Simple Minds this week announced its first North American tour in 11 years, a surprisingly short 7-date trek that has left fans who don’t live in Los Angeles or the Northeast severely disappointed. Frontman Jim Kerr, though, says the band is testing the waters for a larger tour — but if that’s to happen, fans better turn out for the October dates.
The band — original members Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill, plus longtime drummer Mel Gaynor and more recent additions Ged Grimes (bass) and Andy Gillespie (keyboards) — will play Los Angeles, Red Bank, N.J., Washington, D.C., Boston, Montreal, Quebec and New York City (see dates below).
On SimpleMinds.com today, Kerr says the short tour “could mean a new beginning for us in that part of the world,” but adds, “we need as many people as possible to come support us at these dates… demonstrating to the local promoters in other cities that there is a demand for live shows from Simple Minds.”
Kerr writes: “If these shows are a success both artistically and commercially, there is no doubt that we will be able return soon for a much more extensive tour.” But he also warns, “Should these shows be less than well attended, it is most unlikely that we will get another opportunity to return.:
The fall North American concerts will be Simple Minds’ first since a 16-date trek in the summer of 2002 in support of that year’s Cry album. The band just wrapped an extensive U.K. tour, and also is scheduled to play a U.K. arena run this November with support from Ultravox.
Read Kerr’s full statement:
United States + Canada: Here We Come!
Everyone connected with Simple Minds was more than delighted to finally see the announcement of a series of live dates for us in United States and Canada. It has been a long time coming. Way too long to be honest, and although this is by no means an extensive tour, it could mean a new beginning for us in that part of the world.
But that depends on more than just us, you should understand. Because more than ever we need as many people as possible to come support us at these dates, to make sure that the shows are well attended of course, and in doing so demonstrating to the local promoters in other cities and states that there is a demand for live shows from Simple Minds.
Putting it plainly, if these shows are a success both artistically and commercially, there is no doubt that we will be able return soon for a much more extensive tour, a tour that we can genuinely build on, a foundation for future tours. Alternately, should these shows be less than well attended, it is most unlikely that we will get another opportunity to return. So there you have it, such are the facts!
And really, you have no idea how much we would like the chance to go to work in a serious fashion, throughout Canada and USA, just like we did in the earlier days of our careers. Reality is, we have been dreaming of getting the opportunity to do so, just as many of our supporters in North America might well have been dreaming of getting the chance to see Simple Minds turn up in their hometown.
Well, that little dream is on for LA, Boston, New Jersey, Montreal, Canada, Washington and New York. And in turn we thank all who have supported us in in those parts, thanks to them for hanging in with us and not giving up on Simple Minds. We will do all to make it well worth the wait. A promise!
Jim Kerr
Simple Minds North American tour dates:
Oct. 15: Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Oct. 17: Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ
Oct. 18: 9:30 Club, Washington, D.C.
Oct. 20: Wilbur Theatre, Boston, MA
Oct. 21: Metropolis, Montreal, QC
Oct. 22: Massey Hall, Toronto, ON
Oct. 24: Roseland Ballrom, New York, NY
PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS
- Simple Minds announce rare, 7-date North American tour — first in 11 years
- Simple Minds add 2nd U.S. show as they bring ‘Greatest Hits+’ tour to North America
- Simple Minds to play New York City this October — first U.S. concert in a decade
- Simple Minds reveal tracklists for ‘Celebrate — Greatest Hits+’ double-, triple-disc best-ofs
$90.00 for a ticket? No thanks. That’s nearly twice what OMD charged on their last tour. If they want to regain their fanbase in the US, they shouldn’t gouge us on ticket prices.
Tickets for the “intimate” (3500 seats) New York show starts at 55,50$. Since that’s 10$ less than what they are charging me to see them on Nov. 20 in one of Amsterdam’s 5000 seaters.
I don’t think you are being ripped off, especially by a band showing up once every 10 years.
Agreed. I was shocked by the low 55 dollar price, especially when looking at the greatest hits setlist. This is a steal, and very low for a band like Simple Minds. I saw The Specials last night for 40 bucks and they played 20 songs in a little over an hour. OMD is tonight and 40 as well. Definitely not complaining about the price for Simple Minds.
yeah I agree.. the tix are way to pricy..i am coming in from Toronto to see the waterboy show would love to see the Minds but cant really afford the 90 bucks..sorry jim
David that is a good point. If this was about showing other promoters what a good draw they are then it would be better to charge less for tickets to fill the venue. I am already insulted by them not including Chicago but this is clearly about the cash.
