Two of the band’s original members remain within the current lineup, frontman Jim Kerr and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Burchill. Speaking of the new deal with the major label BMG, Kerr has given the following statement, “We are very pleased to have struck this deal. It feels like the right time for us and our families. We look forward to working with everyone at BMG.“

BMG President Repertoire and UK Marketing, Alistair Norbury has also commented on the new partnership, “There are few bands who can claim to have changed music, but over a period of 45 years Simple Minds have done precisely that. It has been a long courtship, but we are delighted to have the opportunity to be custodians of their outstanding catalogue. We are thrilled that BMG is now the musical home of Simple Minds, past, present, and future.”  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BMG (@thenewbmg)

  With a long and storied discography, the new deal with BMG will see the major company become host to a great deal of the band’s music. The band’s latest album was released in 2018 and was entitled Walk Between Worlds, released via BMG the album sired four singles and placed at number 4 within the UK album charts. Last month the band confirmed the arrival of new material and confirmed the new album’s release date. Entitled Direction Of The Heart, the album is set to be released on 21st October 2022 and will mark the band’s 18th studio album. The album sees Simple Minds collaborate with various guest artists including Sparks’ singer and former musical partner Russell Mael and songwriter Gary Clark.  

 The group’s website provides a description of the upcoming release, “Direction of The Heart’ finds the band at their most confident and anthemic best and is an inspired celebration of life, most evident on the captivating lead single ‘Vision Thing”. The album’s lead single, “Vision Thing”, was released on 14th June 2022 and was crowned BBC Radio 2’s Record Of The Week at the beginning of this month. The track was penned as a tribute to Kerr’s father who sadly passed away in 2019, the 63-year-old artist has spoken on the moving single, “How to make a feel-good ‘electro-rock’ record, during the very worst of times? ‘Direction Of The Heart’ is the result of that challenge. Who would have thought we’d have so much fun creating it?”  

 Simple Minds are currently conducting the European leg of their 40 Years Of Hits tour, the band embarked on the global tour in support of the new compilation album 40: The Best Of- 1979-2019. After 11 more European shows, the band will return to the UK for a series of concerts and events, the group’s first UK show is scheduled to occur on 9th August 2022 at Belfast’s Custom House Square. After a performance at Essex’s Audley End House, Simple Minds will perform at Edinburgh Summer Sessions on 12th August 2022. On 13th August 2022, the band will perform a special show in Edinburgh, all proceeds occurred through the event will be donated to UNICEF for Children In Ukraine. On 17th September 2022, Simple Minds will headline Radio 2 Live 2022; the band will share the Leeds stage with Tears For Fears, Craig David, Banarama, Ella Henderson, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Kaiser Chiefs. 

Simple Minds UK tour dates

09/08/2022 – Custom House Square – Belfast
11/08 – Audley End House – Essex
12/08 – Edinburgh Summer Sessions – Edinburgh
13/08 – Edinburgh New Gold Dream UNICEF – Edinburgh
17/09 – Radio 2 Live 2022 – Leeds

Click here to purchase tickets.

Click here to pre-order Direction of The Heart.

Regarding the event Dermot said; “I’m so excited to announce that I’m making my Soccer Aid for UNICEF debut on Saturday 6^th September at the best football stadium in the world, Old Trafford. I’m so proud to play for the Soccer Aid World X FC event against England and we’re keeping that trophy – football is not coming home.”

Dermot is no stranger to sports. He played centre midfield for Crumlin United until 2017 and claimed a championship title four years in a row.

View this post on Instagram

Oh my god, this is so exciting!! Thank you @socceraid for having me join the 2020 World XI team for @unicef_uk on Sunday 6 September. It’s for an amazing cause and I’m so proud to be part of it. Live and exclusive on @itv and @wearestv1 X

A post shared by Dermot Kennedy (@dermotkennedy) on Aug 27, 2020 at 11:04am PDT

Dermot will be joining other musicians like Olly Murs, who will be returning to Soccer Aid after recovering from knee surgery. Marvin Humes, Santan Dave and Chelcee Grimes will also be joining the line-up. Chelcee has written songs for huge acts such as The Saturdays, Dua Lipa and Kylie Minogue. She is also a footballer and currently plays as a forward for Fulham Ladies. Danny Jones has also announced he will be returning to the field in a humorous video with bandmates McFly.

@ItsDannyJones is back!

England’s number will get his fourth Soccer Aid for @Unicef_uk cap next month

… The @mcflymusic boys will be pleased

— Soccer Aid (@socceraid) August 21, 2020

Soccer Aid For UNICEF is the world’s biggest celebrity football match, raising money to give kids the best start in life. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event will also raise money for Save Generation Covid. Every £1 donated will be trebled to £3 courtesy of the UK government and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Soccer Aid has raised for than £38 million for UNICEF UK since it began in 2006.

Other players that you can look forward to seeing on your screens are celebrities; Jason Manford, Joel Dommett, Kem Centiney, Roman Kemp, Joe Wicks, Lee Mack, Iain Stirling and Mark Wright. There will also be a range of footballers playing for both sides such as; Robbie Keane, Yaya Touré, David James, Kelly Smith, Lianne Sanderson, Patrice Erva, Liv Cooke, Julie Fleeting, Wes Brown, Katie Chapman and Andy Cole with Wayne Rooney announced as manager for the England team.

The makeshift England squad will take on World XI FC on September 6th. The event will be live streamed exclusively on ITV and STV at 6:30pm.