Simple Minds open up about the band's beginnings as they celebrate their 40th anniversary
They joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio
Simple Minds' Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio to chat about their 40th anniversary celebrations, which include a Special Deluxe Edition of their album 'Once Upon A Time' and new memoir 'Our Secrets Are The Same'.
During the chat, the duo opened up about the reasons they believe they've been together in the band for so long, as well and revealing their musical influences as they were growing up. Singer Jim Kerr also recounted how his dad was sure the band would be successful.
Their memoir
To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Jim and Charlie have released a memoir called Our Secrets Are The Same, which follows their career from their early days in Glasgow.
Jim and Charlie explained how the area they met (Toryglen) was like New York to them, having being developed in the 60s. Jim told Ken: "It really was a bright, shiny, you know, this is the modern world and elevators and I think Charlie and I thought it was New York, you know what I mean? So Batman and Robin, running up and down those stairs."
He went on to say: "I mean, growing up in the 50s, 60s, Glasgow, and you would have had that as well, Ken, sort of the reputation of no mean city. But at the same time, with such vivid imaginations, and as we say in the book, some people, the world ends at the bottom of the street.
"And for Charlie and I, we had this sense that there was something else out there."
Talking about why they decided to bring out their memoir now, Jim joked: "While the memory's still functioning, Ken, that's one thing!"
He went on to explain: "But to tell the truth, I think from day one when you're in a band, you get interviewed and people are asking about your story."
Now, 40 years on they have a story, with Charlie going on to explain the success behind their friendship: "I've got a sneaking suspicion that we're polar opposites in a way that might help. I mean, not entirely I mean, the most important things we think alike, and we're totally in tune, obviously. It's a weird thing to have to talk about it, actually."
When Ken suggested it was perhaps easier to write it down, rather than speak about it, Jim added: "You said it there, Ken, the men, males from the area we grew up with, who weren't very touchy-feely and emotional, especially to grunt at each other and get on with it."
The band's early days
Reminiscing about Simple Minds' early days, Jim opened up about the time he asked his dad what he thought of the band. Recounting to Ken about the day after they had a successful gig at Glasgow Tiffany's, Jim explained how his dad gauged their success.
Jim told how his dad said: "Yous are going to make it," to which he asked why. His dad went on to reveal how he had seen a fan queuing for chips. He was dancing to all of their music, when he finally got to the front to get his chips.
But just as he got them, he threw them in the air because a song came on that he really liked. Watch the clip below as he talks about the moment...
Their inspirations
Speaking to Ken about their musical inspirations growing up, Charlie explained how they listened to music "way out of our age group", due to having older siblings and friends.
The guitarist went on to cite: "The Doors, the Velvet Underground, Roxy Music, David Bowie, all that kind of stuff" as influences. He continued: "I suppose in a way, as it's transpired, a lot of these kind of like working class communities, you realise that people really, you know, how high they hold music in this therapy for whatever else is going on in your life."
How to listen to Ken Bruce
You can listen to Ken on Greatest Hits Radio every weekday between 10am and 1pm. Listen on FM and DAB across the UK or download our free Rayo app for iPhone or Android.
Take a look through other interviews on Greatest Hits Radio:
Mike Rutherford has written new songs for Mike + The Mechanics Spring tour
It's been 40 years since Mike Rutherford first formed Mike + The Mechanics as a side project during Genesis' hiatus, yet the band continues to see huge success.
Mike joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio for Golden Years, to talk about his "second incarnation", recording new songs and the year 1970...
Elton John says making this new album was 'a risk he wanted to take'
Elton John has just announced a brand new album called 'Who Believes in Angels?', this time around the singer has teamed up with American singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, known for her music which transcends several different genres.
Greatest Hits Radio's Simon Mayo caught up with both Elton and Brandi to chat about the new release and what it was like working together on a full album.
Paul Jones opens up about his Rolling Stones secret
Former Manfred Mann frontman Paul Jones joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio for Golden Years and opened up about the 1960s, Manfred Mann and a Rolling Stones secret. Paul shocked Ken by revealing: "I used to be friends with Brian Jones and Brian, in 1962, said to me, 'I'm forming a band, do you want to be my singer?', and I turned it down..."
The band he turned down ended up becoming The Rolling Stones!
Candi Staton tells Ken Bruce why she fell in love with 'Young Hearts Run Free' ❤️
Chatting to Ken Bruce, Candi admitted that the UK have supported her a lot, and she said the support helped her through the tough times. The singer also told Ken what her 1976 hit 'Young Hearts Run Free' really meant to her. "Three minutes of my life story," Candi explained.
"I fell in love with that track, I said: 'Oh, I could feel it.' And then he (writer/producer David Crawford) gave me the lyrics and I sang the song down one time. Because I was singing my story and I had everything, my heart was in it, my mind, my soul, my spirit, everything just connected to those lyrics because I knew I was singing the truth."
Matt Goss opens up on the possibility of a Bros reunion and tour
It's the question that's on everyone Bros fan's lips, will Matt and Luke Goss reunite to work on new music and go on tour? Matt opens up about the possibility of a reunion.
Manic Street Preachers reveal 'the biggest thrill' about being in the band
James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire from Manic Street Preachers joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio for Golden Years, choosing 1984. The during the chat they opened up about writing their hit songs, and what it is that they love about being in a band.
Curtis Stigers opens up about meeting his father for the first time at the age of 46
Curtis Stigers' recent song 'Good To Know You' was written about his experience of meeting his biological father at the age of 46. The singer explained, until the age of 17 he thought that his step-dad was his father, but his mum later opened up to him.
