Simple Minds, OMD to cover Kraftwerk’s ‘Neon Lights’ on upcoming tour of the UK

The rock and synth contingents of New Wave will meet on UK stages this winter when Simple Minds takes Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark out on tour — a pairing that’ll find the two groups performing together for the first time ever as they cover Kraftwerk’s 1978 classic “Neon Lights” each night.

The eight-date trek is part of Simple Minds’ world tour in support of this year’s Graffiti Soul; the two bands will play arenas throughout the UK between Nov. 30 and Dec. 12.

As for “Neon Lights,” both bands previously have covered the tune: OMD recorded it for 1991’s Sugar Tax, while Simple Minds used it as the title track for its 2001 covers album.

Simple Minds’ Jim Kerr, in a statement, says:

“Kraftwerk were the link between a whole generation of kids in the UK that used synthesizers to define some of the ’80s most glorious pop music. In our own way we want to honour their influence by performing ‘Neon Lights.'”

OMD’s Andy McCluskey adds:

“Kraftwerk’s contribution to music is timeless. Kraftwerk was the reason why we formed OMD. Simple Minds and OMD listened to Kraftwerk before we started making music, but eventually our individual styles of music ventured into different directions. Simple Minds’ early electronic rock albums Empires and Dance and Reel to Real Cacophony defined industrial electronic rock with ‘I Travel’, while OMD explored electronic soundscapes and minimalism with our early songs ‘Electricity’ and ‘Messages.'”

Although there had been rumors the Simple Minds/OMD pairing would hit the states this fall, no news ever surfaced of actual American dates.

See Simple Minds/OMD tour dates and video of Kraftwerk’s “Neon Lights” after the jump…

Simple Minds/OMD tour dates:

Nov. 30: Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, UK
Dec. 2: LG Arena, Birmingham, UK
Dec. 3: MEN Arena, Manchester, UK
Dec. 5: Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, UK
Dec. 6: International Arena, Cardiff, UK
Dec. 7: Wembley Arena, London, UK
Dec. 11: SECC, Glasgow, UK
Dec. 12: Exhibition & Conference Centre, Aberdeen, UK

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