How it all started

Marino – as a committed keyboard player and die-hard Simple Minds fan – nurtured the plan for several years to pay proper tribute to his favourite band. Basically the idea arose already from the first concert he saw back in 1983 @ Rock Werchter. After all those years and decades, he still admires their songs and sound and of course the brilliant keyboardparts of Michael MacNeil. After more than 30years, their music still remains ‘Alive and Kicking’ and very up-to-date. The guys really understand the art to evolve their great music in time.
The passion grew as well as the urge to actually play their music. In December 2008, Marino decided to finally materialize his dream and he started his search on the Belgian music scene for the right band members. Merely one week later, he received a telephone call: " Hi, it's Mel, are you still looking for a drummer ?". Marino was completely flabbergasted and acknowledged this to the voice on the other side ! It was Philip – a fellow SM fan – and it was clear at the end of the phone-call that he was a good candidate. This gave him the hope, motivation and inspiration to continue his search for the remaining Simple Minds Tribute Band members. A couple of days later, Tom (Vanderstee) contacted Marino for the vacancy of Leadguitar and shortly afterwards Herbie (Herman Loeys) also for the role of Charlie ! Herbie had a lot of band experience and used to play in a U2 Tribute Band so he knew the tribute band feeling which was definitely an added value. For honesty sake - since Tom was first – Tom got the job. But strangely enough, no bass players responded to the advertissements and Tom – as a multi-instrumentalist – agreed and was very happy to take up the role of bassplayer. Herbie – a dedicated and passionate guitar player - was contacted to start as Lead guitarist.

4 down, 1 to go

The Lead Singer – the face of the band – Jim Kerr incarnate !  Who would be fit to imitate Jim ? After a long search – and almost at the brink of desperation – a heavenly gift descended down on earth onto the mailbox of Marino ! "TJ" Tim de Nordwall: the name in itself (TJim J ) has the same Scottish Simple Minds roots, accent and passion for their music. Just admit: a better fit is not possible !

Time for some action and a first rehearsal together. Agreements were fixed, rehearsal room reservations were made, songs were selected and sounds were calibrated – the common tribute band idea was to come as authentically as possible to the original sound ! The song selection consisted of a mix of new and older songs aimed at the Simple Minds fans who would definitely appreciate if less known songs were played as well. Off course, the aim is to reach a vast audience.

The first rehearsal Monday – the first songs:  ‘Waterfront’ and ‘Theme for great cities’ - we are all anxious and excited about the result of this maiden session. Unfortunately, the first disappointment hits the group: Philip has to decline due to practical reasons. Bart is all too eager to join in, so the next Monday rehearsal is booked. When those first notes of ‘Waterfront’ hit our ears, it gave us goosebumps: what we heard was a Simple Minds copy as for sound and music. We all looked at each other with amazement and disbelieve but with a look of approvement and ectasy (no, not the XTC drug, but the same kick !). This was what we all were looking and hoping for ! Weekly rehearsals on Monday evening were fixed and we all worked hard on a setlist of 13songs.

Faith struck hard

As in most cases, it was too good to be true and faith struck hard ! While at work during the day, Marino received a telephone call from Tom’s father and asked Marino to sit down. The news he gave was devastating: Tom was no longer with us ! Marino had the difficult task to inform the other bandmembers and we were all godstruck by this news. Marino and Herbie went to the funeral service and the song at the end of the service was "Don't you forget about me" – we were so moved that this song would get a whole other meaning for good. We pledged to dedicate the first concert to our dear and beloved musical friend Tom: ‘That’s a promise’ !
After a few weeks of grieve, we decided that the best way forward to continue in memory of Tom was to keep the band alive. Now several months, a few bassplayers, drumplayers and auditions later, Single Minds finally found a new solid rhythm section with Tim (Sneyers) on drums and Wojciech (Antoniewicz) on bass. The right men on the right spot, musicians with the right attitude,  commitment and technical skills to do the job properly: that’s for sure !

Today, after too much misfortune, Single Minds has been able to endure thanks to the passion for the music and the promise they made to play their favourite Simple Minds songs as they initially intended it ! To make the dream come true and to pay tribute to their musical heroes.
Hopefully, the fans and audience will appreciate this attitude and the music. Single Minds would like to thank all of you in advance for your interest and we hope to see and meet you soon on one of our concerts !

We hope you all enjoy the music as much as we do !

Cheers lads and gals,
Single Minds