Simple Minds Are Back!
Posted: Fri Feb 3, 2006 5:36 pm

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Lineup ­ Vocals: Jim Kerr Guitar: Charlie Burchill
Drums: Mel Gaynor Bass: Eddy Duffy

They defined a generation, were revered by critics and adored by fans. In an enduring career of 25 years and total worldwide album sales of 30 million, Simple Minds came a very long way from the mean streets of Glasgow, evolving into an epic-sounding world-class band playing the biggest arenas in the world. Now after a three-year hiatus Jim Kerr and co-founder Charlie Burchill are back with a brand new studio album 'Black & White' and back on the world's stages.

New Zealand has a long-standing love affair with the music of Simple Minds. Their albums have sold multi-platinum copies here and they've toured to these shores twice. Their first visit was for the memorable Sweetwaters '84 and they returned in 1987 as part of the Alive & Kicking World Tour. After an absence of almost twenty years, Simple Minds are delighted to be returning to New Zealand in May for two concerts in Wellington and Auckland.

Of 'Black and White', Kerr says: "We wanted to make an album once again that was full of dramatic and atmospheric pop music. We felt we needed an album that proved that the big beating heart of Simple Minds was very much alive and driving us on once again. 'Black and White' is an album that we believe is classic Simple Minds, albeit with a whole new energy."

Simple Minds evolved from a post-punk art rock band influenced by Roxy Music into a grand, epic-sounding pop band along the lines of U2. Early albums like 'Reel to Real Cacophony', 'Empires and Dance' and 'Sister Feelings Call' won plenty of admirers but it was 'New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)' that earmarked their arrival as one of the most popular bands of the Eighties.

From records that set the album rock agenda of the 1980's such as 'Sparkle In The Rain' and 'Once Upon A Time' came anthems like 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' and 'Alive and Kicking' which propelled the band to be one of the world's most popular.

In the UK Simple Minds had an incredible five albums enter the UK charts at Number One and have been voted the prestigious Q Magazine's 'World's Best Live Act'. They are also one of the few British rock bands that truly made the American stadium A-list. The band's Live Aid appearance in Philadelphia in 1985 was introduced by Jack Nicholson and they had three Top Ten American singles, including a Number One.

In the live concert arena, Simple Minds have few peers. This is a band that has played countless sold out stadium tours including three times at Wembley stadium, and has retained a reputation as one of THE great live concert acts.

Recent years have seen the group enjoying a much-needed break, raise families and release a couple of albums ­ but it is 'Black and White' that has re-enthused fans everywhere.

There's no doubt Simple Minds are one of Scotland's greatest musical exports and like all great bands, their music is timeless and sounds as good today as ever. The 2006 Black and White Tour is a chance to re-experience the musical majesty of this incredible band and witness a whole new chapter in their illustrious career.

SIMPLE MINDS BLACK & WHITE NEW ZEALAND TOUR 2006

MONDAY MAY 15 @ WELLINGTON Michael Fowler Centre

WEDNESDAY MAY 17 @ AUCKLAND ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY FEBRUARY 10 FROM TICKETEK

RE: Simple Minds Are Back!
Posted: Thu Feb 8, 2007 12:25 pm

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