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americas 2013


GREATEST HITS + TOUR

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 ong 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,
Official Site
16th July 2013


"Last day of London Rehearsal: Let The Day Begin! With USA and Canada coming up, we might spend a half hour learning this today. It's a rather "rushed" cover of a Call song, and the writer -the late - Michael Been was a friend of ours. The Call toured the USA with Simple Minds in the mid '80's and we watched them every night. Yes, that it how good they were. We have never played it live as yet, I know we could do it much better than this. Adding it to the set would be our tribute to Michael, also a nod to those who were at those gigs back in the day." - Jim, 1st October 2013




Broken Glass Park was issued as a promotional-only single to promote the American gigs.



The colour 28 page tour programme included an introduction from Jim, the Greatest Hits + press release, current live pictures (from the 5X5 Tour) and a lengthy album by album retrospective by Pierre Perrone.




Auditório Oi Araujo Vianna, Porto Alegre, Brazil
5th October, 2013
Main Set: Broken Glass Park - Waterfront / Once Upon A Time / Big Sleep / Let The Day Begin / Hunter And The Hunted / All The Things She Said / I Travel / Glittering Prize / This Fear Of Gods / Don't You (Forget About Me) / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Encore: Theme For Great Cities / Neon Lights / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Sanctify Yourself / Alive And Kicking
Encore: Ghostdancing

"If you had told us as kids, that one day we would get to go to Brazil, we would never have believed you. Even more so if you had said that we would be going there to play our music. How could that ever be? But our lives, thanks to our music, has taken us to some destinations beyond our imagination, and Brazil is one of them. We are so looking forward to visiting once again, starting of course this Saturday in Porto Alegre. It will be a pleasure and an honour. See you there" - Jim, 1st October 2013

"Only mid-morning here but all are keen to get on with our first gig of the tour - tonight in Porto Alegre. The weather was better back in London than it is here, but we are all adjusted after two days rest. Unfortunately a few within the camp are suffering with slight colds and flus - me included. That won't get in the way of the gig tonight, guaranteed! I have a good feeling about these gigs that will start tonight and take us up till December. A very good feeling in fact." - Jim, 5th October 2013

"Thanks for the welcome in Porto Alegre. Our first "full gig" in five months and as always it felt good to be playing our songs live to an enthusiastic audience. Theme For Great Cities, Hunter And The Hunted, Big Sleep, This Fear Of Gods, Let The Day Begin and Neon Lights all featured - as well as so many other songs that you would expect to hear on a Hits set. Thanks to everyone who came to see us." - Jim, 6th October 2013




Espaco Americas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
8th October, 2013
Main Set: Broken Glass Park - Waterfront / Once Upon A Time / Mandela Day / Let The Day Begin / Hunter And The Hunted / All The Things She Said / Promised You A Miracle / Glittering Prize / This Fear Of Gods / Don't You (Forget About Me) / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Encore: Theme For Great Cities / Neon Lights / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Sanctify Yourself / Alive And Kicking
Encore: Ghostdancing

"Thank you to Sao Paulo: Cool venue and a really great audience, thanks for last night. Thanks also to those who travelled from elsewhere in Brazil to see Simple Minds on this tour. Nice to meet fans from Chile and Argentina at last night's show. We never made it to your country on this tour, but we will next time. Promise." - Jim, 9th October 2013




City Park, Curitiba, Brazil
12th October, 2013
Main Set: Waterfront / Broken Glass Park / Mandela Day / Let The Day Begin / This Fear Of Gods / See The Lights / Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) / Promised You A Miracle / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Sanctify Yourself / Alive And Kicking / Ghostdancing - Gloria

"Curitiba next! The current trip to Brazil has had us reminiscing over those days back in January '88 when after much deliberation we accepted a promoter's offer to take part in two festivals that were set for Rio Di Janeiro and Sao Paulo respectively."

