SIMPLE MINDS releases 'New Gold Dream – Live From Paisley Abbey'

‘New Gold Dream – Live From Paisley Abbey’ is the live album that testifies to why, after 45 years, they are still a revered band, and why “New Gold Dream” was such a revolutionary and critically loved album.

THE HISTORY OF THE RECORD

“New Gold Dream”, released in 1982, was the album that started Simple Minds’ crossover and made them one of the most successful bends of the ’80s, reaching number 3 in the chart of the most successful albums sold in the UK. Working with Peter Walsh, the band were able to realize the sophisticated and accessible pop sound they aspired to, whilst continuing their research and experimentation.

This result was reflected in three incredible and successful singles: “Promised You A Miracle”, “Glittering Prize” and “Someone, Somewhere (In Summertime)”, which Bono of U2, while guesting on a famous U2 radio show BBC (Desert Island Discs), selected as one of the records you would take to a desert island, paying homage to the band.

The album is the testimony of Simple Minds’ live performance of their iconic 1982 album New Gold Dream, which took place near Glasgow, the city they come from, in a breathtaking set: the twelfth century abbey Paisley Abbey. Recorded last year, the live performance is part of Sky Arts’ ‘Greatest Albums live’ format which sees iconic artists perform the most illustrious albums of their careers live.

THE BAND

Simple Minds formed in the 1970s and took their name from the lyrics – “so simple minded” – of David Bowie’s seminal 1972 single The Jean Genie. They became one of the most successful bands to ever emerge from the UK, selling over 60 million records worldwide. With number one singles on both sides of the Atlantic and number one albums worldwide, and five number one albums in the UK: Sparkle In The Rain (1984), Once Upon A Time (1985) and Street Fighting Years as well as the concert recording Live In The City Of Light (1987) and the Glittering Prize 81/92 compilation.

Over the past 10 years, Simple Minds have reignited the magic that made them a vital artistic force in their early days, becoming a source of inspiration for younger artists and playing to tens of thousands of people every year, around the world. They have received Q Awards Lifetime Achievement and have received universal critical acclaim for their recent albums. 2015’s Big Music which was described by MOJO magazine as “their best album in 30 years”, 2018’s Walk Between Worlds which saw Simple Minds play their biggest US tour to date and, Direction Of The Heart from 2022, charting at number 4 in the UK.

Simple Minds are: Jim Kerr (vocals), Charlie Burchill (guitars, keyboards), Gordy Goudie (acoustic guitar), Ged Grimes (bass), Cherisse Osei (drums), and Sarah Brown (backing vocals).

THE FORMATS

New Gold Dream – Live from Paisley Abbey is available in digital download, CD and limited edition transparent red marbled vinyl (gatefold sleeve) formats.