Simple Minds continue to toy with the emotions of their long-suffering North American fans, hinting that the band is set to finally tour the U.S. and Canada for the first time in more than a decade, pronouncing this morning via the group’s official Facebook page that such concerts may be coming “sooner than you might think.”
Accompanied by a photo of frontman Jim Kerr, the message reads:
USA/CANADA- SIMPLE MINDS LIVE: Did I dream it or did a “wee bird” really just tell me that after more than a whole decade of waiting we look set to return……and sooner than you might think?
Any North American concerts would be Simple Minds’ first since a 16-date trek in the summer of 2002 — including a couple dates with INXS — in support of that year’s Cry album. In March, the band posted that “hopefully” U.S. and Canadian concerts would follow recording sessions this summer.
The band just wrapped an extensive U.K. tour, and currently is scheduled to return to the road this November for a U.K. arena run with support from Ultravox.
And, finally, speaking of Simple Minds, there’s still time to enter our contest to contest to win copies of the band’s new Celebrate: The Greatest Hits+ compilation — it’s open to U.S. residents and closes at 5 p.m. EDT today.
PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS
- Simple Minds to record new album, hint at first North American tour in a decade this fall
- Simple Minds enlists Ultravox as special guests for U.K. arena dates in November
- Simple Minds reveal tracklists for ‘Celebrate — Greatest Hits+’ double-, triple-disc best-ofs
- Simple Minds to release ‘Celebrate’ best-of in March, embark on 28-date U.K. tour
- Simple Minds detail ‘5X5 Live’ album featuring songs originally recorded from 1979-1982
Don’t bother, Mick and Derek wont be there, plus I can see Derek play with Big Country next month.
Given that they’ve been out of the band 21 and 28 years respectively, it’s no great leap to say Mick and Derek won’t be there. Enjoy your Big Country show, the rest of us are happy with this announcement.
Derek actually rejoined the band (briefly) for Neapolis in
’98.
He did, but not as a creative force. It’s a shame because what the Minds had early on (when Derek was around) was magic. Anyway .. still awaiting US tour news :)
I’d be excited about catching Simple Minds here, as well as Big Country.
NSM and other incarnations of this band have sounded better than this current version of Simple Minds. The new bassist and especially the synth player really do suck.
Couldn’t disagree more. Have you actually seen the Minds live in recent years? Besides the fact that most sets stick to their hits when when have far better material in the vault, they put on a quality show these days. And the 5×5 shows they did last year in Europe were pure gold.
Yes, I saw them in CA back in 2002. My favorite band. The keyboards was REAL bad. The bass lines were way off. They have no spark and life in my eyes.
2002 was quite a while ago, I meant recently (past few years). They’re current lineup is quite good, especially Ged on bass. Hope you’re surprised in a good way :)