"As much a holiday as it was work, considering that we only did two shows within a week long stay, there is a similar comparison to the present were we have three performances during a ten day visit. That means that just as it was on our first trip, there has been plenty of time for relaxing and sightseeing also over these last days, most of it having been spent on a beach front hotel in Rio. I know, I know... it is a tough life!"

"Unlike the first time however, there has been no challenging the local media to football matches during our spare time. Well, that was 25 years ago after all, and perhaps it is true that we are not as energetic as we used to be. But neither would it be wise to risk broken limbs or invite any other injuries either, least not when when we have two months of touring in front of us. On the other hand though, most of the band do visit the gym each day, as well as doing some (slow) running not long after sunrise. That is definitely something that would never have happened back in '88 when sunrise more often meant that it might be time to go to bed. After a night of clubbing that is!"

"There is however no doubt that Brazil, just as it was back then, is a joy to perform in. The Sao Paulo show that we did a couple of nights ago, had an "electricity" about it, that all the most special gigs have. The net result has me already looking forward to the next time. Before that though, we have our third and last show, and this time it is a festival that is taking place in a city called Curitiba. Our first time in the city, and an audience of around 20,00 are expected. I am hoping that it all works out well, and if so there will a strong chance of coming back to appear in other festivals in Brazil. And while we are at it, why not Chile, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, all next time?" - Jim, 10th October 2013

"Thanks to everyone who has been travelling round to see us in these Brazil gigs. Curitiba next - it will be the last one. Till next time! - Jim, 11th October 2013




Orpheum, Los Angeles, USA
15th October, 2013
Main Set Part #1: Broken Glass Park - Waterfront / Once Upon A Time - Up On The Catwalk / All The Things She Said / Mandela Day / Let The Day Begin / Glittering Prize / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Main Set Part #2: I Travel / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / This Fear Of Gods / She's A River / Hypnotised / The American / Love Song / See The Lights / Don't You (Forget About Me) / Promised You A Miracle
Encore: Theme For Great Cities / Sanctify Yourself / Alive And Kicking

Many thanks to Brian for the set-list.

"I must admit to having my doubts as to whether we would ever get the chance to return to America/Canada. More than frustrating, it was a saddening thought. But what is meant to be, is meant to be, and a packed out show at LA Orpheum this coming Tuesday (15th) is a dream opportunity - the perfect way to begin to reignite the relationship with our fans in North America. Thank you so much for your patience. When the dates were announced, I asked all to turn out and support our efforts, in doing so I felt sure that would be asked back by more promoters - giving a chance to return for a more extensive tour of Canada/America next year perhaps.You have done your part with regards to that. Now, all we have to do is be great. I think this band can live up to that challenge." - Jim, 11th October 2013

"Amazing audience, you gave us such a welcome! What a great way to start this series of dates. Thanks to all of you!" - Jim, 16th October 2013




Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, New Jersey, USA
17th October, 2013
Main Set Part #1: Broken Glass Park - Waterfront / Once Upon A Time - Up On The Catwalk / All The Things She Said / Hunter And The Hunted / Let The Day Begin / Glittering Prize / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Main Set Part #2: I Travel / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / This Fear Of Gods / She's A River / Let There Be Love / The American / Love Song / See The Lights / Don't You (Forget About Me) / Promised You A Miracle
Encore: Theme For Great Cities / Sanctify Yourself / Alive And Kicking

Many thanks to Greg for the set-list.

