Simple Minds

Simple Minds got its start in Glasgow in 1977 with a group of friends who met at school. One of them, Jim Kerr, already had the voice and charisma to lead. Together, they formed a trio that later became a band. The name came from a David Bowie song, “Jean Genie,” and the logo is a Celtic symbol: a heart between hands with a crown above it. It symbolizes love, friendship, and loyalty.

Although they didn’t have an easy start, they soon began doing interesting things. Their early albums had an experimental sound that critics liked, but not everyone. Over time, they found their style. In the 1980s, alongside U2, they helped popularize a type of epic rock known as anthemic rock. Songs like “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” became famous, largely because they were featured on a movie soundtrack. That song, in particular, became an anthem.