Simple Minds' idea to help Birmingham gig stick in the memory
Nov 27 2009 by Andrew Coleman, Birmingham Mail
THEY promised you a miracle - and through the miracle of new technology fans of Simple Minds will be offered an extra special souvenir of the band’s show at Birmingham’s LG Arena next Wednesday.
After the show, computer USB sticks containing the live recording of the Brum concert will be on sale.
The gig’s encores can then be downloaded from a website using the stick’s serial code.
The concept is the brainchild of German company Concert Online, whose policy is to instantly issue fans with live recordings directly after the concerts.
Simple Minds are the latest rock band to participate in Concert Online’s live concert USB stick campaign, following in the footsteps of the likes of Kiss and Madness.
“It’s amazing,’’ says Simple Minds’ lead singer Jim Kerr. ‘‘In addition to buying the USB stick after the concert at the merchandise stall, no matter where you are in the world, you can go online and download the songs from that show, or you can have the stick packaged and sent directly to you.”
Wednesday’s gig will see Simple Minds joining forces with support act OMD to pay tribute to German electronic band Kraftwerk with their version of Neon Lights from Kraftwerk’s 1978 album, The Man Machine. Says Jim: “Kraftwerk were the link between a whole generation of kids in the UK that used synthesizers to define some of the 80s’ most glorious pop music. In our own way we want to honour their influence by performing Neon Lights.”
Of the link-up with OMD, Jim adds: “In 1979 Simple Minds were working at Rockfied studios during the recording of our second album. I clearly recall escaping into the local town and heading directly to the small record shop which was playing a track called ‘Electricity’ by a group called Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark.
‘‘I bought it and played it non-stop, as I eventually did with the accompanying track called ‘Almost’. I was downright jealous to be honest, and I still am when I hear those tunes!
‘‘It is vitally important for us to give as much value to our audience as possible. Playing a full set of hits and other surprises, I know that OMD will contribute so much towards making every show on the tour a memorable event.”
SIMPLE MINDS/ OMD
Wednesday, Dec 2: LG Arena, Birmingham Tickets: £36 plus booking and transaction fee from 0844 33 88 000 or online by going to www.theticketfactory.com