"Next up is New Jersey - tomorrow night. I have been told that is a wonderful venue, and to expect a great crowd. I am still getting over the experience of last night's LA Orpheum, but a day off today will make us refreshed and ready to do it all again - in New Jersey." - Jim, 16th October 2013

"Hang in with us North America! Re: setlists, sorry if you don't hear one or two of your fave songs. We try to do whatever possible, including chopping and changing a few here and there each night. But we have literally hundreds of songs and it is not possible to play them all. Hopefully this tour works out and we will get the chance to comeback in the near future to your neck of the woods - then you'll get the chance once more to hear "your song."" - Jim, 17th October 2013

"Crowd were loud, and made us feel proud. Thank You! Both sets flew in so fast - but we had a ball." - Jim, 17th October 2013




9:30 Club, Washington, USA
18th October, 2013
Main Set Part #1: Broken Glass Park - Waterfront / Once Upon A Time - All The Things She Said / Hunter And The Hunted / Let The Day Begin / Glittering Prize / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Main Set Part #2: Theme For Great Cities / Neon Lights / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / This Fear Of Gods / She's A River / The American / Love Song / See The Lights / Don't You (Forget About Me) / Promised You A Miracle
Encore: Sanctify Yourself / Alive And Kicking / Ghostdancing - Gloria

"After such a long absence we had no idea what kind of reaction we get at these shows in North America? What a thrill to witness the warmth and enthusiasm that has been thrown our way from the first minute, and lasting throughout the entire show. How lucky we are in that wherever we go in the world, we have these audiences who come along to not only listen and observe - but to actually engage with our performance. In doing so you feed us that extra energy, and with it a determination to make every single show as good as it can possibly be. Thank you!" - Jim, 18th October 2013

"I think maybe that was our best ever gig in Washington. To look out at the end of the set and see so many people - looking so happy - is a truly great feeling. Thanks for coming to see Simple Minds." - Jim, 18th October 2013


Is this a rallying call? Yes.
Yes it is. Let me explain!

When these current dates were first announced back in early summer, I explained that after such along absence from North America we really needed our supporters here to "come out" to these gigs and show the local promoters that "there is an audience for Simple Minds" in this part of the world - and in doing so secure the possibility of many return visits in the future. Well, our fans here have done that and we thank all of you immensely.

However, re Thursday's upcoming show in New York City. Uh... maybe with a capacity of 3,300, that was a little adventurous, or putting it frankly, we still need to have a lot more people to turn up in order to make the kind of red hot atmosphere we all would want to ensure a great last night in North America - and a great way to end this fantastic series of dates.

Therefore if any of your friends "are thinking of coming down", try and get them to seal the deal and come down. We want as many as possible to witness Sarah Brown and all of Simple Minds in this current form. In the meantime re everyone already with tickets to Roseland, including those who are traveling from far and wide. THANK YOU! See you there. - Jim, 19th October 2013





Wilbur Theatre, Boston, USA
20th October, 2013
Main Set Part #1: Broken Glass Park - Waterfront / Once Upon A Time - Blood Diamonds / All The Things She Said / Hunter And The Hunted / Let The Day Begin / Glittering Prize / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Main Set Part #2: Speed Your Love To Me / Neon Lights / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Let There Be Love / This Fear Of Gods / The American / Love Song / See The Lights / Don't You (Forget About Me) / Promised You A Miracle
Encore: Sanctify Yourself / Alive And Kicking / Ghostdancing

"Not only looking forward to tomorrow's show, but also looking forward to catching up with bassist Eddie Duffy. As many know, Ed played with SM from '02 to '10, bringing so much to our shows during that period. That apart he also grew up in the same Glasgow street as both Charlie Burchill and myself. He is one of us alright - and always will be! A great Simple Mind - Eddie Duffy." - Jim, 20th October 2013

"Boston - the penultimate American show - went so well. Thanks to everyone for coming to see us, thanks for the reception above all. Amazing really, the people who have travelled from all over, to come to our gigs over this last week. Thanks from the heart!" - Jim, 20th October 2013

"Canada: Coming your way in the next 24 hours, first up Montreal and then Toronto on Tuesday. Many memories of all those shows in the early days, never forgetting the gigs in Vancouver, Ottawa, Quebec, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Calgary, Edmonton etc. We will get to you next time for sure." - Jim, 20th October 2013




Metropolis, Montreal, Canada
21st October, 2013
Main Set Part #1: Broken Glass Park - Waterfront / Once Upon A Time - Blood Diamonds / Hunter And The Hunted / All The Things She Said / Let The Day Begin / Glittering Prize / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Main Set Part #2: Speed Your Love To Me / Neon Lights / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / This Fear Of Gods / Let There Be Love / The American / Love Song / See The Lights / Don't You (Forget About Me) / Promised You A Miracle
Encore: Sanctify Yourself / Space / Alive And Kicking / Ghostdancing

Many thanks to Paola for the photographs.

