A Very Simple Mind

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.

Derek Forbes, born in Glasgow, didn't pick up a guitar until he was at least 15 years old and when he did, he began his musical career as a lead guitarist but soon changed to bass. He joined Simple Minds as their bassist, and they toured the world. He wrote and co-wrote many of the band's earliest classics. Derek is also well known on the international stage as a 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 won an Ivor Novello Award for 'Outstanding Song Collection' in 2016 for his song writing for Simple Minds, was voted best bass player in the world 1982 and best bass player from Scotland in 2010. Derek still lives in Glasgow and is always planning the next tour