Kent Event Centre, Maidstone, UK
4th August, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Walk Between Worlds / She's A River / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Let The Day Begin / Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

"Late night, last night. Followed by today's ferry crossing from Calais to Dover. Those white cliffs glistening in the sunlight etc. are an emotional sight to see. Or so I was told. I slept the entire journey. It feels good to be back in UK. Feeling fresh despite the thousands of miles travelled over the last 3 months. Been looking forward to these UK gigs for some time, now very keen to get started." - Jim, 4th August 2018

"Enjoyed performing at the Maidstone Grandslam. Cherisse Osei as always played her heart out. Thanks to all for making us feel so good! Next up - heading to Wales for tonights show at Cyfarthfa Castle." - Jim, 5th August 2018

Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil, UK
5th August, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Walk Between Worlds / She's A River / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Let The Day Begin / Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

Many thanks to Huw for the ticket scan and pictures.

"Bit of a lengthy bus trip, but we are in Wales now and as you can see from Charlie's picture, he's very happy about that. Both KT Tunstall and The Pretenders were on fire last night. We weren't bad either. With truly perfect weather, you can expect more of the same tonight." - Jim, 5th August 2018

"Thanks to all at Cyfarthfa Castle. Grandslam indeed! We certainly all had a grand time in Wales. Packed venue, great weather, great audience, and truly great artists performing with us i.e. KT Tunstall and The Pretenders." - Jim, 5th August 2018

"Two down! Bring on the next two! Might be what I am suggesting judging by the picture! Or alternately I might be asking for another two of these cool T-shirts, since both my father and my best friend instantly claimed the two in my suitcase on arrival back home. Either way, still on high from the weekend and looking forward to Salford this Friday, followed by Leeds next night." - Jim, 6th August 2018

AJ Bell Stadium, Salford, UK
10th August, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Sense Of Discovery / Walk Between Worlds / She's A River / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Let The Day Begin / Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

"A wiseman! So keen to get to Salford for tonight's gig, Gordy decided to take the early train from Glasgow. Then again, he's probably had enough of my company and instead wanted to get to the Bell Stadium well in advance, and in plenty of time to see greats like KT Tunstall followed by The Pretenders. We are all looking forward to it immensely!" - Jim, 10th August 2018

"We had a ball in Salford, thanks to all for making the effort to come along to these Grandslam events. Some travelling from far and wide, some coming to see Simple Minds still after so many years of listening to our music still following us. We appreciate it immensely! As always Ged Grimes made it swing last night. No doubt he will do the same later tonight in Leeds Millennium Square. Hope to see you there!" - Jim, 11th August 2018

Millenium Square, Leeds, UK
11th August, 2018
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / Walk Between Worlds / She's A River / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Let The Day Begin / Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

"In the mood last night. In the mood again tonight. In the mood for it every night in fact. That's what our audience deserves. We are Simple Minds... See us stage at 8:45" - Jim, 11th August 2018

"Been thinking of Australia a lot. Mostly that is due to having had Ross Stapleton - our dear Aussie friend and great Simple Minds ally - around on tour with us over the last weekend. Our relationship with Ross goes back to the very early '80's when he was press officer at Virgin Records. In fact it was his relentless championing of Simple Minds, that drew the company to eventually sign Simple Minds, in doing so beginning a most successful relationship. Separately from that, it was through Ross's connections in Australia that we had the opportunity to first visit Australia and New Zealand back in 1981.

"Even though we had not yet had any hits or broken through with success anywhere, Ross had unswerving belief in the power of Simple Minds live. Convincing us to accept an offer to tour with local band Icehouse, who were immensely popular in Oz at that time. And to then follow that up with our own tour of pubs and clubs, playing repeated gigs in the major Austalian cities, also getting to Auckland for our first visit.

"I cannot tell you how much fun we had during that 6 week period. Going from nobodies to overnight success due to our appearance on Countdown, the national TV music show in Australia. It was of course Ross, no less, who also played a huge part in making that happen.

