To celebrate their forthcoming tour together – when The Stranglers will be very special guests to Simple Minds – both bands recently got together to record a version of The Stranglers’ 1977 punk classic, (Get A) Grip (On Yourself).
Like many bands that were born and came of age in the punk era, Simple Minds were massive fans of The Stranglers. Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill still have vivid memories of seeing the band live when they performed in Glasgow for the first time.
“Like most people I have my fair share of indelible memories, some that I even refer to as life changing events. Witnessing The Stranglers in full thrown ascendancy, at The City Halls, Glasgow, in 1977 would qualify as one of those events,” says Kerr. “For that alone, as well as their stunning music and fiery live sets, we will always be grateful to The Stranglers. They and others like them made it possible for Simple Minds to exist.”
The new recording of Get A (Grip) On Yourself was recorded at Battersea Park Studios on 9th July – Jim Kerr’s birthday. From the Minds camp it features Jim Kerr – sharing vocals with The Stranglers’ Baz Warne – Charlie Burchill (guitar) and Mel Gaynor (drums). They are joined by Stranglers’ founding members JJ Burnel (bass) and Dave Greenfield (keyboards). It’s a rip-roaring version, celebrating the strengths of both bands, where Jim Kerr and Burchill get to perform with their teenage heroes. Above all else, it’s fun and a brilliant reminder of The Stranglers’ potent punk-rock.
To celebrate a remarkable past 12 months, which has seen Simple Minds release their hugely acclaimed Big Music album and undertake a sold out 29-date spring tour to every corner of the UK, the band will play four arena shows in November and December, their last UK shows until 2017:
Simple Minds and The Stranglers dates
11/26 – London – O2 Arena
11/27 – Leeds – First Direct Arena
11/28 – Glasgow – The SSE Hydro
12/01 – Aberdeen – AECC
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