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The Courier
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Ged Grimes on life with Simple Minds: From Dundee and St Andrews busking to rocking USA
It's been quite a journey from busking on Dundee's Murraygate to gearing up for a 10,000-capacity show in Portland, Oregon – but Ged Grimes wouldn't have it any other way. Speaking exclusively to The Courier via WhatsApp from Los Angeles – where the weather, he laughs, is 'not quite taps aff' – the Dundee born and bred Simple Minds bass player is in the thick of the band's biggest North American tour in four decades. The iconic Scottish band, led by original members Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, have just come off a rapturous run through South America, and the US and Canada leg is beginning in earnest. It's a packed 24-date schedule, taking in coast-to-coast cities and a mix of iconic outdoor 'sheds' and atmospheric indoor theatres. But as Ged reflects on his 15 years as Simple Minds' longest serving bassist, his 50 years as a musician and looks forward to Simple Minds playing to a 35,000 strong home crowd at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow on June 27 which will be opened up by St Andrews singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, the passionate Dundonian takes none of it for granted. 'It's quite fascinating to be back in a hotel directly opposite where Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard used to be,' he says, looking out of his hotel window towards the former site of the music mecca he first stepped into as part of Dundee's Danny Wilson in the late 1980s. 'I have vivid memories of being there in 1987 when the first Danny Wilson album was on the outside of Tower Records. We were signed from '85 to '91 so that's a six year period that we were making records. 'But it's quite something when you think that I've now been with Simple Minds for 15 years. 'When you look at it like that, I'm a proud of every single thing I've done, and every single twist and turn in the road. To be doing this now at this stage and age is a privilege.' Ged's musical journey started as a school boy back home in Dundee. He met fellow musician Gary Clark at St Saviour's High School – the two were introduced through their shared guitar teacher, Paul Fitzpatrick. 'I was already playing with my family in The Grimes Folk Four – yes really!' says Ged. 'Around the age of 12, 13, we were doing the Five Ways Club, the Civil Service Club… it was this kind of variety concert party. There was a magician, country dancers, and us doing folk songs. God, it sounds like it's from another era!' he laughs. Soon enough, Ged and Gary were playing together and immersed in Dundee's thriving live scene – learning from local legends like Michael Marra and the Mafia band. 'They used to let us jump up at their gigs. That was our way in – and it really made us feel part of something,' he smiles. The duo would head to local studios in the evenings to record whatever they could, experimenting with sounds long before they were signed. In fact, before Danny Wilson became Danny Wilson, they were busking in Dundee's Murraygate – and further afield. 'We used to head to St Andrews and play for the American tourists – we called ourselves the Scots Porridge Notes,' Ged chuckles. 'We had a tea chest bass, accordion, guitar – doing Sinatra covers. Then we'd come back and spend the lot in the Tayside Bar!' That hustle paid off. After a tough stint in London – 'living in a terrible squat' – and after being inspired by Simple Minds' 1982 album New Gold Dream, Ged and Gary returned to Dundee, regrouped with Gary's brother Kit, and got signed shortly after. Simple Minds' album, New Gold Dream, wasn't just a Scottish success – it was a musical wake-up call. 'We were floundering a bit, then this incredible album came out – it sounded expansive, aspirational. It made me believe that Scottish bands didn't have to leave Scotland to succeed. And it was a huge influence on us heading back to Dundee.' Signed in 1985, and touring with Simply Red in 1987, Danny Wilson had their own success in the States – with hits like Mary's Prayer. 'The live band were from Dundee as well,' recalls Ged. 'So you can imagine eight Dundee guys in America for the first time. It was an absolute hoot!' Even now, US fans remember. 'People wait outside (Simple Minds) venues here in the US with Danny Wilson memorabilia. It's honestly touching.' Danny Wilson weren't primarily a live band – 'it was more a studio thing'. Never say never, but that's why realistically he doesn't think Danny Wilson would hit the road today. The entourage required would be sizeable. But the live experience changed drastically when Ged joined Simple Minds in 2010. Ged had crossed paths with Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill a few times when Danny Wilson were on Virgin. But it wasn't until 2008 when he was with Deacon Blue that he reconnected. Deacon Blue supported Simple Minds in 2008 on their 30th anniversary tour, and when Jim asked him to get involved with his solo record, the offer to join the band came from there. Fifteen years on, Simple Minds 'just feels like home'. 