Simple Minds: 15 11 09
On Sunday November 15 Jim Kerr of Simple Minds took over Rock Radio to play some of the tracks that mean most to him through the years as he was growing up listening to and playing music. Here's what he played and what he had to say about some of them...
Beatles: Eleanor Rigby
I can still remember clear as day listening to that song as I was growing up, on my mum and dad’s big radio on the formaica kitchen table. It was the Beatles during the week then the Stones for parties at the weekend.
T Rex: Get It On
When I started buying records it was 7/6 for a single – I’d be lying to say it was the first record I bought. That was Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep by Middle of the Road – a guilty pleasure! This was the first cool record I bought. It was one of those great moments where you were watching Top of the Pops and your mum and dad say: “Who the hell is that and what’s he wearing?”
Doors: Light My Fire
David Bowie: Starman
For people who don’t know we took the name of our band from Gene Genie. I saw Bowie when he came to Glasgow when I was 14 and like most places that are mad for rock, we loved him.
Genesis: I Know What I Like (in Your Wardrobe)
Queen: Killer Queen
I couldn’t believe it when someone told me Queen once played Glasgow University but I checked and they did. I met Freddie Mercury a few times – I met him on an airport escalator once and he gave me some great advice.
Sex Pistols: Pretty Vacant
They heralded punk but even they were influenced by some artists, and here’s one of them…
Lou Reed: Walk on the Wild Side
I remember seeing Lou at the Glasgow Apollo. I saw him three times in the one year and the first time I don’t think he knew where he was – he wasn’t in good form. But we’ve played with him a few times and he’s in great form.
Roxy Music: Virginia Plain
In the 1970s it was so difficult to get information on bands so you watched Top of the Pops hoping for new music. This was great and I don’t think Bryan Ferry ever topped this.
Pretenders: Brass in Pocket
Like me, back in 1979 you’d have been stunned to hear this single – and it was a novelty to have a female singer.
Simple Minds: Stars Will Lead the Way
