Top Of The Box

Simple Minds – The American Live in Germany 1984

It’s very easy to forget how good Simple Minds used to be.  For me, their best period was from the late 197o’s to 1984 with albums like Empire and Dance (1980), Sons and Fascination/Sister Feeling Calling (1981)and New Gold Dream (1982).

It was after this period that bass player, Derek Forbes left to join Propaganda, and Simple Minds went on to become more commercially successful with hits like Don’t You Forget About Me.

But my favourite Simple Minds song is The American, performed here in 1984 with Derek Forbes, Mick MacNeil (keyboards) and original members Mel Gaynor (drums), Charlie Mitchell (guitar) and Jim Kerr (vocals).

The three original members will be playing at this year’s Isle Of Wight Festival.