SET aside the band name for a second – Simple Minds haven’t exactly gone through nearly four decades by keeping life, well, simple.
SCOTS GO IRISH: Simple Minds head to Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, in Irish Village, on Thursday
For starters, it has taken much more than gimmicks and fashion statements to get the Scottish veterans – playing Dubai's Irish Village on Thursday night - this far.
And for so long…
And for so long…
It takes more than a catchy hook or big name producer to turn out music gold. Or to create an enduring music career in a world always seeking the next big thing.
And while some may argue that Jim Kerr and cohorts were the beneficiaries of a more open-minded post punk era in which so many fresh acts were reshaping the airwaves, fans will confirm they've had several ‘eras’.
From the art punk of Life In A Day and edgy pop of their Empires & Dance album, through the contagious new age dance of Promised You A Miracle to the bombastic stadium-friendly Alive & Kicking, Simple Minds have ploughed a different musical furrow and never been afraid to edge into new phases.
Okay, there have been a moments that some of us might consider ‘toilet break’ material during a show – namely Belfast Child and Mandela Day – but it cannot all be sonic ambrosia.
Needless to say, their 36 years in the business will serve up more than enough ‘on your feet’ moments when Simple Minds play Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium this week.
Following on from fellow Scots Midge Ure, of Ultravox, and Sharleen Spiteri, of Texas fame, it’s a fitting setting for giant anthems such as Waterfront and the rousing chorus of Don’t You (Forget About Me).
Frontman Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill remain the creative core of a band still not resting on it's laurels – or too proud to connect with newer minds.
Latest album Big Music is their 16th and first newly hatched material since 2009's Graffiti Soul, although they sought to remind of their occasional brilliance with the X5 boxed set and subsequent 5X5 live album and tour.
Such reflection surely prompted the array of Big Music collaborations, old and new, the likes of co-writer Iain Cook – from fellow Glasgow band Chvrches - and producers Steve Osborne, Andy Wright and legendary Gong creative Steve Hillage, who worked on 1981's Sons And Fascination / Sister Feelings Call.
Is it a return to form? In places, yes, in others not so much, but certainly therein lies a few more big-hitting reasons we’re unlikely to forget about Simple Minds for a good while yet.
DETAILS:
THURSDAY Dubai show time is 9pm with doors opening at 7pm
TICKETS are priced at 225AED
BUY your tickets from the venue, Virgin Megastore branches, www.tickets.virginmegastore.me www.platinumlist.net or www.tixbox.com
And while some may argue that Jim Kerr and cohorts were the beneficiaries of a more open-minded post punk era in which so many fresh acts were reshaping the airwaves, fans will confirm they've had several ‘eras’.
From the art punk of Life In A Day and edgy pop of their Empires & Dance album, through the contagious new age dance of Promised You A Miracle to the bombastic stadium-friendly Alive & Kicking, Simple Minds have ploughed a different musical furrow and never been afraid to edge into new phases.
Okay, there have been a moments that some of us might consider ‘toilet break’ material during a show – namely Belfast Child and Mandela Day – but it cannot all be sonic ambrosia.
Needless to say, their 36 years in the business will serve up more than enough ‘on your feet’ moments when Simple Minds play Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium this week.
Following on from fellow Scots Midge Ure, of Ultravox, and Sharleen Spiteri, of Texas fame, it’s a fitting setting for giant anthems such as Waterfront and the rousing chorus of Don’t You (Forget About Me).
Frontman Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill remain the creative core of a band still not resting on it's laurels – or too proud to connect with newer minds.
Latest album Big Music is their 16th and first newly hatched material since 2009's Graffiti Soul, although they sought to remind of their occasional brilliance with the X5 boxed set and subsequent 5X5 live album and tour.
Such reflection surely prompted the array of Big Music collaborations, old and new, the likes of co-writer Iain Cook – from fellow Glasgow band Chvrches - and producers Steve Osborne, Andy Wright and legendary Gong creative Steve Hillage, who worked on 1981's Sons And Fascination / Sister Feelings Call.
Is it a return to form? In places, yes, in others not so much, but certainly therein lies a few more big-hitting reasons we’re unlikely to forget about Simple Minds for a good while yet.
DETAILS:
THURSDAY Dubai show time is 9pm with doors opening at 7pm
TICKETS are priced at 225AED
BUY your tickets from the venue, Virgin Megastore branches, www.tickets.virginmegastore.me www.platinumlist.net or www.tixbox.com