'They've always been known for the live show, and we wear that on our sleeve,' he says, describing the band's current line up as 'tighter than ever' and 'dynamite'. 'It's full-on, night after night, giving it everything. 'You don't just play the records – you give people an experience.' After the break-up of Danny Wilson, and before joining Simple Minds, Ged spent most of his time writing and producing music for computer games. The new venture started in Dundee through his friend Chris van der Kuyl. Eventually that led to material being produced in America and Japan. It's a venture he's still involved with today. 'I'm just finished a game for Microsoft I've managed to work in between the Simple Minds tours,' he says. 'There's a game called Clockwork Revolution, a big role playing game that's coming out later in the year. That keeps me on my toes, because I had to find opera singers I had to find string quartets. It's the antithesis of working in Simple Minds. But I'm lucky. I get to do both.' The music industry has changed – and so has Dundee. Ged is especially excited about LiveHouse, the city's new state-of-the-art venue promising to transform the local live scene. 'Dundee's often missed out on big tours,' he says. 'We'd see Glasgow, Edinburgh, maybe Aberdeen – but not here. A lot of that was down to a lack of suitable venues. Now, that's changed.' He's been in touch with LiveHouse director Gus Robb to help attract major acts. 'See the next time Simple Minds are planning a tour that involves Dundee, I'm sure Live House would be an amazing, Barrowlands style, classic venue for us to play. 'It's going to take time that is going to take time to build a reputation. But I'm sure it'll happen.'
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Livingston boss David Martindale had no doubt his side would win Premiership play-off
The Lions gaffer says they were still in the game even at 2-0 down in Dingwall David Martindale insists he thought Livingston were still very much in their Premiership play-off against Ross County, even while 2-0 down. The Lions were up against it in Dingwall, with goals from Josh Nisbet and Ronan Hale putting them 2-0 ahead inside 24 minutes. Lewis Smith went on a mazy run to score a brilliant individual goal in 39 minutes, and Danny Wilson eventually levelled in 57 minutes, with Livingston having numerous shots blocked beforehand. Robbie Muirhead curled in a contender for goal of the season in 61 minutes to give Livingston a 3-2 lead on the night, with Tete Yengi adding a fourth late in stoppage time to seal the deal. Martindale insists the tie was never in doubt, and said: 'People think I'm sitting here telling lies, but at 2-0 I genuinely didn't think the game was away from us. 'That sounds a bit strange, but we were all saying, at no point did we feel we were out of this. 'We were really disappointed to find ourselves 2-0 down. The first one you take on the chin, the second one is a mistake. 'I knew if we got the next goal we could put them under real pressure, and then wee Lewis Smith comes up with an unbelievable solo goal. It's a great solo effort, and he has been fantastic for us in the last three or four months. 'Wee Smithy comes up with a big moment, we get into the changing room at 2-1, and we knew that if we got the next goal we will win this game. 'The boys go and get a goal. I've seen it countless times in football: shots from the edge of the box, a free kick from the edge of the box. You put it over the bar, hit the wall, don't really make anything of it. 'Robbie Muirhead came in, made the keeper make a big save, so he's done fantastically well with his free kick. 'We've got on the end of it, I think it was Gowser [Ryan McGowan] who tries to score, there's another block, and then Danny Wilson does score and we take it back to 2-2. 'Muirhead again comes up and, watching that goal back, I didn't appreciate in real time what a goal that was – what an incredible finish to then give us the lead. 'I felt from that moment onwards we had real momentum behind us, and then we kill the game at the death to cement the place in the Premiership. 'But Muirhead's goal was the one that got us over the line, or gave us huge belief to take it over the line.' Martindale added: 'I think 11 years at the club, we've had some big moments. There has generally been something every year, whether that's fighting relegation, getting promotion, fighting top six or in cup finals.'
