Simple Minds - 30 Years Live Tour New Zealand

Media Release: Embargo until Sunday 21 February 2010

Simple Minds - 30 Years Live Tour New Zealand

Line-up - Vocals: Jim Kerr Guitar/Keys: Charlie Burchill Drums: Mel Gaynor Bass: Eddie Duffy

New Zealand has a long-standing love affair with the music of Simple Minds. Their albums have sold multi-platinum copies here and they've toured to these shores three times. Their first visit was for the 1984 Sweetwaters Music Festival and they returned in 1987 as part of the Alive & Kicking World Tour and then again in 2006 for their Black & White Tour. Simple Minds are delighted to be coming to New Zealand again this March for one exclusive concert at Auckland's Civic Theatre on Tuesday March 30th.

In an enduring career of 30 years and with worldwide album sales of over 40 million, Simple Minds have come a long way from their home town of Glasgow. They evolved from a post-punk art rock band influenced by Roxy Music into a grand epic-sounding stadium band along the lines of U2. Early albums like Reel to Real Cacophony, Empires and Dance and Sister Feelings Call won plenty of admirers but it was New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) that earmarked their arrival as one of the most popular bands of the 80's and gave us hit singles such as Glittering Prize and Promised You A Miracle. From records that set the album rock agenda of the 1980's such as Sparkle In The Rain and Once Upon A Time came anthems like Don't You (Forget About Me) - the soundtrack to The Breakfast Club movie - Alive and Kicking and Waterfront.

Simple Minds most recent and 15th studio album Graffiti Soul was released last year in 2009. About the album and tour Simple Minds front man Jim Kerr said "We want to shout about our anniversary. We wanted to make a full-blooded record of ballsy pop songs; something that belied the fact we'd been together for three decades!" Graffiti Soul easily fulfils that mandate and the flagship single Rockets showcases the albums unforgettable guitar riffs and soaring vocal harmonies.

In the UK Simple Minds had an incredible five Number One albums and were voted the prestigious Q Magazine's World's Best Live Act. They are also one of the few British rock bands that made the American stadium A-list with three Top Ten American singles, including a Number One and their 1985 Live Aid appearance was introduced by Jack Nicholson.

In the live concert arena Simple Minds have few peers. This is a band that has played countless sold out stadium tours - including three times at Wembley Stadium - and has retained a reputation as one of THE greatest live concert acts.

There's no doubt Simple Minds are one of Scotland's greatest musical exports and like all great bands, their music is timeless. The 30 Years Live Tour is a chance to re-experience all the best known hits of this incredible band, relive the eighties and witness a whole new chapter in their illustrious career.

Tuesday March 30 - AUCKLAND THE CIVIC, Aotea Centre Tickets from www.buytickets.co.nz or 0800-BUYTICKETS

www.ampresents.com / www.simpleminds.com

ENDS

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