MIDNIGHT WALKING (BIG MUSIC)
And suddenly they were right above us, in all their full on glory. Greenish, violet, amber and fiery red lights, dancing in no particular pattern, all over the sky. It was something so beautiful, it’s kind of too hard to believe that it's real.
That is the magic of the Northern Lights, (Aurora Borealis) and many of Simple Minds - band and crew - who had travelled to the northern parts of Norway to perform a show in Bodo - a city that sounds like something out of The Lord Of The Rings, located just north of the Arctic Circle - were to be rewarded with one the most memorable sights that nature within all its power is able to conjure up.
All except me that is. Out like a light entirely, I had fallen asleep back at the hotel and frustratingly missed the excursion that everyone else had taken, going out into the nearby woodlands where there is limited light pollution, therefore providing the best opportunity to see the most cosmic of all light shows.
And so, although it was not to be for me on that night. Not to be thwarted within my desire, thankfully I was too rewarded the very next night - when I had gone out midnight walking - eventually coming to a standstill in the eerie silence, awestruck by what was taking place in the heavens above.
Recalling that experience now. I'm reminded that along with the stunning sights, I also experienced the most profound feeling of peace, while stood silent and alert under that canopy of lights, dancing ghostlike across the skies above.
And if there was melody and rhythm I would choose to depict both that beauty and movement of those mystical dancing lights. I could do no better that point you to Andy Gillespie's synth intro to out song - Midnight Walking. Heavenly stuff indeed!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpL4qK7YSHA
MORE INFO : BIG MUSIC is contained within "Rejuvenation" - a very classy, vinyl box, set recently released.
hyperurl.co/simplemindsrejeven
One of my lifetime must-sees are to witness the Aurora Borealis and everytime I hear Midnight Walking it's a reminder. Actually, coinciding with one of your concerts in the Arctic Circle would be just perfect!
Would love to see the northern lights above the high rise land
I remember Midnight walking a beautiful post you posted in September 2016 one of the first ones I read and posted on, it was great,and this post is so so wonderful, a beautiful picture and that you did get to see that exquisite loveliness in the sky/heavens is calming to the reader and happy for you, astonishing,and writing about the peace you experienced is above words can describe this post these words are my kind of language with the great song Midnight walking I love it all so much I'm extremely and I mean it extremely thankful for you 🙂💕💃🌌
Love 'Midnight Walking'. I've always wanted to witness this most beautiful natural phenomenon and visit Tromsø. Gig venue for the future, Jim? Perhaps one day... one day! 🙂🌌
Above my house JK in Boden, Sweden.... I have been here 14 years and i am still fascinated by them... Come over sometime and see the lights.
That feeling of peace must of been so amazing Jim. Peace and immense beauty both at the same time, you really cannot beat that feeling. We have to grab it while we can. Good that Midnight Walking will always remind you of that moment ⭐️❤️⭐️
Big Music the whole album is really brilliant, and Midnight Walking is fab track. 😊
What a wonderful experience - and a great song too 💙 Hope I get to 'See the lights' one day 🙂
There's a remix of this I really like but it disappeared off Spotify and there isn't a version of it on YouTube either. Wasn't really released on physical format other than some promo CDs either... May have to go (Midnight) "trawling" for it. Think it was the A2A remix, if memory serves. I shall start my quest henceforth...
I am totally digging this album, the video for Midnight Walking is beautifully done. I actually like walking late at night. It's tranquil, no noise pollution. 🌌 I really hope you guys come back to the States, to play again.
Midnight walking!!! A masterpiece!
What a remarkable gift that the Simple Minds can give us by translating into sound these profound and moving experiences. It's nothing short of sublime.
Morning Jim! That amazing experience is on my bucket list. Thanks for playing Midnight Walking this Summer! Y’all blew it out of the water, it was so freaking good! About to cruise into New Orleans for work, and that song will be definitely be on rotation & turned up loud! Have a great day Jim! 💜
I still remember the sunset I witnessed with a goup of new Zealanders and Australians' around 1996-1997 in the south of Portugal hypnotized with a sky that had probably every colour you could imagine, i know now looking back how lucky i was to have seen that
I plan to see those lights one day. The intro to Midnight Walking is just as ethereal and electrifying!
Preciosas palabras, Jim.
Ooooh who is the photographer? 😘
Oh JK , top of my bucket list . I always wondered if you had stood underneath the magic of the skies . And Midnight Walking .... yes . I'm going to make this happen this year . I know it . Tromso is the plan , and I will think of this Beautiful song when I'm dancing under the beautiful sky xxxx
It’s on the ‘to do’ list but below staying at Villa Angela!! Some sweet day.........🎶❤️🎶
One on my wish list to see the awesome northern lights , you just have to respect the magnitude of Mother Nature.
Stunning - who wouldn’t be inspired after seeing that? Even the stars make me stop and gaze out here, calming too. Hope you are finding new creative inspirations during these weeks after the tour 😀
Brilliant song indeed 👍
"a city that sounds like something out of The Lord Of The Rings" Hahaha! Awesome!
