Don't you ... forget about them

Admit, you have forgotten about Simple Minds. That's OK. They only cranked out one of the '80s most signature anthems. But the good news is that they're back.

The Scottish group, still fronted by charismatic Jim Kerr, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a new album and tour.

"Thirty years in music is a big deal after all, or is it not so!" Kerr writes on the band's official website. "Don't tell me you don't agree with me on this unless your name happens to be Dylan, Bowie, Lou Reed, and Jagger etc. If so then yes, you're right."

Right now, the tour just has U.K. and European dates on it. But the interesting news is that Simple Minds also announced they'll perform their 1982 album "New Gold Dream" in its entirety on this tour. That record includes staples such as "Promised You a Miracle," "Glittering Prize" and "Someone, Somewhere In Summertime." Other hits from later years will comprise the show's second half.

The six-date tour begins in April, and there is no plan to extend the tour into the United States.

According to the band's publicist, the new studio album is planned for a 2009 release.

I like the trend of bands playing the entirety of classic albums. But if I could pick a Simple Minds that I want to hear in full, I have another one in mind.

FOUR GREAT SIMPLE MINDS ALBUMS:

4. Street Fighting Years (1989): "Belfast Child" and "Soul Crying Out."

3. Sparkle in the Rain (1984): Features "Up on the Catwalk" and "Waterfront."

2. New Gold Dream (1982): "Promised You a Miracle." "Glittering Prize," and "Someone, Somewhere In Summertime."

1. Once Upon A Time (1985): "Alive and Kicking," "Ghost Dancing," "Sanctify Yourself" and the title track.

[Photo from Bob Thacker]

Comments

[Cyborgia Tawain]

I agree, Michael Johns completely butchered "Don't You (Forget About Me) on American Idol last week. There is ONLY one person who can sing that song the way it is meant to be sung, and that's Jim Kerr of Simple Minds. Randy Jackson was so wacked out, he told Michael Johns, "I really liked that INXS song that you sang!"

Wake up Randy (you DOG)!!!!!

[Morgaine]

I saw them in the UK 5-6 times since 2001, and caught them three times on their last swing thru the U.S. a few years ago. His voice may have aged a bit, but Kerr still puts out 120% on stage. He's a show-man for sure. Definitely go see them if you can...

[Cyborgia Tawain]

Count me in for the 30th Anniversary concerts in November and December 08. The band will be playing the entirety of the 1982 album 'New Gold Dream'. Can't wait.

[Douglas Arthur]

Neil, thanks for voicing your opinion about Devo. Long time readers will know I am an outspoken advocate of the spud boys from Akron. I am happy to see I am not alone.

As for Simple Minds, I always liked them and enjoyed quite a few of their songs. I had a roommate my freshman year in college who was a big SM fan and blasted them all the time.

Its got to be tough to have a great catalog of songs and be remembered for only one.

[DoctorDrew]

Simple Minds - one of those bands that was ruined by having an uber-popular song. The rest of their gems got overlooked by the media.

Sort of on the topic of UK bands, why don't the Pogues ever tour more of the US than just the east coast. Chicago to Boston this month. I'd like them a little closer to home.

[Dennis]

funny to read it, as Simple Minds have never been forgotten in Europe, still playing lots of shows over the years - obviously not the big hits + really successful albums any longer, but established for sure...
my top 5 Simple Minds albums:
1) New Gold Dream
2) Sparkle In The Rain
3) Sons And Fascination
4) Empires And Dance
5) Street Fighting Years

Once Upon A Time is too much stadiumrock for my liking + the albums after Street... had 1-3 excellent songs but lack in their entirety - still have to mention one of the best songs the band ever wrote is See The Lights from 1991 Real Life album...

[Neil]

Jeff,

I wasn't including present company and many of the 80's nation when I said that one hit wonder comment but I am a big Devo fan and I still get the "Whip It" comments and I get the same when I say something about Simple Minds, they always bring up that one song. Devo is also on my underrated bands list.

[Jeff in Cuba]

Neil,

I agree Simple Minds is under-recognized and under-appreciated, but I'm not sure anyone has ever considered them a "one-hit wonder", especially in the 80's Nation.

That the kind of talk that fuels a-ha-like vendettas.

[Neil]

I always felt that Simple Minds was one of those bands that never got the respect they deserved. They are really much more than a one hit wonder band. Steve, you should do a list of most underrated bands from the 80's or have you done that already? Well, I would put Simple Minds on that list.

[Spears]

Something inside me says we won't be seeing this time around. Maybe after the new album is finally out.

Having seen them once, I can only gush about what a great show it was.

[Bassnote]

I own 1-3, I don't have 4. Love Simple Minds. If they hit the US, I am so getting tickets.

[Jeff in Cuba]

"Once Upon A Time" is firmly planted in my pantheon of favorite albums.

Would this be a good time to start my campaign for a "Scottish Bands" podcast?

[Marissa]

I had "Once Upon a Time" on vinyl. Only God knows where that album ended up.

I have to wonder if there's frustration for Kerr and band over people only knowing them for 'that one song.'

Steve, I have to ask if you've recovered from Idol's butchering of our favorite decade?