billy,i remember reading years ago that you were working with derek forbes ex of simple minds and was wondering whether anything came of it on record etc?

As far as I know, only one track saw the light of day that is India ie track 5 from Billy's debut Transportation. The track was one of a few written with Forbes, McVeigh and Weston under the monicker World Service. This occurred at the same time as the recording of U-Vox. Billy probably bored looked elsewhere!!

Billy has yet to release the World Service demos and the live Humania album.

Chris C

The last i heard was that BIG 'Dan Yer Man' was working on some stuff with Mick McNeil....(Best SM keyboard player...we miss ya matey!)

'BIG Dan yer man' Mitchell ?

That'll be superb!!

Mick McNeil was superb particularly on Sons and Fascination and New Gold Dream...

Thanks Danny for getting Mick outta his hibernation!!!

Chris C

Derek was known as dan yer man...for some reason & not danny

Derek was known as dan yer man...for some reason & not danny[/QB][/QUOTE]

Thanks for that!

Anyhow should sound very interesting. If you listen to the track India (an instrumental incidentally) from Billy's Transportation album you'll find that some elements of this track sounds like the instrumental "Shake off the Ghosts" from Sparkle in the Rain.

This proves Derek's input into songwriting in particular the instrumentals. I guess there was more to Simple Minds than Kerr/Burchill.

Forbes/MacNeil How about that!!!

Cheers

Chris C

mick mcneil is a GOD! and it shows being as simple minds have had sod all in the way of hits/decent albums really since he left before the real life album.

Mick Mc, sleepy's email pal

Remember the New Gold Dream performance on THE TUBE. Playing those keys.......just a blur.

spot on.

I thought Mick McN was on the Real Life album?

nope,he deffo wasnt on the real life album.just been emailing him recently actually asking one or 2 questions so should be interesting to know exactly what happened and whether the rumours of him rejoining simple minds are true!!!they certainly could do with his inspiration again,as most of their albums post mick have been pretty dire

Mark Taylor played keyboards on Real Life

Derek Forbes has also been working with Spear Of Destiny over recent years.

Didn't Peter John Vitesse (?) play on that album? Can't be a*sed taking a look...

:-)

Agreed though that Mick is a superb player. Loved that early work...

your right harry,pjv played in the studio but mark taylor played on tour

And here's Messrs Forbes and Macneil here, in a Glasgow Indian restaurant just a few weeks ago, along with Ian Donaldson (formerly of h2o). Bruce Watson had just left the band, FOURGOODMEN, a few days previously...hence Derek showing only three fingers on the bill headcount . I had to wipe his card number in Photoshop before uploading the pic

Cheers Ash!

It's a great shot of a great line-up.

I do remember Ian crooning away on I Dream To Sleep, one of my all time favourite songs. Believe it or not I was playing H2O's Faith this morning!

Chris C

That's a coincidence Chris
Have you heard Ian Donaldson's version of 'The Sun Aint Gonna Shine Anymore'? He emailed me it a few weeks ago and it's great! It was released back in the 80's as a solo single but it never hit the top 40.

Anyway, here's another shot of Mr Forbes and the other guys that was taken a few months ago, before Mr Watson left the band.

So what's the gen behind Bruce leaving?

Well, he informed the band of his wish to move on, which the band accepted and respected. Being webmaster for the band I was privy to some of the reasons behind his decision, but obviously that's not for me to say. However, Bruce has decided to touch base with Mark and Tony from Big Country again, and could well be putting a few ideas together for a reunion. Bruce obviously feels there's something left in the BC tank.
I hope they do well if it comes off...

Fair enough...

I was told that the 'Skids' are to reform for a one off gig for this summers T In The Park...superb!

I was told that the 'Skids' are to reform for a one off gig for this summers T In The Park...superb!

yeah ... or maybe it's "jus'" big country ( bruce , tony & mark ) with good ol' jobbo on the mic again then !? ;-)

Well when the Skids played for the Stuart Adamson tribute gig, Stuart's son Callum stepped in for his Dad! Talented lad too!

Quality gig

H2O! I used to like them too; especially as Ian Donaldson visited our local record shop back then (in Folkestone), and my friend and I bumped into him later on in the street - he was lost, so we ended up accompanying him to help him find his hotel! A nice guy, and a shame H2O didn't have a bit more success.

Peter John Vetesse was a member of Jethro tull 1982-1984. According to the bassplayer David Pegg, Peter was a dirty little man who liked to use the other groupmembers cameras and take pictures of his own ass!!

//Björn

I met Degsy Forbes underneath the Queensferry Bridge last Saturday. Took me across the Forth in his yacht so he did. He tried to aquaint me with his local Indian takeaway, Chillies, and showed me the menu...






I later met up with Mr Sleepwalker, and headed off to the Little Chef near the Oxgangs/Redford turn off. Midge has a Saturday job there, making breakfasts for those hungry truckers. We filled our bellies as Midge spoke about all things cookery. He does a mean fry up.
Conny's Pig and Sleepwalker, after a freebie 'Early Starter' with extra beans.

ROFLMAO!
Awwwww Ash I thought you were taller?



Nice pics though!

Here Mr Pig!

I'm still suffering the backlash fae that early starter, nae mare Stornoway black pudding fir me fur a wee whiley!

How's the DM & H17 dvd's???