Morning Jimmy! I would choose Morten Harket's song about Northern Lights... https://youtu.be/hPR8REkWhWs
Wow just came on this post as listening to Big Music, with Midnight Walking just finished. 😁
GRAFFITI SOUL : THIS IS IT
It is hard for me to imagine anyone who enjoys playing music more than we do? Additionally it is difficult to think how anyone could feel more privileged while reflecting on a life that we have experienced - one that has both evolved and revolved around playing music for audiences worldwide?
That said, and as rare as the case may be. It is possible to find ourselves, as individuals, going through the doors of a venue, and trying to suppress an unsolicited inner voice that wants attention, as it declares with a self pitying sigh.
"Oh...I really don't feel like doing this show tonight!"
As soon as that thought occurs. A spiral kicks in. And you seem to notice that your legs suddenly feel heavy. Oh, and that distant back pain might be on the verge of an unwelcome return? Your shoulders, uncharacteristically slumped in a manner not visible a day or two before? Worst of all that damned migraine has seemingly started yet again? And on. And on. And on it goes. Physically unravelling.
Such was the case for yours truly, only a couple of months ago. Suffering from a cold that had frustratingly hung over me for weeks. Also trying to deal with the sleepless effects of four overnight journey's in succession. I was starting to "run on empty." Or, perhaps more precisely, I was starting to "convince myself" that I was near running on empty.
There is huge psychological difference displayed in those two statements. One is factual. "I was starting to run on empty." While the other, a lot more nebulous, suggests that despite my situation, maybe things were not really as bad as I was imagining. Could it be the, that although genuinely feeling a lot less energised in that particular moment? Maybe, and just maybe, I still had plenty in the tank nevertheless - and had merely begun giving into the notion - that I was on the verge of being flat out?
So what was it going it be - the former or the latter?
And what train of thought is going to win out in that kind of contest?
Certainly I needed some kind of pick me up, some kind of placebo effect. For there was absolutely no getting away from the bigger reality which was.
a) There is a gig to be done tonight.
b) It demands 100% effort.
c) No excuse for anything less is acceptable.
Going backto that date a couple of months ago, I lucked out when divine intervention itself seemed to kick in, and all before I even had the chance to pray. Let me explain.
Rarely do I watch TV. Rarely then will I switch on a television should it be hung on a dressing room wall. However, on that same day when I was struggling and not feeling like going to work at all that night. I walked into the dressing room and not only found the TV already on, but switched to a channel featuring an extensive interview with none other than our honourable friend - and mentor. Little Stephen. More formally known as Steve Van Zandt.
Delighted to see him - face glowering in the way that only he can - there is few artists I hold in higher esteem than Stephen. An inspirational character in every sense, also the most entertaining fountain of knowledge when in comes to the science of rock n' roll. Not only does Steve know the nuts and bolts of how and why it works best. He also knows historically who made it work at its greatest, and where to find them. Any listeners to his weekly radio show will surely chime in with my sentiment. Check Stephen here twitter.com/stevievanzandt
Anyway. The long and short of it. After listening to Stephen's interview that in total lasted about twenty minutes and spanned both his life story, his philosophies for life, music, friendship, loyalty etc. Urging the world on in his unique style that "This is it" so go and grab it!
I found myself unrecognisably energised, and transformed instantaneously from the self pitying shambles that had shuffled into the venue only a short while previously.
The result being that I now couldn't wait to get out there on stage that night! Same with the next night! And possibly for every night I am allowed to to continue. Such was Van Zandt's healing effect on me.
So thank you Stephen. An inspiration. A placebo unparalleled.
THIS IS IT - SIMPLE MINDS
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AXCohT0jQM
MORE INFO : GRAFFITI SOUL is contained within "Rejuvenation" - a very classy, vinyl box, set recently released.
hyperurl.co/simplemindsrejeven
Jim, was that before the Cleveland show? I was there, you were on fire!
This is great . Thankyou for sharing this . I get overwhelmed a lot with all I have to do , and I've learnt to just stay in the moment and remember what's important. You have worked so hard, it's been a crazy year . Be kind to yourself xxx
The Freedom, No Compromise album changed EVERYTHING for me!
Go on Jim...tell us what you were thinking when he was hollering "Simple Minds! Simple Minds!!!!" around 2 inches from your ear at the first Mandela gig?!
Jim, you need to write your memoirs. The emotion that you put in your writing is riveting!!!!!!!!
A couple health-related tips as someone who likewise has a bad back. The best position is to lie flat on your back with your thighs straight up and your calves parallel with the ground. You need to put pillows or something like a bean bag under the lower part of your legs. This position is known as 90 - 90 and is the most stress-free position for the lower back. As for your legs if they're feeling heavy I was taught a trick by a park ranger when I was hiking the Grand Canyon. Lie flat on your back with your legs nearly straight up against a wall (or tree or rock if outdoors) Stay in that position for about 10 minutes or more. The blood will drain from your legs (also helps drain lactic acid which gets metabolized). You'll notice that your legs will feel very light and refreshed when you stand up again. Those powerful legs and crazy strong calves of yours Jim may benefit from this.