"I have no idea what Ross was thinking in Salford and Leeds, as he stood at the mixing desk just this last weekend? Looking on nearly 40 year later, as Simple Minds pumped out songs that he had played a big part in bringing to life. (The American, Love Song, Promised You A Miracle, Someone Somewhere In Summertime and Hunter And The Hunted.) But I know that for a few minutes on both nights, I considered how much we appreciated all that Ross did for us. Considering all that so many the world over have done for Simple Minds.

"Re: Australia and New Zealand currently. It has now been about a year and a half since we last toured and we would love to get back there as soon as possible. As always, we ask our fans to keep the faith! No doubt it's going to happen. Sooner rather than later." - Jim, 11th August 2018

"An umbrella or two might have come in handy at our gig in Leeds Millennium Square last night? Thankfully however the weather in no way managed to dampen anyone's spirits, and in no sense did it rain on anyone's parade. Or at least that is how it seemed from our vantage point, looking out over the packed city square. As said last night, we are fortunate in that seemingly everywhere we go Simple Minds attract great audiences. But special mention has to go to those who stand in the rain for a couple of hours, losing themselves in the music and the atmosphere of the show, despite whatever unhelpful conditions. A huge thanks then to all who came to see us in Leeds last night. Definitely one of the best crowds we have had the pleasure to be in front of. That is the truth!" - Jim, 12th August 2018

Butts Park Arena, Coventry, UK
18th August, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / Walk Between Worlds / She's A River / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Let The Day Begin / Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

"Thanks to all for a great night! Sometimes you can just tell, even after only a few minutes, that we have a great and energetic audience in front of us. Tonight was one of those nights! We all had a ball, including KT Tunstall and The Pretenders but no more so than Cherisse Osei, who always enjoys "bashing it out!" Next up Durham!" - Jim, 18th August 2018

Emerates Riverside, Durham, UK
19th August, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / Walk Between Worlds / She's A River / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Let The Day Begin / Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

"Tonight is Durham and we'll be arriving soon! Still on a great high from Coventry last night, now ready to give all to those who are coming along tonight! Get there early, don't dare miss KT Tunstall and The Pretenders". - Jim, 19th August 2018

"Like all of us, Charlie Burchill wants to shout out his appreciation to everyone who came along to the Grandslam events this past weekend. Coventry was a blast, followed on by brilliant Durham last night, making all in all a memorable couple of nights indeed.

"We are loving this tour. The benefit from playing so consecutively over the last few months is now seriously starting to pay off with the impact of the gigs going from strength to strength. (No surprise, after all this is a new line-up still, I always said that things would take time, and we still have some way to go in the desire to want to be better.) Then again what we think is one thing, but it is what our audience thinks that truly matters.

"Thanks to all who have come along then taken time to post positively on SM Official afterwards." - Jim, 20th August 2018

"We have had the chance to enjoy some awesome scenery over these last two days while proudly showing Cherisse Osei around some of Scotland as she continues to go about filming the next instalment of her Simple Minds Summer Tour Diaries. We even managed to get some hiking done along the way. Summer of course is suddenly entering its last phase. Likewise, this tour of Europe/UK that began in early May now has but a handful of gigs yet to perform. The last in this part of the world for some time, nevertheless we will of course continue to "stretch our legs" as we excitedly move on to tour North America next month, then with more performances in "further distant shores" hopefully coming up next year. All the more reason to enjoy these upcoming gigs, and we fully intend to do that this weekend as we show up in Newark and Colchester this coming weekend. The praise from last weekend's shows still ringing in our ears." - Jim, 22nd August 2018

"Now at the halfway point within this series of Grandslam weekend events featuring Simple Minds, The Pretenders and KT Tunstall. Minds bassist, Ged Grimes probably has his mind focused a little more on the last weekend of the tour - two weeks from now - when we play in the city of Dundee. Everyone looks forward to playing in their home town and being a proud Dundonian, Ged is no exception. With a show in Inverness on the previous night, it seems fitting for us to end our tour with two red hot shows in Scotland. And that is exactly what we will be aiming for." - Jim, 23rd August 2018

Riverside Park, Newark, UK
25th August, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / Walk Between Worlds / New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84) / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Let The Day Begin / Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

