Simple Minds

Simple Minds was founded in 1978 by Jim Kerr (vocals), Charlie Burchill (guitar), Tony Donald (bass) en Brian McGee (drums). Second guitar player Duncan Barnwell and keyboard player Micheal McNeil completed the band. The first change in personnel followed soon when Derek Forbes came to replace a disappointing Donald. This starting period ended with the departure of Barnwell. Meanwhile Simple Minds had established itself as one of Scotland’s best live acts. This led to a record deal with Edinburgh’s independent label ZOOM that was distributed by ARISTA and managed by Bruce Findley. He also became the band’s manager. The first single "Life In A Day" reached number 62 in the UK Charts while the debut album of the same name reached number 30 in the album charts. The band itself was absolutely unsatisfied with their first LP and went back into the studio as fast as they could to work on the experimental album "Real To Real Cacophony". This album was an absolute commercial disaster, but gave them a lot of credit with the press. In September 1980 "Empires And Dance" was recorded; an album that put the band in a more "dance" direction. It was influenced by their experiences from the many European tours. From this album "I Travel" also came and became a real club hit.