Simple Minds V The Stranglers – 2015

Simple Minds V The Stranglers – 2015

 

Two era-defining bands join together to record a new limited edition version of the classic punk song ‘(GET A) GRIP (ON YOURSELF)’ ahead of November tour.

To celebrate their 2015 tour together – when The Stranglers will be very special guests to Simple Minds – both bands recently got together to record a version of The Stranglers’ 1977 punk classic, ‘(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)’.

This limited edition single was released on collectable 7″ white vinyl on the 6th of November 2015 and was **only available from the Simple Minds Shop or the tour itself.

 

 

Watch the recording session performance here:

Video originally premiered on the Classic Rock website HERE.

 

Like many bands that were born and came of age in the punk era, Simple Minds were massive fans of The Stranglers. Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill still have vivid memories of seeing the band live when they performed in Glasgow for the first time.

“Like most people I have my fair share of indelible memories, some that I even refer to as life changing events. Witnessing The Stranglers in full thrown ascendancy, at The City Halls, Glasgow, in 1977 would qualify as one of those events,” says Kerr.
“For that alone, as well as their stunning music and fiery live sets, we will always be grateful to The Stranglers. They and others like them made it possible for Simple Minds to exist.”


The new recording of ‘Get A (Grip) On Yourself’ was recorded at Battersea Park Studios on 9th July – Jim Kerr’s birthday. From the Minds camp it features Jim Kerr – sharing vocals with The Stranglers’ Baz Warne – Charlie Burchill (guitar) and Mel Gaynor (drums). They are joined by Stranglers’ founding members JJ Burnel (bass) and Dave Greenfield (keyboards). It’s a rip-roaring version, celebrating the strengths of both bands, where Jim Kerr and Burchill get to perform with their teenage heroes.  Above all else, it’s fun and a brilliant reminder of The Stranglers’ potent punk-rock.

 

Version containing interviews with Jim Kerr and JJ Burnel:

 

 

The Stranglers joined Simple Minds as special guests on five arena shows in November and December 2015.

November

  • Thu 26th O2 Arena, London
  • Fri 27th Leeds First Direct Arena
  • Sat 28th Glasgow The SSE Hydro
  • Sun 29th 3Arena, Dublin, IE

December

  • Tue 1st Aberdeen AECC