Simple Minds' Jim Kerr has a studio flashback

Oct 5 2008 Edited By Billy Sloan And Mickey Mcmonagle

JIM KERR got goose bumps recording for Simple Minds' new album at the legendary Rockfield Studio.

"While doing a final overdub for opening track Moscow Underground I got a flashback," revealed the singer.

"It suddenly dawned on me that I'd stood on that exact spot 29 years ago doing vocals for Premonition from our 1979 album Real To Real Cacophony. It was a surreal moment."

The Minds - led by Jim and guitarist Charlie Burchill - were at the studio in Wales last week.

They are celebrating their 30th anniversary with a show at the SECC in Glasgow on December 4.

Now they've added an extra gig - at the ABC on December 7 - to raise money for Radio Clyde charity, Cash for Kids. After 30 years there's a danger your work could be seen as tired and jaded," said Jim.

"What is important for us is that this album has a new vibrancy and is full of energy.

Charlie never gets credit for being a bona fide guitar hero.

"But he will on this record. Every song has a great guitar motif in the vein of our 1984 single, Speed Your Love To Me.

"We've written another song, Light Travels, which reminds me of Space Oddity by David Bowie.

"We're hungry again to continue coming up with great pop songs."

In 2007, Clyde raised £1.6million for Cash for Kids and Jim is delighted to support the cause.

He said: "It will be a night none of us will forget.

"It will help thousands of disadvantaged children in the west of Scotland have a better Christmas."

Fans can register for pre-sale tickets - priced £35 - on www.simpleminds.com on Wednesday at 9am.

More go on general sale two days later from the usual outlets.