"As soon as we turned up in Newark we sensed it could be special. Historical castle, lots pf beautiful trees, evening sun, and a packed crowd lapping up each and every note of The Pretenders' set. Darkness had pretty much descended by time we hit the stage, the perfect atmosphere in place. We hope all who came to see us enjoyed the night as much as Cherisse and the rest of us did. It was pleasure to play for you and we appreciate the effort everyone makes when deciding to come to a show. Next up? Colchester tonight! Thanks to all who posted positive comments." - Jim, 26th August 2018

"After a fine experience in Newark last night, along with KT Tunstall and The Pretenders, Simple Minds now look forward to more of the same in Colchester tonight. Had a word with the weatherman and although it might be a "wee bit wet" this afternoon, the situation is predicted to improve as it gets nearer our time to perform. Then again the weatherman does not always get it right, so perhaps it is better for all those planning to come along to hope for the best, but dress for something slightly worse? Just as I did last week when carousing around the lochs and hills of Scotland with Cherisse Osei while filming the upcoming Simple Minds Summer Tour Diary." - Jim, 26th August 2018

Castle Park, Colchester, UK
26th August, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / Walk Between Worlds / She's A River / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

"After the sunshine and red hot vibes in Newark on Saturday, we were a little in despair to see the rain and wind lashing non-stop on our journey south to Colchester. We need not have concerned ourselves too much however. Quite simply, the audience in Colchester were seemingly determined to not let the lousy weather stop them from having a great time while getting into the music from KT Tunstall, The Pretenders and Simple Minds. Simple Minds are truly fortunate to have the dedicated fans that we have. Only with them on our side can we generate the atmosphere that has set the backdrop to so many memorable gigs on this tour. So thanks again to all who came to see us at these two packed out gigs this past weekend! Thanks for helping us create these memorable nights." - Jim, 27th August 2018

Trent Country Park, Enfield, UK
27th August, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall

The show was cancelled due to transport and security issues. "We’re extremely disappointed that the show will not go ahead. We were all really looking forward to coming to Enfield to perform for our fans at this beautiful venue." All fans who'd purchased tickets were given full refunds. If they wished to attend alternative shows, then they were given an additional free ticket.

Lyndard Park, Swindon, UK
31st August, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / Walk Between Worlds / She's A River / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Let The Day Begin / Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

"As merited, we have already sung genuine praise for the audiences that have come along to all these Grandslam shows. A ton of praise also for KT Tunstall and The Pretenders. Recognition is also due however to all the technical crews involved in putting the events together. As always we look to the tremendous effort that comes from Simple Minds crew, in addition we have to recognise promoter, Liz Hobb's team. It is always easy to overlook the amount of work that occurs during the days, weeks and months leading up to the shows, but we would, and should, never take that effort for granted. Thanks to all who have helped organise the Grandslams - can't tell you how much we are enjoying them - seems like we are not the only ones!" - Jim, 27th August 2018

South Of England Event Centre, Ardingly, UK
1st September, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / Walk Between Worlds / She's A River / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Let The Day Begin / Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

"Watch Gordy Goudie strike a chord tonight in Swindon, then listen to how the rest of us fall in line. To many, Gordy is one of the "new ones" within the current Simple Minds line-up. And as far as on stage appearances go, it is true that Gordy made his live debut during the Simple Minds live acoustic sets, now a couple of years ago. There is a larger truth however. Because Gordy's involvement with Simple Minds stretches over 17 years, in fact. Contributing in all manner of roles, including songwriting and arranging, in addition to vocals, keys, and guitars." - Jim, 31st August 2018

"It was a full house in Swindon last night. And if not a full moon exactly, a sultry evening nevertheless. Few songs in, sweat was already pouring. Thankfully in a different way from when we last played there, when as a result of a raging fever, the sweat was pouring out before I was even on stage. In such condition I was left wondering how the hell I would get through the show? I did though, all thanks to the effect from the "lift" given by a very excitable audience As it was again last night in Swindon. And we appreciate all the encouragement immensely."

