Universal Music Publishing Group today announced that Scottish rock icons Simple Minds have signed a worldwide admin deal.
Simple Minds are one of the UK’s most successful bands, and the most commercially successful Scottish band of the 80s. With their prolific catalogue of hits such as ‘Alive and Kicking’ and ‘Belfast Child’, Simple Minds have achieved six No.1 albums in the UK as well as hitting the top spot in countless other territories.
UMPG MD Mike McCormack said: “I was a huge fan of Simple Minds from the early days when I first heard ‘Real to Real Cacophony’ and even though they went on to become one of the biggest bands in the world, I still feel their body of work stands up artistically against any of their peers. To be able to work with Jim, Charlie and their manager Ian Grenfell will be an honour and we are hoping to remind the world just how great this band is.”
Evolving out of a ‘rank and file’ punk group named Johnny and the Self Abusers, the band quickly became soundscapers, sound-shapers, soundtrack makers and serial chart-toppers, influencing bands from Manic Street Preachers to Moby, to Primal Scream, and being sampled by Nicki Minaj, David Guetta and Joey Negro to name but a few. They’ve provided movie moments for directors Christian Carion (‘L’Affaire Farewell’), Gregor Jordan (‘The Informers’), Cameron Crowe (‘Elizabethtown’) and, of course, John Hughes (‘The Breakfast Club’).
Senior Director A&R and Creative Darryl Watts said of the signing: “Simple Minds have a fantastic set of songs that resonate with people as much today as they ever did. It’s a real privilege to be able to work with them over the coming years.”
Since making their chart debut with ‘Life In A Day’ in 1979, the band have topped the charts half a dozen times with albums including ‘Sparkle In The Rain’, ‘Once Upon A Time’ and ‘Glittering Prize 81/82’. They’ve returned to the UK Top 10 in the last few years with their latest albums ‘Graffiti Soul’, ‘Big Music’ and 2018’s ‘Walk Between Worlds’.
We’re incredibly honoured to be working with Simple Minds’ impressive catalogue, and excited to work with them on future ventures.