It was interesting watching his interview for RIML a couple of days ago. How he said he felt The Beatles were a little *too perfect*, almost TOO accomplished, so they weren't as much of an inspiration (as much as he admired them) to learn to play as The Rolling Stones were. That The Stones were more "street". I had never quite thought about it like that before (Beatles v Stones). Not in terms of assessibility to learning the craft. Emulating heroes. I liked the way he articulated it.
I would love to join your group please and thank you💞❤️❤️ I love the simple minds the best band in the world 😍 😍😍 😍😍 😍
I saw Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul play an amazing show at the Manchester Academy on a UK holiday in June last year 🙂 One of the best live shows I’ve seen in recent years. I tried to see them again on another trip to the UK in June this year but couldn’t manage it unfortunately. Their Liverpool show clashed with a Mott The Hoople show (I’m a big Ian Hunter/MTH fan). Do yourself a favour and check out Little Steven’s recent ‘Soulfire’ and ‘Soulfire Live’ CDs - they are both great 🙂
Little Steven is a legend...The Boss wouldn't let him miss work anyway..😊😂😊
Enough teasers already Jim, write the book! 😁
'This is' my favourite from Graffiti Soul. And there is definitely a particular 'swagger' noticeable when you're in 'This is it' mode on stage, Jim... 😉 To have such enjoyment at work is indeed a wonderful thing.
Because of my work, I am a very positive and concrete person sometimes and my philosophy is, OK is what goes wrong but in front of... and I think of something definitely horrible... you exceed and as long as there are the potential to do everything , you exceed everything!..... and I love to be there when you play music !!!!!!!!!! life moves so fast sooooo… cannot wait to be there again
And great in The Sopranos!
It's so good to read all that. You're not alone. Even though I usually look forward to every day, I can have occasional days like that, today being one...so lacklustre, uninspired and dragging that it's hard to get motivated to do anything of substance. Now I have just read how Stephen Van Zandt inspired you that night when you really needed it. Just reading that great story has made me feel more energised and less pathetic. There is always a way forward to a more positive mindset. You certainly never look tired or like you would rather be elsewhere. Thanks,Jim, for sharing your story. 😀 Inspirational words.
Since i turned 56 its like a switch flicked on. Aches n pains and we usually put it down to age and weather. But it can just take something or someone to make us realise it could be worse. A well earned rest re- charges and ul be 100% soon if not already...great read jim..xx
Irrespective of his considerable impact on Mr. Springsteen, the guy is a total genius for the Darlene Love Christmas song but above all, the unbelievably funny Lilyhammer
If you feel a migraine coming on...plunge your hand into ice till it burns. This always works for me in fact anything out of the freezer wrapped around your hand. Or....drink very very strong coffee that sometimes works for me.
Graffiti Soul is my favourite SM album and also the title of one of my paintings
Jim :-) there are a few statements in your brilliant post ( in the early morning reading you is a such a great pleasure) which I lov very much ! well I remember a pic of you in his instagram and that really made me happy...And also raeding that he paid his attention over This is it sends me up the clouds! Buona giornata Jim my monsters are coming ciao!
Simple Minds Official; That feeling of 'Running on Empty'...... years ago some cars used to have reserve fuel tanks.... and I suspect that 'you' tap into something similar on those long tours. When my tank is more air than fuel; the opening cords of 'Waterfront' always provides the boost to get me goin' again. ;-)
Over this past weekend, the missus and I were watching a new Netflix movie called "The Christmas Chronicles" with our eleven-year old son. At one point during the film, Santa, played pretty brilliantly by Kurt Russell, gets thrown in jail. While there, he starts chatting up two rather grimy looking jailbirds. One of them looked very familiar and, just after the wife said, "Who is that guy?", we both shouted, 'IT'S LITTLE STEVEN!!"
Still entertaining me, while you’re all NOT on stage. Thanks for the insight to life behind the rock & roll curtains. 😃
Your stories are great... I love those memories and the humanity in it. And obviously the reality. Thanks Mr. Kerr. Have a lovely Christmas with your loved ones.
From what I hear a very cool guy. His LP Men Without Women, with the Disciples of Soul, is great. Lyin' In A Bed of Fire and Inside of Me are full of rock n roll energy.
Live Shows
Dec
31
Thu
2020
Always keep an eye on the tour page as confirmed tour dates are added there first! Visit the tour archive to see where the band played last.
“We would like to remind all of our fans and members that despite hearing announcements elsewhere regarding possible concert performances etc, it is only when the date is announced here at simpleminds.com that you can be sure the information is 100% official and that contracts have been agreed”
Simple Minds
