SCREEN EXTRA
SIMPLE MINDS
EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE PARAMOUNT+
8/10
An engaging look back at an inspiring backstory through the eyes of the band’s founding friends. By Peter Watts
AS Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill prepared to tour their latest version of Simple Minds –described by Kerr in the film as being as much of a “theatrical ensemble” as atraditional band –Joss Crowley’s film goes back to the start, when the pair met in abuilding site at their new flats in Toryglen in Glasgow –acity “in a rush to modernise” as Kerr recalls.
Kerr and Burchill, still great pals, return to Glasgow throughout the film, emphasising the importance of the city on their development, particularly how it gave focus to their own monumental ambition. Kerr visits the Carnegie Library in Govanhill, where his father encouraged him to read to flee the limitations of working-class life in apost-industrial city. Burchill visits Southside Music, where he bought opportunity in the form of guitars and strings. Later, they both stroll down to the Clyde to discuss the writing of “Waterfront”. But much as they recognise and appreciate the city’s role in their formation, it’s clear that Glasgow equally represented a place from which to escape. Simple Minds, and Kerr in particular, were hugely driven, and their work ethic –their determination to achieve success and their desire for continued improvement –is astonishing.