landmark album 'Once Upon A Time' with legendary producer ...Jimmy Iovine.
Photo by Anton Corbijn
This week in 1987, Simple Minds released 'Live in the City of Light', capturing the energy of their global Once Upon a Time tour.
Now, four decades on, they are back on the road, ...celebrating the 40th anniversary of Once Upon a Time with a worldwide tour.
https://www.simpleminds.com/tour/
.@SarahBrownVocal on her performance of Book of Brilliant Things 🎤
Chula Vista and Phoenix you were a pleasure! Always grateful for all of the shared experiences, thank you!
See Simple Minds Live on tour this year: http://simpleminds.com/tour/
HEY YOU! YEAH, YOU!! I'm talking to everyone in NORTH AMERICA who has come to see SIMPLE MINDS on our current tour. Only 10 days in, but so far it is feeling like one of BEST TOURS EVER.
Los Angeles @thekiaforum was a special night! So many lovely faces and so many beautiful moments. Thank you Los Angeles.
See Simple Minds Live on tour this year: http://simpleminds.com/tour/
Join Jim and Charlie for a special introductory Q&A of 'Everything Is Possible', taking place on Thursday, June 12 at the @IFCCenter in New York. The conversation will be followed by a ...screening of the critically acclaimed Simple Minds documentary film.
Jim Kerr on 'Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)' 📹 @GreatestHitsRadioUK #SimpleMinds #80sMusic
"Anywhere you go, you know I'll still be waiting" #SimpleMinds #80sMusic
Chula Vista and Phoenix you were a pleasure! #SimpleMinds
Alive & Kicking 2025 Tour merch is here! Pre-order now at the official #SimpleMinds store.
Portland and Seattle brought the energy! #SimpleMinds #OnTour
"Somewhere there is some place that one million eyes can't see" #SimpleMinds
See The Lights - Live at Barrowlands, 1991 #SimpleMinds
What’s your favourite live album? #SimpleMinds #LiveMusic @GreatestHitsRadioUK
‘Live in the City of Diamonds’ is out now on 2LP, 2CD and digital. #SimpleMinds #LiveMusic #Vinyl