"Saying it again. Along with KT Tunstall and The Pretenders, Simple Minds are enjoying being outside in the UK. Loving these Grandslam events. Not the only ones. Thanks to all for coming and taking time to post so positively." - Jim, 1st September 2018

Racecourse, Taunton, UK
2nd September, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / Walk Between Worlds / She's A River / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Let The Day Begin / Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

"Bassist, Ged Grimes' glasses should come in handy as we make our way to sunny Taunton for the last Grandslam show in England. In Paris, 8 years ago this week, Ged made his debut as a Mind. The pressure was on, he however put in a flawless performance and has continued in that mode ever since. Expect the best from Ged tonight. Expect the best from all of us. That is exactly what our audience deserves." - Jim, 2nd September 2018

"Taunton was the perfect finale to a breathless weekend that started off with roaring crowd in Swindon, and was then followed by a magic few hours in front of a packed crowd in Ardingly. And with that our Grandslam shows came to an end in England. Scotland however, will set the set the scene for this coming weekend's shows in Inverness and Dundee. Once again thanks to all who came to see Simple Minds, The Pretenders and KT Tunstall" - Jim, 3rd September 2018

Northern Meeting Park, Inverness, UK
8th September, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / Walk Between Worlds / She's A River / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Let The Day Begin / Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

"The last of the Grandslam events that sees Simple Minds perform with The Pretenders and KT Tunstall takes place in Scotland this weekend. (Inverness tonight followed by the big finale - in Dundee tomorrow.)

"With that we also see the end of our Summer tour that began way back in early May. In yesterday's post I wrote a few lines that gave thanks to all who had helped our shows take place. The biggest thanks of course has to go to those who came to see the shows, in doing so giving us enormous encouragement and themselves setting the energetic atmosphere that is a hallmark of Simple Minds gigs wherever we perform.

"I've said it before. Music making is pointless, without those who are willing to listen. It follows then that there would be no gigs, without those willing to make the effort to come along.

"Simple Minds are blessed in that for decades and throughout thousands of shows, we have an audience that has supported us, seemingly taken us to their hearts, even keeping pace with us through both great times as well as throughout times when our future seemed vulnerable.

"I'm often asked which song is my favourite song to sing when we perform. I reply, that the last song of the night is my fave song. I also explain that it is during the last song that we get to look out and take a few secs to observe a sea of joyous faces. There is no better feeling than seeing that. Knowing that our set has worked its magic, that something so positive, and yet so difficult to explain why and how has happened.

"And so. Whether you have come to see Simple Minds once in your life. Or countless times as so many of our super fans have? Likewise, even if you have never had the chance to see Simple Minds. But like the music, or follow the tour updates etc. on the various social networks, posting some words of solidarity as we continue on with our story.

"We owe you the hugest of thanks. More than you could ever imagine." - Jim, 8th September 2018

Slessor Gardens, Dundee, UK
9th September, 2018
With: The Pretenders
Support: KT Tunstall
Main Set: The Signal And The Noise / Waterfront / Love Song / Let There Be Love / Promised You A Miracle / The American / Hunter And The Hunted / Walk Between Worlds / She's A River / Someone Somewhere In Summertime / Summer / See The Lights / All The Things She Said / Dolphins / Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore: Let The Day Begin / Alive And Kicking / Sanctify Yourself

"Fired up by a generous and animated crowd in Inverness last night, we are now on our way Dundee for the Grandslam tour finale. It was wonderful to be in the Highland capital yesterday, and we thank everybody who turned up to give us their support.

"There is some sadness among all the acts involved that the Grandslams are coming to an end, but equally a tremendous excitement - and a readiness - to put on a classic performance in Dundee.

"The spring in Charlie's step tells you that he just can't wait to get there. Likewise all of us. See you in Dundee tonight!" - Jim, 9th September 2018

"Arrived in Dundee a little later than planned, as we had to stop en-route for two hungry lassies: Minds' drummer Cherisse Osei and singer Sarah Brown.

"We reckon they were looking for that special Scottish delicacy: Deep Fried Mars Bars. With the energy these two give on stage, those added calories will burn off within just a few songs.

"Talking of burning off? We aim to be on fire tonight, attempting to give our best for Dundee. Thanks to everybody coming along. See you in just over a couple of hours!" - Jim, 9th September 2018