BBC News
27-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
'Lot of things get thrown at us - but we've shown we're a good team'
Livingston are back where they belong after overcoming Ross County in the play-off final to seal a Premiership return, says defender Danny headed the leveller in Dingwall as David Martindale's side superbly fought back from two down to triumph 4-2 and climb out of the Championship at the first attempt with a 5-3 aggregate success."I didn't think we deserved to be two behind. We started the game fairly well then shot ourselves in the foot," Wilson told BBC Scotland."But we showed great character, and what a goal by Lewis Smith to get us back in the game. That came at a really important time and settled us before half-time."Over the two legs we are deserving to be back in the Premiership. A lot of things get thrown at us – but we believe we're a good team. We've shown that over the course of these play-offs."The Premiership is a place the club deserves to be. We've had a difficult season but we've built and built as the campaign went on."We can look forward with real optimism for this team."Livi stalwart Scott Pittman is relishing being back in the top flight at the age of 32."Delighted. It's been a long, hard season and we pushed Falkirk all the way. To get promoted and have the [Challenge] Cup win as well, it's been a great season," said Pittman."We've grown in confidence as the season's gone on and got better and better. We can take that into next season."Promotion was the goal at the start of the season and it's great to achieve it. I'm not getting any younger so it's just great to be back in the top flight."
Edinburgh Reporter
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Yengi strike secures famous win for Livingston
David Martindale suffered a massive blow 12 months ago when Livingston were relegated from the top flight, but The Lions roared in Dingwall as Livi bounced back to the elite thanks to a battling performance at Ross County. They came from 2-0 down to secure a 4-2 win in Dingwall and how the fans celebrated. Defender Danny Wilson told SkySports: 'The boys put in a good second half and we achieved our target which was promotion.' County had experienced difficulty in scoring goals this season, so the pressure was really on, but they looked on course to stay in the William Hill Premiership when they moved to a 2-0 lead after 24 minutes. Martindale's men had other ideas. They fired four unanswered goals between the 39th minute and the final whistle to claim victory, Robbie Muirhead's superb strike after 61 minutes putting them ahead and then substitute Tete Yengi making the most of a mistake in the County defence to blast Livingston back into the big time with the last kick of the match. Earlier, it was Livingston who had the first chance when Christian Montano latched onto the ball in the penalty box but was unable to turn. Seconds later, the visitors forced a corner on the left and it was floated in deep but cleared by the home side who opened their account after six minutes. Roland Hale was sent down the left and he cooly sent an inch-perfect cross ball into the box which was met by the unmarked Joshua Nisbet who calmly slotted home leaving Livingston with an uphill task. The Lions hit back minutes later and Jamie Brandon had a sight of goal from outside the box but he blasted over. Then, Steve Pittman latched onto a loose ball but his left foot shot flew wide. Ross County were a threat and they pressed forward. They pounced on a mistake by Livingston when Stephen Kelly took a pass from his goalkeeper Jerome Prior but miss-controlled the ball and that allowed Ronan Hale to nip in and drive into the box and towards the goal to score No 2 and heap even more pressure on Livingston. Time 24minutes. Martindale's (pictured) men attempted to reply and Ross Muirhead's effort was sent for a corner. It failed to produce an opening but Livi had another chance seconds later. Again they failed to make it count. Danny Wilson did, however, direct a header towards goal from a corner but County goalkeeper Jordan Amissah collected comfortably. The West Lothian side were, however, having their best spell, forcing several corners, but the delivery was poor. That lack of quality was critical but the visitors hit back. Lewis Smith took control of the ball just inside the County half, beat three home men as he drove towards goal and then dispatched the ball low into the bottom of the home net from an angle on the left of the box. Brilliantly executed and finished and Livingston were back in the game. Time 38 minutes. Smith was again centre stage as he powered down the right and crossed high into the danger area but the ball was cleared and Ryan McGowan was yellow carded as the visitors attempted to land another blow to the William Hill Premiership side. The scoreline stayed the same despite three minutes of injury time and Livingston will rue those two mistakes which cost them dear. The Championship side made a bright start to the second half and a Smith