Heaven 17 on how a chance meeting led to them relaunching Tina Turner's career
Heaven 17 members Martyn Ware with Glenn Gregory joined Kate Thornton on Greatest Hits Radio to talk about their upcoming tour and new music. The duo also opened up about how a chance meeting led them to being instrumental in re-launching Tina Turner's music career.
Suggs reveals what we can expect from Madness' next tour
In May 2025, Madness released tickets for their 'Hits Parade' tour and Ken was keen to know more about what the band had in store for fans, when they take to the road in December. Suggs also reminisced about the time he was asked to play the double bass in an orchestra, despite having no experience, which he said was "way beyond humiliation"!
Suggs reveals the secret to Madness' longevity
Suggs joined Great Conversations with Jackie Brambles on Greatest Hits Radio, to talk about the band's upcoming tour, their success and the secret to their longevity. He said: "I think there's a few things (why we stayed together). One was that we've been friends since pretty much we were at school, so there's a great deal of tolerance... We had to have tolerance, otherwise we would have killed each other."
Craig David on the emotional full-circle moment visiting his childhood home
Craig David might have had several Number 1 songs in the UK, but he hasn't forgotten the early days, writing hit songs in his bedroom. Teaming up with the charity Shelter, Craig returned to his childhood home, which was a social housing flat in Southampton, where he wrote songs such as 'Fill Me In', 'Rewind', and 'Walking Away'.
He told Jackie Brambles all about the full-circle moment.
Lionel Richie reveals he 'freaked out' when asked to write a duet with Diana Ross
It's been more than four decades since the legend that is Lionel Richie joined forces with pop icon, Diana Ross, to release their Platinum single 'Endless Love' — and yet it's still considered one of the most beloved songs of all times. Lionel joined Jackie Brambles to talk about the hit.
Sparks join Simon Mayo for an exclusive chat about new music, UK tour and musical movie
Sparks have come a long way since their first Top of The Pops performance, more than 50 years ago. Having released UK Top 10 hits such as 'This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us' and 'Amateur Hour', along with their Top 5 album 'Kimono My House', the band have been releasing music since the early 70s.
The duo, made up of brothers Ron and Russell Mael, joined Simon Mayo for a chat.
ABC's Martin Fry tells us the story behind his iconic gold suits and the band's formation
ABC frontman Martin Fry joined Simon Mayo on Greatest Hits Radio to chat about his tour, the formation of the band, their huge hit 'The Look of Love' and the origin of his iconic gold suits.
Sir Rod Stewart teases new music in a different genre
Sir Rod Stewart joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio, for a chat ahead of performance at Glastonbury 2025, in the Legends Slot. This was the first time the singer had performed at the iconic festival since 2002, and he told Ken how he was going to struggle to fit all the songs he wanted into his set.
Griff Rhys Jones reminisces about introducing Queen to the Live Aid stage
As the 40th anniversary of Live Aid took place in 2025, here at Greatest Hits Radio we caught up with Griff Rhys Jones. Back in 1985, along with his comedy partner Mel Smith, the pair were welcomed on stage at Wembley, to introduce Queen.
Michael Buerk opens up about not watching Live Aid and how his feelings changed
Sunday 13th July 2025 marked 40 years since the iconic event Live Aid, which took place to raise money and awareness of the devastating famine in Ethiopia. Veteran broadcaster Michael Buerk was the BBC's South Africa correspondent at the time and brought the heartbreaking scenes from Ethiopia to a worldwide audience. He joined Simon Mayo to talk about reporting on the news.
The Doobie Brothers open up about the writing process for 'Walk This Road'
'Long Train Running' band The Doobie Brothers, joined Simon Mayo for a chat. They spoke about their new album 'Walk This Way', writing new music and their current tour.
Tim Minchin reveals his next big idea for a musical
Tim Minchin, the highly-acclaimed composer, comedian and songwriter joined Simon Mayo to chat about his new album, tour, book and what he could be working on in the future.
Dame Helen Mirren hints at The Thursday Murder Club 2 and future plans
Stars of The Thursday Murder Club, Dame Helen Mirren and Celia Imrie, joined Ken Bruce to talk about their latest roles, and what it's like being an older actor in the industry. The pair also hinted at a second film, saying: "We might do another Murder Club...".
Rick Astley reveals how his next tour will be different
Following the announcement that Rick Astley will be going on tour in 2026, he joined Simon Mayo at Greatest Hits Radio for a chat, to talk about his 'Reflection' tour and his success over the years.
Simple Minds open up about the band's beginnings as they celebrate their 40th anniversary
Simple Minds' Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill joined Ken Bruce to chat about their 40th anniversary celebrations, which include a Special Deluxe Edition of their album 'Once Upon A Time' and new memoir 'Our Secrets Are The Same'. The pair opened up about the reasons they believe they've been together in the band for so long, as well and revealing their musical influences as they were growing up. Singer Jim Kerr also recounted how his dad was sure the band would be successful.
Gloria Estefan opens up about her biggest musical influences
Gloria Estefan opened up about her love for her home town Miami, including one of her early jobs. The singer also revealed her musical inspirations including one particular British song, released in 1964. Also, find out more about the singer's new musical written about a group of children who live next to a landfill and turn rubbish into musical instruments.
Giles Martin opens up about the Beatles' archive and future projects
Giles Martin, son of the highly acclaimed Beatles producer Sir George Martin, joined Ken Bruce to talk about the release of the Beatles Anthology music collections, which he has remastered. He also spoke about future projects around the Beatles, including the Sam Mendes films he is working on.
Now read:
Dame Helen Mirren hints at The Thursday Murder Club 2 and future plans
Rick Astley reveals how his next tour will be different
Jodie Whittaker on why Doctor Who was her favourite role of all time