Simple Minds was founded in 1978 by Jim Kerr (vocals), Charlie Burchill (guitar), Tony Donald (bass) en Brian McGee (drums). Second guitar player Duncan Barnwell and keyboard player Micheal McNeil completed the band. The first change in personnel followed soon when Derek Forbes came to replace a disappointing Donald. This starting period ended with the departure of Barnwell. Meanwhile Simple Minds had established itself as one of Scotland’s best live acts. This led to a record deal with Edinburgh’s independent label ZOOM that was distributed by ARISTA and managed by Bruce Findley. He also became the band’s manager. The first single "Life In A Day" reached number 62 in the UK Charts while the debut album of the same name reached number 30 in the album charts. The band itself was absolutely unsatisfied with their first LP and went back into the studio as fast as they could to work on the experimental album "Real To Real Cacophony". This album was an absolute commercial disaster, but gave them a lot of credit with the press. In September 1980 "Empires And Dance" was recorded; an album that put the band in a more "dance" direction. It was influenced by their experiences from the many European tours. From this album "I Travel" also came and became a real club hit. Not satisfied with the devotion of ARISTA Simple Minds signed at VIRGIN in 1981. The band was joined with producer Steve Hillage and this led to two albums "Sons And Fascination" and "Sister Feelings Call" that were first published as a Limited Edition double LP. It became the band’s first UK top 20 hit. Furthermore "The American", "Love Song" and "Sweat in Bullet" were 3 more little hit singles. Simple Minds slowly began to outgrow their cult status. Brian McGee was tired of touring so much and left the band in 1981. He got replaced by former Skids drummer Kenny Hyslop. Hyslop’s contribution was small but important. He played along on "Promised You a Miracle" and partly through him the band released the song as a single. This powerful song reached number 13 in the UK charts and also became a hit in the rest of Europe and in Australia as well, where the band already had a big crowd of fanatic fans (Sons And Fascination was a number 1 hit over there). Although Mike Ogletree joined the band after Hyslop’s departure Mel Gaynor ultimately became the steady Simple Minds drummer. Both drummers are to be heard on "New Gold Dream". The most successful Simple Minds album until then that reached number 3 in de UK charts. This more commercial album was about faith and hope and brought forth "Glittering Prize" and "Someone Somewhere In Summertime" (to this day still one of the most popular Simple Minds songs) that both became hit singles. Both due to success of "New Gold Dream" and to the strong/firm live reputation they had always had, Simple Minds became big crowd-puller on Europe’s open air festivals (Pinkpop in 1982, Torhout/Werchter 1983). In February 1984 "Sparkle In The Rain" was released in co-operation with producer Steve Lillywhite and came in at number 1 in the UK charts. Before that the singles "Waterfront" and "Speed Your Love To Me" became top 30 hits, as well as the third single "Up on The Catwalk" that was released after the album. Lillywhite clearly put his stamp on "Sparkle". It is an album full of heavy, thrilling beats, that appear to full advantage live. In 1984 Jim Kerr quietly marries Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde in New York. Begin 1985 there’s a new changing in personnel when Derek Forbes leaves the band, tired of touring. He is replaced by John Giblin (ex Peter Gabriel). ...more...found at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/FReyniers/BIOENG.htm