A Very Simple Mind

Book excerpt: The long-awaited autobiography by Derek Forbes, the Simple Minds legend known for his iconic spine-rattling bass riffs which we recognise in many Simple Minds' songs. This is his story. Derek Forbes started his musical career as a lead guitarist but soon changed to bass guitarist. He wrote and co-wrote many of Simple Minds' earliest classics. Derek Forbes won an Ivor Novello Award for 'Outstanding Song Collection' in 2016 for his song writing for Simple Minds, voted best bass player in the World 1982 and best bass player from Scotland in 2010. Derek is also well-known on the international stage as songwriter and bassist for Big Country and Propaganda and has recorded with Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Kirsty MacColl. He still lives in Glasgow and is planning his next tour.