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australia 2012


SIMPLE MINDS AND DEVO TO TOUR

They defined a generation, are revered by critics and adored by fans. In an epic career spanning 30 years and more than 60 million albums sold, Simple Minds travelled from the streets of Glasgow to become one of the world’s biggest bands with a musical majesty that still inspires awe.

Devo's pioneering sound, style and philosophy had a profound effect on the new wave movement. Influential, subversive and downright entertaining, Devo’s cult status quickly spread to the mainstream.

In what promises to be one of the most captivating tours of the year, Simple Minds and Devo will perform indoor shows and the popular a day on the green winery series later this year.

Joining them, and adding another highlight to savour, will be one of Australia’s finest, the church. Simple Minds, Devo and the church all in one night – now that's what we call a concert not to be missed!

The tour is the first announcement for the next a day on the green summer season, the event's 12th year. Eclectic 80s popsters The Models, led by Sean Kelly, will open all a day on the green shows.

Simple Minds has had a lengthy love affair with Australia since tasting success here for the first time anywhere in the world with their first hit single Love Song and first Gold album New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84). A stellar array of hits followed like Don’t You (Forget About Me), Alive and Kicking, Love Song, Promised You A Miracle, Glittering Prize and Waterfront spanning eight Top 20 albums.

Lead vocalist Jim Kerr says: "Australia holds a very special place in the heart of Simple Minds. It was the first country anywhere in the world to embrace our music and we have wonderful memories of the tours we’ve done. We’re extremely excited about playing in Australia again."

In the live concert arena, Simple Minds have few peers. This is a band that has played countless sold out stadium tours including three times at Wembley stadium, has been voted the prestigious Q Magazine’s ‘World’s Best Live Act’ and has retained an enviable reputation as one of THE great live concert bands.

Simple Minds commence a lengthy European tour in late June in support of their just released box set X5 which features their ground-breaking first five albums Life in a Day, Real to Real Cacophony, Empires and Dance, Sons and Fascination/ Sister Feelings Call and New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84) as well as a bonus disc of rare and previously unavailable B-sides and remixes.

According to the UK Guardian Newspaper “Simple Minds are suddenly alive and kicking again” whilst the Metro says: “It’s official, Simple Minds are cool again.”

There’s no denying the influence Devo – brothers Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh and Gerald and Bob Casale - have exercised over a new generation of artists. Invitations to play the Livid Festival (1997) and Splendour In The Grass (2008) on past Australian sojourns is testimony to their currency with music fans.

Devo was an extension of a multi-media exploration of the concept that mankind's progress had ceased, and the process of de-evolution had begun. Their early work from the visionary debut Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo caught the attention of such icons as Brian Eno and David Bowie, and with hits like Whip It and Girl U Want and the accompanying revolutionary music videos, the group became one of the defining acts of the 1980s.

Devo’s surrealist and highly innovative stage shows have been an influence on artists from Rage Against the Machine to Lady Gaga. Kurt Cobain once said, "Of all the bands who came from the underground and actually made it in the mainstream, Devo is the most challenging and subversive of all."

In 2010 Devo released their first album in 20 years Something For Everyone and have re-ignited their passion for live performance. They are about to tour the US with Blondie so will be in fine form when they hit Australian shores again. DEVOtees..... expect the unexpected!




There will actually be three types of show, dependent upon whether they are festivals (in which case the festival promoter gets some say in what is played and also stipulates the length of time the band are on stage), and also whether they are indoor or outdoor shows.

The type of show is mentioned below each date above and hopefully this will give you some idea of what to expect:

5x5 Festival Set - Mainly comprising of songs from the 5X5 era plus a couple of surprises - set length determined by the festival
5x5 Full Set - These shows will have longer sets and will include more of the 5x5 tracks (but may also on occasion include some more recent hits)
5x5 + Hits - A mixture of 5X5 tracks plus hits from throughout the bands career.



We are happy to announce that the forthcoming live shows in Australia are to be recorded and made available immediately on the night to fans! These recordings will also be available to order worldwide.

These super exclusive, limited edition double CD sets feature fully mixed and mastered recordings, delivered in high quality digipaks, and individually numbered to make them TRUE collectibles! Best of all, if you are going to the show, you can WALK OUT of the venue with your CDs in hand! DiscLive will capture *every note* including the encore for your listening enjoyment!

In addition, Simple Minds are offering a special DELUXE edition, which features a brand new exclusive "rockumentary" style audio interview with Jim Kerr, conducted by famed U.S. radio personality Redbeard.

Special discounts are available right now if you purchase in advance of the tour!

