Simple Minds were considered one of the dominant pop bands of the 1980s. The band, which hails from Glasgow, Scotland, is still making music today.
Founding members Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill are the core of the band, with Andy Gillespie (keyboards), Mel Gaynor (drums) and Eddie Duffy (bass) supporting. In spite of great commercial success in Europe, they have only seen limited success in mainstream United States, where they are known primarily for one song, " Don't You (Forget About Me)", a song that they didn't even write.
Beginning as a band heavily influenced by electronic music (then a rising force in UK pop; see the Human League), this band from Glasgow's South Side produced two critically acclaimed albums in the early 1980s. They reached their peak of commercial success with an appearance on Live Aid and an album of unashamedly stadium rock ( Once Upon a Time) before producing some politically inspired and critically praised work that sold in declining numbers. The band is still active and touring; some of their earlier electronic tracks are now being remixed for the dancefloor.
After one unsuccessful single as Johnny & The Self Abusers, Charlie Burchill and Jim Kerr formed the band in 1978 ( 1978 in music), along with Brian McGee and Tony Donald who was quickly replaced by Derek Forbes on bass guitar. Keyboard and synthesizer player Mick MacNeil was also recruited at this time. Drummer Mel Gaynor replaced McGee in 1984. The band's name was taken from a line in the David Bowie song " Jean Genie": "...so simple-minded, he can't drive his module".
Their initial recordings, such as Reel to Real Cacophony and Empires and Dance were highly acclaimed, though sales were slow until the band moved towards a more pop-oriented sound, beginning with the Steve Hillage-produced double album Sons and Fascination/ Sister Feelings Call ( 1981). Their early work and a number of experimental pieces subsequently were heavily inspired by Kraftwerk.