Jim Kerr: Voices
Charlie Burchill: Lead Guitar, Violin, Saxophone
Mick McNeill: Keyboards
Derek Forbes: Bass Guitar
Brian McGee: Drums

Simple Minds signed to Zoom Records in December, 1978, having built a solid and positive live reputation throughout that year. Almost immediately, the group began working on their debut album Life In A Day which was released in April, 1979. The album got good reviews from both the UK and overseas; for example the New Musical Express said:-

"Simple Minds have the talent, resources and uncluttered vision to become one of the most important post-punk bands."

And Billboard said:-

"Cults are built on discs like this and sometimes the cults grow large."

The Life In A Day album reached No. 30 in the BBC/BMRB chart and the two singles which were released, Life In A Day and Chelsea Girl reached the top 100.

Since then, Simple Minds has gigged prolifically throughout the whole of the UK, firstly as a support group, and latterly as headliners in their own right. Consequently, the group have built up a large following throughout Britain.

After the end of their second UK tour last August, Simple Minds went into Rockfield Studios to record their second album Real To Real Cacophony which, like the first, was produced by John Leckie. Real To Real Cacophony is set for release on Zoom through Arista on November 23rd.

Immediately the album was completed, the group set off on their continental tour, taking in dates in Germany, Belgium, Sweden and Denmark, all of which were very successful.

September 12 sees the release of the new and already highly praised Simple Minds album Empires And Dance in Australia. With lyrics penned solely by vocalist Jim Kerr and music by Simple Minds, they are again joined by producer John Leckie who has proved on the last two albums to have a totaly empathy with the band.

It is a year now since the release of The Minds' second album Real To Real Cacophony and during this time they have not let the grass grow beneath their feet. As well as gaining many more new fans in Europe by touring there, they have also guested at the Hurrah Club in New York. During the last year they have also been highly praised by Gary Numan and David Bowie, no slouches when it comes to talent. Another artist who has also picked up on The Minds is Peter Gabriel, with whom they are currently touring in Europe at Peter's request.

Everything is moving in the right direction for Simple Minds.