It’s sad it had to come to this. Bitterness from both sides – fans are ultimately the meat in the sandwich. I really do understand and empathise with (at least from the outside looking in as a fan) why Mick, Derek and Brian feel so embittered – particularly Mick and Derek because … let’s be honest as the choice to leave was Brian’s when he did and he hadn’t been there as long, although of course his involvement with The Glesga Twins – a twist on The Glimmer Twins. You’re welcome! – went back to high school and JATSA. It was as I was saying in a recent post; there’s the truth and there’s the truth, depending on whose narrative it is.
I used to try and stay out of all that stuff. And I was feeling that way again. As much as I giggled at Derek’s show at St Luke’s where he made several snide remarks about Mr Kerr, equally it did feel a little … handbags at dawn stuff, you know?
I also get both sides of the argument of “Well, Jim and Charlie still make new music.” Erm…yes, but given today’s offering, I would say they can still very much be prone to fail. It’s not all gold nuggets. Equally, Derek has not ever really offered up much new. He had the ZanTi project nearly a decade ago with Anni Hogan but other than that, he sticks to SM songs and there isn’t much more to it.
From that angle – the vast majority of Simple Minds music that is performed live is a large quota of songs that particularly Mick and Derek helped to write, and to a lesser degree Brian. My live highlight choice from the SM shows I went to, for example, ‘Sons and Fascination’ those three men were involved in its composition.
I feel like Jim just wants to wipe away the history now. So from that stance, I get Mick, Derek and Brian’s grievances, I really do.
And I get that Jim used to say “over my dead body.” But I can’t help but feel he just fucked them over once too often, and now they are all so bitter.
I feel like I need to take a side and I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t. Am I team Th3 Minds, or am I team Glesga Twins? Honestly, right now…I think they’re idiots and as bad as one another.
Jim can be an absolute arsehole, so can Derek. No wonder the bad blood is there.
So….we’re left with this sorry situation where there doesn’t feel like there’s peaceful co-existence. Jim will be watching them like a hawk. Seemingly nothing he can do….but I’d be bloody careful if I were them! One step too far and…that’s it – I’m sure he’d not stop at getting lawyers involved. Even I want to be careful what I say here!
We’ve really descended into something horrible since 2008. All that promise around the 30 Years Live reunion that never was. Then eight years later with the Ivor Novello saga. Mick seemingly back in the fold for a wee while. The ‘Brothers In Arms’ recording and then … WHAT HAPPENED? That spiral? Well, not even a spiral….more like a helter skelter – whoosh.
Before anyone asks, no. I don’t know anything. All of this (apart from what’s been said openly by the varying parties) is speculation. I really don’t know the full extent as to why it has soured so much.
It’s pretty awful and to be honest neither side is showing themselves in the best light.
I wish there could have been some conciliatory terms but I guess there’s a dam stopping that water flowing under the bridge.
It’s a shame.
As for Mick, Derek and Brian – they have social media that has gone live today – TH3 MINDS are on all the major platforms and there is a website you can visit HERE
Culture wars extending to the band we all love.
That’s all I’ve got to say for now.
You’ll need to forgive me Larelle & Scott but cards on the table I’m struggling with me being a fan of the band these days. Hard to he positive about them. Haven’t like the last 2 albums at all apart from about 3-4 tracks.
It’s like the elasticity of being a fan has stretched and stretched and its just went to far and its snapped now!
I’m not going to diss the current band members, they are all good musicians, very professional sounding but that certain ‘sparkle’ for me has gone. Probably just my age, being an old fart now.
Can’t even watch that Lyon 2024 concert up on YouTube all the way through. More excited about Waterfront on TOTP 1983 studio performance and the SDE releases of New Gold Dream & Sparkle (mainly for the instrumentals).
Sorry for using your blog like this Larelle. Had to see it written down for some reason, feels a bit like a break up after 42 years.
Anyway thousands of fans still go to their concerts and enjoy them immensely.
I wish nothing but the best for Jim & Charlie and those concerts next year which I know will be fantastic for the ‘concertgoers’.
Never mind, best wishes and Merry Christmas to you both! 🙏🎄🎅
I’m happy for healthy debate here for sure. This blog can feel like a bit of a one-man echo chamber sometimes. Lol. I can see both of your points, Scott and A&T, but for me personally I’m just worried about how much of “having an ax to grind” that feels like the propulsion for Th3 Minds will tarnish what could be something very good. The timing of the launch certainly appeared like it was an attempt to steal the thunder from the airing of Everything is Possible on BBC Scotland and iPlayer as well as the release of ‘Your Name in Lights’. That in itself seemed a little …. let’s say ‘calculated’ rather than ‘petty.’ But to paraphrase Jim in a recent SM FB post ‘all is fair in love and war.’ I had forgotten about John Leckie’s involvement with Th3 Minds so as you say A&T, I hope something more substantial comes from this than going over old material. At the moment both ‘Your Name in Lights’ and Th3 Minds’ output has left me feeling fairly indifferent.
As a fan of New Order for about the same length of time as a SM fan (38 years & counting) – all I can say is there’s room for everyone. Much like the Hooky vs. Bernard situation – I don’t feel the need to take sides. I’m just one fan amongst thousands, an anonymous face in the crowd, as are all of us. Music is music, and that’s all that really counts.
Holy fuck, love those three lads but that is utterly classless.
“utterly classless” Can you explain please?
With apologies to Larelle as I’m not sure she’ll particularly like using this as a discussion forum, I just think it comes across as quite petty from the three former members.To me it appears to be goading Jim and Charlie for whatever reason.
Fans know their contribution to Simple Minds and it’s mentioned enough times on other platforms. I’d love to see the guys write and release new music and not do it under this 3minds thing or whatever it is. As for the merchandise section on the website…,😬
I myself when I saw th3minds video did raise an eyebrow at what I was watching. Didn’t expect to see that. But it’s honest though, expressing what quite a few fans are saying about all the old songs being played and no new ones. Jim said he never wanted the band to be a legacy act, well that’s exactly what they are now.
As for Mick, Derek & Brian, sorry but I don’t agree with you about them being petty. We’ll never know what is said in private between all former members and to be honest it’s none of our business. I think we agree on that although it doesn’t stop other people from guessing about the facts on forums and facebook posts.
I for one am more excited about what these 3 with John Leckie are up to than Jim & Charlie now.
I’m sure Larelle doesn’t mind a wee discussion going on here on her blog as well.
We’re all friends here! 👍✌️
I do find myself agreeing with a lot you say but I think Larelle nailed it by saying it seems calculated.
The ‘legacy’ aspect is such a difficult one for the band. The majority of folk going to their shows are not hardcore fans and are expecting ‘the hits’. As an example,I’m a fair weather Rolling Stones fan. If I attended one of their shows I’d be expecting ‘ Brown Sugar’ ‘ Satisfaction’ etc…,
I seem to recall JK saying he went to see Prince and was majorly disappointed that the show consisted of obscure jazz numbers.
The inclusion of Sons and Fascination on the last tour at least demonstrates he is aware of fans who like a few surprises but it’s a fine balancing act and probably impossible to make everyone 100% happy.😊