Simple Minds Albums (1982 - 1983)

McGee’s initial replacement as Simple Minds' drummer was Kenny Hyslop (ex-Skids, Zones), who joined the band in October 1981 in time to play the first leg of the Sons & Fascination tour. Unfortunately, Hyslop “didn’t fit in” with the band or their management (a situation further strained by his apparent suspicion of record companies) and in February 1982 he left the band after a mere five months. Hyslop was replaced by the Kilmarnock-born percussionist Mike Ogletree. Ogletree also performed with the band on TV and to close out the second leg of the 'Sons and Fascination Tour'. The band moved to Townhouse Studios for recording sessions with producer Peter Walsh, who introduced them to a London-born drummer called Mel Gaynor, a 22-year old session musician with plenty of experience .Working closely with Ogletree in order to capture and maintain the beats and grooves from the Perthshire sessions, Gaynor played drums on the majority of the record.

New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84) was released in September 1982, combining the results of the Walsh sessions along with 'Promised You A Miracle'. The album proved to be a significant turning point for the band, becoming a commercial breakthrough and generating a handful of charting singles including 'Glittering Prize"' (which reached the UK Top 20 and Australian Top 10). Mike Ogletree played on the first leg of the New Gold Dream tour, but left the band immediately afterwards in November 1982 to join Fiction Factory. Mel Gaynor was recruited (as a full member of the band) for the remaining dates.


Simple Minds Tickets are available at Sold Out Ticket Market