These special Simple Minds recordings can be reserved right now here.

www.simpleminds.com
10th November 2012



"As always when in this part of the world feeling good! Looking forward to catching up with everyone for our tour rehearsal in a few days time. Starts in Melbourne on Friday and I am happy with that as I particularly like city and above all the venue. Some fans asking what we are likely to play? Hmmm. Changing it around a bit from night to night. In no order but maybe something like:

I Travel / Thirty Frames A Second / Love Song / Celebrate / Waterfront / In Trance As Mission / The American / This Fear Of Gods / See The Lights / Don't You (Forget About Me) / Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84) / Promised You A Miracle / Glittering Prize / Sanctify Yourself / Alive And Kicking

"But don't count out a slot for Today I Died Again, 70 Cities As Love Brings The Fall, Life In A Day, Pleasantly Disturbed, Room, Premonition, Themes For Great Cities, and Big Sleep." - Jim (24th November 2012)


EMI Australia released a five album box-set as promotion for the tour.





Palais Theatre, Melbourne, Australia
30th November, 2012
5x5 + Hits
Main Set: I Travel / Thirty Frames A Second / Love Song / Celebrate / Waterfront / In Trance As Mission / The American / This Fear Of Gods / See The Lights / Don't You (Forget About Me) / Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Encore: Sanctify Yourself / Promised You A Miracle / Glittering Prize / Alive And Kicking

Thanks to Fred for the set-list.

"Firstly thanks to those who welcomed us to Melbourne last night. It was a pleasure to be back in Australia and now that we are started we are so looking forward to the rest of the tour. Secondly, despite the very positive reaction both in the hall and from the crowd of fans who we spoke to in the street outside afterwards, it has been brought to our attention that a number of people complained about the sound from where they were sitting, in particular that they could not hear the voice. This was obviously very disappointing for them, for that we apologise. It is disappointing for us to hear when anyone is not happy, as we put in a lot of work as well as take great pride in the production of our shows. Let's face it, you don't get a 35 year career and the sort of great live reputation, of the type that Simple Minds enjoy, if you don't offer a consistent quality to your audience. We do! But tonight it seems we did not come up to the technical level that we demand. Once again I apologise to anybody feeling let down."

"It is now in the early hours here in Melbourne, in five hours the crew will depart to begin setting up for tonight's show. Nevertheless, discussions have taken place and I am fully confident that all will be in place for a great set tomorrow night. Thanks again to everyone who came, thank you for your kindness towards us." - Jim, 30th November 2012




A Day On The Green, Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley Vic, Australia
1st December, 2012
5x5 + Hits
Main Set: Waterfront / I Travel / Love Song / All The Things She Said / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / See The Lights / Sanctify Yourself / Don't You (Forget About Me) / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Encore: Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) / Promised You A Miracle / Glittering Prize / Alive And Kicking / Ghostdancing

Many thanks to Benjamin for the set-list.

"Got our technical nightmares sorted out, we are back in the saddle. Ready to give our very best tonight in Yarra Valley. Looking forward to seeing everyone!" - Jim, 1st December 2012

"I loved Devo. What an amazing, unique and uplifting band they are. Made me laugh, but also so much to admire in their music. As for Simple Minds? We enjoyed ourselves immensely, everyone said we would like this venue and the audience and we certainly did. The tour is up and running now. No more hiccups! Looking forward to Adelaide later on tonight." - Jim, 1st December 2012




Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, Australia
2nd December, 2012
5x5 + Hits
Main Set: Waterfront / Love Song / All The Things She Said / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / See The Lights / Sanctify Yourself / Don't You (Forget About Me) / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Encore: Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) / Promised You A Miracle / Glittering Prize / Alive And Kicking / Ghostdancing - Gloria

"Last of 3 in a row and the best yet. Nice venue, great crowd, everybody seemingly raving about the sound and lights. All is as should be... good! Thanks of course for the great welcome, seemed a lot of very happy people, least from where I stood. Many great memories of Adelaide from our early days, tonight lived up to any of those early shows we feel. Surpassed even? Travel day tomorrow, heading to Perth and meeting up with friends and family, got the night off - heading to an Italian restaurant that has had great recommendations. Maybe we will invite Devo? The Perth gig on Tuesday is shaping up to be a belter! I hope so" - Jim, 2nd December 2012




A Day On The Green, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, Australia
4th December, 2012
5x5 + Hits
Main Set: Waterfront / Love Song / Celebrate / Big Sleep / All The Things She Said / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / See The Lights / Sanctify Yourself / Don't You (Forget About Me) / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Encore: Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) / Promised You A Miracle / Glittering Prize / Alive And Kicking / Ghostdancing - Gloria

"Had a feeling it would be a bit special and thanks to the lovely venue and enthusiastic audience it was all that and more. Don't want to go about the lovely temperature, specially bearing in mind how cold it is back home, but it really made the night. We are having a ball in Australia. Thanks to all for making us so welcome. Until next time hopefully." - Jim, 4th December 2012

"Looking forward to spending a few days in Sydney. It's where it all began for Simple Minds in terms of our profile in Australia, always a great place to play, spectacular place to visit in every sense!" - Jim, 4th December 2012




Entertainment Centre, Sydney, Australia
7th December, 2012
5x5 + Hits
Main Set: Waterfront / Love Song / Moscow Underground / All The Things She Said / The American / In Trance As Mission / See The Lights / Sanctify Yourself / Don't You (Forget About Me) / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Encore: Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) / Promised You A Miracle / Glittering Prize / Alive And Kicking / Ghostdancing - Gloria







Many thanks to Patrick for the set-list and pictures.

