ex Simple Minds Biography

In 1977 Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, along with drummer Brian McGee, formed a punk band named "Johnny & the Self Abusers",

After one unsuccessful single, the bands line-up was quickly reshuffled and their name was changed to Simple Minds. Scotlands biggest ever band ...

In 1978 Derek Forbes joined Simple Minds - initially he stood in as bass player as a favour, for a gig at the infamous Mars Bar in Glasgow.

This was Forbes and McGee’s first ever gig together, and the start of, probably, the most popular and creative period of Simple Minds career.

Forbes and McGee were undoubtedly responsible for defining the unmistakable sound of the early Simple Minds albums and composed blistering rhythm tracks, such as 'Themes For Great Cities', 'Love Song', 'I Travel', 'The American', 'Changeling', 'Chelsea Girl', and formed a formidable partnership for the first 6 Simple Minds albums, 'Life in a Day','Reel to Real Cacophony', 'Empires and Dance', 'Celebration', 'Sons and Fascination' and 'Sister Feelings Call'.

Brian McGee left Simple Minds in 1981, after years of gruelling tours Worldwide, and joined Glasgow band 'End Games'.

Meanwhile, Derek Forbes carried on with Simple Minds through their Golden Phase, recording, writing and touring such albums as 'New Gold Dream ‘81, ‘82, ‘83, ‘84.' and 'Sparkle in the Rain'.

However, after reaching the ultimate chart spot of number one in America, with the Global hit 'Don't You Forget About Me', Forbes was to leave the band, albeit unwillingly.....

Within 2 months Forbes was back on the music scene as bass player of German band 'Propaganda', and following the departure of Steve Jansen (Japan), from the drum stool, Forbes recruited McGee - they enjoyed another World Tour, and an album '1 2 3 4', which added another 7 great years of their time, performing together ...

Recently voted Scotland’s best ever bass player, by readers of Dear Scotland - Derek Forbes has once again formed the partnership he shared with Brian McGee in the 1980's and 90s, and they are about to embark on dates across the UK, and into Europe, playing the songs they wrote and love.

The show is a nostalgic trip back to the seminal days of one of the Worlds greatest bands ... Simple Minds.

You will hear the very first song they ever played together, and go on a journey through the music which they composed - hit after hit - including the tracks Don't You Forget About Me”, "Alive and Kicking" and "Love Song", as well as firm fan favourites "The American", and "Glittering Prize", and rarities such as "Chelsea Girl", "Changeling", and "Theme For Great Cities" - with the added bonus of new unheard tracks.

The band features Brian's younger brother, Owen Paul (McGee), on lead vocals...yes, that Owen Paul ... You won't be disappointed...see you there

The Holloways Biography

Feeling reborn is a rare treat; but The Holloways resilience in recent times has led to what feels like a rebirth. Reaping such a rare reward was the first step along the clear path that now lies ahead for a band who once again have much to smile about; not that The Holloways had stopped smiling - not for very long anyway. "The sun doesn't always shine" is one of the band’s phrases to live by; along with "everything happens for a reason”. 

In the early months of 2009, Alfie and Bryn were busy recording additional new material to kick-start the year.  By April they decided to start actively seeking new members and as luck would have it, in the very first rehearsal they found guitarist Mike Baker, who - after playing just one song with the band - had done enough for Alfie and Bryn to make up their mind. The following day Edwin Harris set up his drums and did a quick warm up and before even playing a song, the decision again, was easy.  Luck had clearly swung back in The Holloways’ favour and a new lease of life took the boys into the studio for a couple of hectic weeks before doing a few gigs and recording 3 brand new songs and they’re back doing what they do best - playing music.  

2008 had been soul destroying for the band. Much conspired to prevent full scale releases of the exciting new material recorded at the legendary Sawmills Studio. The biggest setback was the long, drawn out legal battle across the pond involving their stateside former label TVT. 
The darkest hour before the dawn came in December with a lot of smoke as The Holloways' home - Nambucca - caught fire. Much was lost in the fire - practically everything. This was the final straw for Dave and Rob who felt the end had come with nothing seeming to go the band's way. However, the founding members - Alfie and Bryn - felt the previous 3 years of good fortune by far outweighed the 12 months of bad fortune; and having weathered the storm, they concluded "2009 has to be good. Yin and yang and all that." - The sun doesn't always shine indeed. 

The Holloways had an exciting start to life with the critically acclaimed debut - "So This Is Great Britain?” - and 2007 saw the band storm sold out shows across the UK with singles Dance Floor, Generator and Two Left Feet pumping on the radio airwaves. 
Now, the energy and the bond in the band has seen the boys enjoy an intense schedule which is already relighting many fires ahead of the release of the new album – No Smoke, No Mirrors – which is due for a September release.
Everyone is massively excited for the summer schedule; the boys will be back on the road gigging the brand new set featuring songs from the forthcoming album alongside the classic Holloways favourites.

No Eye Deer has been going for about 7 months now with (left to right) Craig 17 on bass, Danny 17 on Drums, molly 15 on vocals and Sam 17 on guitar. We play mainly classic rock covers but we're working on our own songs.

Tea and scones are Five lads from Grimsby ready to rock anywhere with there high octane shows and hilarious between song banter.

Their unique take on pop punk. Includes well known covers and their refreshing, original own material.

The music has a raw honesty perfectly balanced by the professional, high energy, performance of the band.

“The best band a garage in Waltham has produced this year” Arnold Sanwhich.

Raw Deal are a four-piece hardcore band from Grimsby. Our influences include alcohol and testosterone and noise. Our sound is aimlessly indignant, disorientated but alive. And it's loud.