shot was deflected for a corner but there was a scare at the other end when Nisbet scampered clear and sent his shot just wide of the far post. George Harmon was forced to leave the field through injury and Zachary Ashworth was introduced as Livingston continued to press. William Nightingale was booked for a tackle on Smith just outside the box and Livingston levelled through Danny Wilson, the ball looping just wide of Amissah. VAR ran a check but the goal stood and the sides were level after 58 minutes with all to play for in the remaining 31 minutes. Seconds later Muirhead picked up the ball on the left hand side of the box and he steered it home into the side netting to send the travelling fans wide and put Livingston into the lead. It was a stunning goal, but it was not all one way and Connor Randall forced a save out of Prior in a breakaway. Livingston boss Martindale decided to take Montano off and send on tall striker Tete Yengi, providing a variation in attack, but Alexander Samuel was next to threaten for County. His shot was saved by Prior. Daniel Finlayson was yellow carded before Stevie May was introduced for Muirhead with 14 minutes remaining and May sent the ball into the box from the right. Yengi made a hash of the opportunity. County made a change with Kieran Phillips coming on for Nightingale as the minutes ticked on, and Hale flashed a shot towards goal from distance forcing Prior to save low down to his right. Michael Nottingham and Macaulay Tat were introduced for Smith and Kelly by Martindale and Nottingham was in the game straight away, sending the ball for a corner, and it was scrambled away after a crucial block from McGowan. Six minutes of added time were signalled, much to the surprise of Martindale, but he was celebrating when Yengi blasted the ball home to secure promotion at the first time of asking for Livingston who finished second in the Championship. Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Former Hearts star addressess future as he eyes return to Premiership next season
A former Hearts star has spoken out over his future with his current club. Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A former Hearts star will hope to seal a return to the Premiership later today - despite conceding he is unsure what could lie ahead for him this summer. Danny Wilson made 85 appearances throughout a two-year spell at Tynecastle earlier in his career before he went on to play for the likes of Rangers, Colorado Rapids and Queens Park. The veteran defender joined Championship club Livingston last summer and has been a consistent presence in their side as they have moved within 90 minutes of a potential return to the Premiership. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad SNS Group After ending the regular season as runners-up to champions Falkirk, Livi claimed a 4-0 aggregate win in their two-legged play-off semi-final with Partick Thistle before battling to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the play-off final tie against Ross County on Thursday night. The two sides will meet at the Staggies' home turf on Monday night in what could be Wilson's final appearance for Livi as his current deal comes to an end next month. The former Hearts defender revealed his 'affinity' for his current employers - but stressed he is focused on guiding them back into the top flight, rather than worrying about his own future. He said: "I am a local boy, I was brought up here and used to come to some games when I was younger. I couldn't claim to be a diehard Livi fan, but I do have an affinity with the club. As for the long term, I haven't really thought about it yet. I'm not at the stage of my career where I have to be worrying about what's happening. I've been in that situation and it's not something I really enjoy. But my focus is getting a positive result on Monday to take the club back to the Premiership." Calls for VAR improvement SNS Group Wilson endured somewhat mixed fortunes in Thursday's first leg as he put Livi in front - but was then punished for a pull on Jordan White that resulted in County snatching a draw from the penalty spot in the sixth minute of second-half injury-time. The former Hearts man was eventually punished after a VAR check - but he believes the process should be improved and insisted Scottish football is playing catchup with other countries. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: 'I played in America where they trialled VAR. It was one of the testers, so I'm well accustomed to it and I should have known better. It had some teething problems over there, but they have made it better because the refs are mic'd up, and they tell you the decision and why they have given it. They also tell the crowd, they have more camera angles too so they are further ahead. We have more to do to catch up with the way they do VAR, but it's part of the game here now and you have to deal with it.' Your next Hearts read: Staying or leaving? The future of every Hearts player for season 2025/26 as summer transfer window opens