What isn’t about making cash anyways?
Bands hardly sell CDs anymore, and yet people seems to get upset when the musicians won’t show up in their backyards to deliver a 3 hour set for 10$… especially when said band is supposed to be “rich enough” already…
Depeche Mode charging 160 a ticket while offering nothing but the same setlists from the past 4 tours (not including the new songs) is all about the cash.
No doubt. I understand his statement, and I agree with it. Good concerts are scarce!
Simple Minds have a bigger production and play sets twice as long as OMD. You get what you pay for.
OMD=22 Songs
Simple Minds=24 songs.
I doubt SM are bringing a huge production to the US.
I’ve already made them rich. Don’t come back please! Unless you bring back Mick and Derek.
The problem is that they garnered the majority of their U.S. fans when they went overtly commercial from Once Upon A Time onward. Fans of their earlier albums were disappointed and the the new fans were those faceless masses that just pick up whatever is hot at the moment then forget the band by the next release. I really don’t want to see them perform songs from Cry, etc. but don’t expect them to just do earlier stuff. There in lies the problem, who are their fans now in the States?
bring ultravox along with you and I’d go!
They should have toured with Big Country, of course that would seem a bit weird right?
Simple Minds have lost credibility, retire already!
It appears its all about the money now.
Stuart, why don’t you retire your stupid comments? If you don’t like Simple Minds just ignore them.
If people want to see them they will pay. I think it’s a bit high. I paid a little over 80 for two tickets to see the lemonheads and the psychedelic furs… The lemons played for 45 minutes and the furs for 1 1/2 hrs…
We were more than satisfied with what we were given based on what we paid. I wonder who is their “opening” act ?
Kerr’s tone seems a bit on the threatening side. Also seems he hasn’t quite shaken his “Watch me prance about onstage like the ersatz Bono/Renaissance Fayre tit I am” mentality from the Once Upon a Time era.
Great band, but he did get a bit up himself back then.
Come on people, turn out! I actually wrote Roseland Ballroom in NYC last year when New Order sold out two night and told them Simple Minds would do the same, and that they should book them. Don’t know that they were listening, but oula! Roseland it is! SM has been touring nonstop in Europe for the last 11 years, it’s about time they got their arses to the U.S. So many of our fav. college bands are doing the same, but avoiding the States, must be because people stop going to shows when they hit a certain age? Not moi! Let’s prove them wrong.
BTW – Saw their show at Beacon Theater 11 years ago – it kicked arse. I happen to love “Real Life” and other recordings post the big hits. They put on a great show. And Jim is a very down to earth, nice guy. Was totally humble and gracious when I met him.
Man WTF, I’m a teacher and have ALWAYS purchased the “new one” when it came out even when I had to buy it as an import. There is NO WAY I would have the funds to travel from Nashville to DC or Boston to see them do a club show. As a long time fan , comments like that from a true loyal fan sucks.
I wanted to add something …I didn’t read ALL the comments properly and I DO agree with you David , “comments like that sucks” . I hope you don’t mind if I quote you . I’m a true Fan and I drive thousands of kilometers ( Miles sometimes ) to see them on stage . I couldn’t afford the American Tour this time though . And now this is from me , for the Band Simple Minds : Your music is a WONDER and my therapy FOREVER ! A wonderful Fan who created a Website dedicated to them -I believe-was the only one to define their music . I say every song is a Masterpiece yet he mentioned “the essence of music” . He’s got it .So…numbers , Dollars , Euros ??? We all know that money rules the world but really…we are talking about poetry , refinement and UNIQUE is the key word to define Simple Minds music .
As a simple minds die hard for 31 years I can assure you that it’s most definitely “not about the cash” that they are returning to the us. They do this because they love their music. And love playing live. With 3100 ‘gigs’ under their belt be assured they never disappoint. You’ll not be short changed for a great night out if the cost of the ticket is so important to you
As a simple minds die hard for 31 years I can assure you that it’s most definitely “not about the cash” that they are returning to the us. They do this because they love their music. And love playing live. With 3100 ‘gigs’ under their belt be assured they never disappoint. You’ll not be short changed for a great night out if the cost of the ticket is so important to you
Tickets are in the very reasonable mid-$50 range. I suppose that’s too much to pay for some of you clueless losers.
Does anyone know the set list? I don’t want to hear a bunch of post “Sparkle In The Rain” stuff.
when you coming to Victoria BC Canada