Simple Minds: Scottish Rock Band from Glasgow

Simple Minds are a Scottish rock band formed in Glasgow in 1977. The band is currently a core duo of original members Jim Kerr on vocals and Charlie Burchill on guitar, augmented by guest musicians. Their debut album Life in a Day was released in 1979 after they signed to Arista Records.

The following two albums, Real to Real Cacophony (1979) and Empires and Dance (1980), drew critical praise but limited sales. After signing to Virgin Records, Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call (1981) became their first top twenty album in the UK. New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) (1982) reached the top ten in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden, and was their first charting album on the Billboard 200 in the US.

Sparkle in the Rain (1984) debuted at number one in the UK and New Zealand. "Don't You (Forget About Me)", from the soundtrack of the 1985 film The Breakfast Club, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Once Upon a Time (1985) reached number one in the UK and the Netherlands, and Street Fighting Years (1989) produced the single "Belfast Child", which reached number one in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Later albums include Real Life (1991), Good News from the Next World (1995), Graffiti Soul (2009), Walk Between Worlds (2018) and Direction of the Heart (2022). Simple Minds have sold more than 60 million albums worldwide.