"It has been so long that I had trouble recognising the city at first. Montreal always had something unique about it however, and rather quickly I started to get a familiar feeling. This is one of the first places in the world to embrace the music of Simple Minds. We owe our fans here our very best tonight. We owe all our fans the best every night in fact. But one night at a time and tonight it feels great to be back in Montreal. To be back in Canada!" - Jim, 21st October 2013

"What a reception these people gave us tonight! I am ashamed that we have waited so long to return. Hopefully our show tonight was the beginning of a new relationship with our fans here. We will be back - hopefully sooner than you might think. Thank you so much!" - Jim, 21st October 2013




Massey Hall, Toronoto, Canada
22nd October, 2013
Main Set Part #1: Broken Glass Park - Waterfront / Once Upon A Time / All The Things She Said / War Babies / Hunter And The Hunted / Let The Day Begin / Glittering Prize / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Main Set Part #2: Speed Your Love To Me / I Travel / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / This Fear Of Gods / Let There Be Love / The American / Love Song / See The Lights / Don't You (Forget About Me) / Promised You A Miracle
Encore: Theme For Great Cities / Sanctify Yourself / Alive And Kicking

Many thanks to Trey for the set-list and to Paola for the photographs.

"Massey Hall - still as great as ever, thanks to all who came to see Simple Minds. You did not let us down." - Jim, 22nd October 2013

"This tour has been a real success and we will be back to play much more extensively" - Jim, 22nd October 2013




Roseland Ballroom, New York, USA
24th October, 2013
Main Set Part #1: Broken Glass Park - Waterfront / Once Upon A Time / All The Things She Said / War Babies / Hunter And The Hunted / Let The Day Begin / Glittering Prize / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
Main Set Part #2: Speed Your Love To Me / I Travel / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / This Fear Of Gods / Let There Be Love / The American / Love Song / See The Lights / Don't You (Forget About Me) / Promised You A Miracle
Encore: Theme For Great Cities / Sanctify Yourself / Alive And Kicking

Many thanks to Paola for the set-list and to Mike (his Flickr set) and Paola for the pictures.

"Last show of the North American tour, it was important to go out on a high. Thanks to the audience in New York for giving us more than we had hoped for. I put out a message/rallying cry here on FaceBook last week asking for support at this gig. We got it! No doubt about that. Noticed familiar faces in the crowd, people came from far and wide. Across the ocean even. How amazing indeed. Also great to see so many of our old friends in the cities. We have missed you. Thank You!" - Jim, 24th October 2013

"Less than 24 hours after the last gig of the tour, there are already discussions taking place to hopefully bring Simple Minds back for more shows next summer. Fingers crossed that happens, nothing would make us happier. Meanwhile huge thanks to all who made us feel so good during this tour. Until next time!" - Jim, 24th October 2013

"And the beat goes on. One tour finishes tonight, but in a matter of days we will be back in South Africa - and desperately looking forward to that. Make sure the sun is shining please. We will also bring "our own heat."" - Jim, 24th October 2013

"The last few days in New York have been magical, albeit in a low key way. But the last couple of weeks have been magical in a way we never thought would happen. Los Angeles, New Jersey, Washington DC, Boston, Montreal, Toronto and New York, treated us more like long lost family, than puffed up rock stars. How good is that? Take care all, see you soon!" - Jim, 26th October 2013




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