Duncan Barkes - Music Matters: Legendary bands still hitting the right notes

Fans of the bands Simple Minds and Squeeze have reasons to be cheerful at the moment as they are both about to get seriously busy.

Simple Minds will be touring in May 2027 with the nearest date to us being London’s O2 on 6 May. They have also just released the first track from their new album ‘Sacrosanct’ called ‘Beginner Boys’ which is rather splendid. The album gets fully released in January.

One of the great Scottish bands, Simple Minds were formed in 1977 and have sold 60 million records worldwide and have had five number one albums in the UK, along with a string of hit singles including ‘Alive & Kicking’, ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ and my favourite, ‘Sanctify Yourself’. It really is great to hear new music from the band and see them announce a UK arena tour.

Squeeze are driven by the song-writing partnership of Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook. Formed in 1974, the group really came to prominence during the new wave music period of the late 1970s and have had a string of hits over the decades including ‘Cool for Cats’ and ‘Up the Junction’.

For me, the song-writing of Difford & Tilbrook is on par with that of Lennon & McCartney – they create fabulous story songs coupled with insightful observations of life. They are touring at the end of this year. I am off to see them at the Brighton Centre on 5 December, but they are also playing Portsmouth Guildhall on 3 December. Grab your chance to see this great British band live!

My musical gem: A reminder: this weekend is the Southdowns Music Festival in Bognor Regis with a mix of free events and ticketed gigs. Please support this fantastic local event and the town of Bognor Regis. Find out more at southdownsfolkfest.co.uk  

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