"Thanks to all in Oz who have come to see us and posted/sent complimentary messages. If you think the band don't get encouraged by such positive responses, you are mistaken. It drives us on, even more. Been busy in Sydney, doing promo etc. Managed to fit in a "Bridge Climb" over Sydney Harbour Bridge. Quite an experience, especially when you are bleary eyed through staying up all night to watch events live from Celtic Park, Glasgow. What a beautiful day! " - Jim, 7th December 2012




A Day On The Green, Bimbadgen Winery, Hunter Valley New South Wales, Australia
8th December, 2012
5x5 + Hits
Main Set: Waterfront / Love Song / Moscow Underground / All The Things She Said / The American / In Trance As Mission / See The Lights / Sanctify Yourself / Don't You (Forget About Me) / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Encore: Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) / Promised You A Miracle / Glittering Prize / Alive And Kicking

"Seems like we got well into our stride in these two gigs. For the record, Aussie audiences are as good as anywhere in the world. Great energy from band and crowd together. We won't forget these nights, already well looking forward to coming back! " - Jim, 8th December 2012




A Day On The Green, Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton, Australia
9th December, 2012
5x5 + Hits
Main Set: Waterfront / Love Song / Celebrate / All The Things She Said / The American / This Fear Of Gods / See The Lights / Sanctify Yourself / Don't You (Forget About Me) / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Encore: Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) / Promised You A Miracle / Glittering Prize / Alive And Kicking / Ghostdancing - Gloria





Thanks to Alex for the set-list and pictures.

"Best of the tour so far? Quite possibly! Wild audience,big energy, unforgettable really!" - Jim, 11th December 2012




Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, Australia
12th December, 2012
5x5 + Hits
Main Set: Waterfront / Love Song / Celebrate / The American / This Fear Of Gods / See The Lights / Sanctify Yourself / Don't You (Forget About Me) / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Encore: Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) / Alive And Kicking / Ghostdancing - Gloria

"Last gig and planning on going out with a bang. On leaving OZ then, I have to say thanks. First and foremost to everyone who came to see us, and for making us feel as good as we seemingly made them. Playing live for Simple Minds is always a two-way thing and the more an audience encourages, the more energy we have to give back. That is simply how it works!" - Jim, 12th December 2012

"In the excitement of it all last night, I forgot to introduce Mel Gaynor to the audience. Everyone on stage got a mention except him and I have no idea what made me forget? Luckily he spared me a whack on the back of the head from one of his flying drumsticks. A great drummer? No doubt about it!" - Jim, 13th December 2012




A Day On The Green, Villa Maria Estate, Auckland, New Zealand
15th December, 2012
5x5 + Hits
Main Set: Waterfront / Love Song / Celebrate / All The Things She Said / The American / This Fear Of Gods / See The Lights / Sanctify Yourself / Don't You (Forget About Me) / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Encore: Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) / Promised You A Miracle / Glittering Prize / Alive And Kicking / Ghostdancing - Gloria


Thanks to Ben for the set-list and pictures.

"Arrived earlier this evening, forgot to pick up one of my bags, airline still trying to trace it. Bummer! Could be worse though, 22 degrees and beautiful, perfect for hanging on the terrace and staring at the sea. Perhaps better not to go on too much about the weather especially when friends and family back in the UK are freezing their tootsies off! Anyway, great to be back in beautiful New Zealand, determined to make the most and of course put on a strong performance here on Saturday." - Jim, 13th December 2012

"Last concert of this tour, in 24 hours everyone will be homeward bound. Well almost everyone, as I decided to stay on a few more days to take in some more of this beautiful part of the world. Hoping that the tremendous energy that has featured in the recent gigs will surface tonight, the weather is perfect and the outdoor venue is stunning. All set!" - Jim, 13th December 2012

"Tour ended and had the chance to bid band and crew farewell yesterday. Everyone seemed to be heading home albeit in different directions, that is just the way it is. Instead I jumped on a small propellor plane and landed in a much quieter part of New Zealand. It's time to forget about music, performing, being in Simple Minds etc, least for a couple of weeks. Time to unplug totally, get out and go for some very beautiful walks." - Jim, 17th December 2012




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