Simple Minds’ 30th anniversary gig in Manchester

Jan 2 2009 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

ONE of the most successful bands of their generation, Simple Minds, will take a break from the preparations of their new album to celebrate their 30th anniversary with a concert at the MEN Arena in Manchester on November 27.

The concert celebrates 30 glorious years dating back to the first time Simple Minds played their very first concert at the Satellite City Club in Glasgow, as the support act to Steel Pulse.

Simple Minds will perform for the first time the entirety of their multi-million selling 1982 album New Gold Dream featuring the hits Promised You a Miracle, Glittering Prize, and Someone, Somewhere (In Summertime).

The second half of the concert will see the band perform some of their best known songs from their classic albums Life in a Day (1979), Reel To Reel Cacophony’ (1979), Empires & Dance (1980), Sons & Fascination (1980) , Sparkle in the Rain (1984) and Once Upon A Time (1985), Street Fighting Years (1989) and 2004’s return-to-form album Black & White 050505.

Simple Minds have scored more than 20 Top 20 hits in a career spanning nearly three decades. They have sold over 35 million records, had five number one albums, a No1 single in America– plus three American top ten singles and been voted Q magazine’s World’s Best Live Act.

Throughout their illustrious 30-year career in music, Simple Minds have embarked on countless sold out stadium tours. They have influenced bands as diverse as current favourites Bloc Party and Muse, as well as Moby, Manic Street Preachers and the Klaxons along the way.

Tickets cost £35. They may be subject to a booking fee and are available via the 24-hour Ticketmaster hotline 0844 847 8000; to personal callers from the MEN Arena Box Office (10am-6pm: Mon-Sat); via post (send sae & cheque payable to SMG UK Ltd) ; via www.men-arena.com Special Needs Ticketline 0161 950 5229 (10am-5pm: Mon-Fri). Group Bookings: 0870 169 6888.