Simple Minds fans are being asked to help with the creation of a book on the band’s exploits focusing on the fans’ experience.

They’re being asked to cast their minds back to 1979 when the famous Glasgow band played on Wednesday, May 23 at the Ayr Pavillion.

Richard Houghton, author of the book, wants to speak with anybody who might have attended the gig and is willing to share their experience.

He said: “The book is a fan history about Simple Minds, telling the bands story from the perspective of those who have seen them from the beginning through to the current day.

“They went on to be one of the biggest Scottish exports to the world and played massive arenas, but their early years were in small venues that weren’t always sold out and I’m looking for stories from people who saw them at this very early stage in their career.”

The book not only concerns the performances of the band, but also the experiences had whilst attending gigs or listening to the band

Richard said: “I’m looking for people’s memories, doesn’t have to be a crystal clear version of an evening, it could be a part of the music itself, but it could just as well be missing the bus on the way home or having an argument outside the venue.

“With COVID preventing people from getting out to gigs a lot of people have been getting nostalgic for old gigs they went to in days gone by and this is hopefully what the book will capture.”

Richard has published similar books on The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Smiths, and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark.

Anybody who remembers the gig is encouraged to get in touch with Richard via email at newsimplemindsbook@gmail.com

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