xSimple Minds is not Simple Minds

            There is something wrong with the  poster. It says  xSimple Minds  is the '80's pop group  who brought us the hit songs, “Sanctify Yourself and "Don’t You ( Forget About Me.)" Several  web sites reporting their upcoming concert in Manila also stated that they are the Scottish pop group who popularized the two songs mentioned. The way xSimple Minds was advertised here was like,  it is the Simple Minds band without their leader, song writer and  lead singer Jim Kerr. I  read  a comment in a social networking media that said ,"Simple Minds without their heart and soul Jim Kerr is not Simple Minds.”  That’s absolutely correct-- but  the thing is,  xSimple Minds is not Simple Minds.  Simple Minds, with two of it’s founding members, Jim Kerr and   Charlie Burchill, is still very much "alive and kicking." In fact, I read  they will be releasing their 16^th album in 2012.

              So, what exactly is the xSimple Minds  band.?  It is actually   a cover band     that sings Simple Minds songs. Well, actually it is not just a regular cover band-- the     band  consists of two former  members of Simple Minds. That explains their band    name.  Brian Mcgee,  a founding    member,   was the original drummer of Simple Minds.  He was with the group from 1977-’81,  stylistically considered as their  golden period  by many fans.  Dereck Forbes was the   bass player of Simple Minds from 1978 -  85 and 1997-98. He is regarded as Scotland's best bass player. Both were also former members of the German synth-pop group Propaganda.  xSimpleMinds also  features Brian’s younger brother, Owen Paul Mcgee on lead    vocals,  Andy Gall on keyboards and guitarist Anthony Williams.  

           

Dereck Forbes  Brian Mcgee Owen Paul Mcgee