Simple Minds next record, Sparkle in the Rain, was a complete departure. Produced by Steve Lillywhite and released in February 1984, the album foregrounded Jim Kerr (now singing in a much more muscular and forthright fashion) and the rhythm section of Mel Gaynor and Derek Forbes, who were by now demonstrating an aggressive and fluent merging of hard rock and heavy funk stylings. The eventual result of this shift in musical direction gave rise to hugely successful singles like "Waterfront" (which hit #1 in a few European countries). Sparkle in the Rain topped the charts in the UK and hit the Top 20 in several other countries.
Despite the band's new-found popularity in the UK and Europe, Simple Minds remained essentially unknown in the U.S. The movie The Breakfast Club changed all that. Released in early 1985, this Brat Pack drama from writer/director John Hughes was a box-office smash. It also broke Simple Minds into the US market almost overnight, when the band achieved their only #1 U.S. pop hit in April 1985 with the film's opening track, "Don't You (Forget About Me)". Derek Forbes left the band and was replaced by former Brand X bass player John Giblin. Giblin made his debut with Simple Minds at Live Aid in Philadelphia, where the band performed "Don't You (Forget About Me)" and a new track called "Ghostdancing"Simple Minds Tickets are available at Sold Out Ticket Market
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