Running Late on 88.3FM

09/02/2024

Bill Hall 's note about 9/2/95 so moved me. I love that that day's become such a benchmark that many can always start up a conversation about where they were on that day. Me? I worked the morning show that Saturday, then a quick nap before the lady-friend and I took in some of the hall (Running through it still took hours the first open day) before stopping by the airshow "in the meantime". By the time the adrenaline was going it was only 6pm and I couldn't even guess how long this cornucopia of artists was going to take along the shores of my favorite Great Lake. I cheered till I cried. So many artists on stage that would be my only time seeing them live. Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and on and on. I fell asleep in my chair during Bob Dylan - not taste but pure exhaustion. Anyhow - This wonderful memory has become the basis of a great marathon, a donation back to the Library & Archives of the Hall itself, and an inspiration for the next phase. It did before, it did then and I honestly say this an mean it now. Coming off some wonderful shows and all this very weekend all these years later - Cleveland Rocks.

08/31/2024

on "that show I do" - Happy Labor Day Weekend to all - and even though we all tend to "take it easy" - not so on RL - Joan Osborne chats with us about her latest "Nobody Owns You" ahead of her show at The Kent Stage on the September 7th. And we chat with Chris Chris Difford of Squeeze here in town Sunday for the bands 50th (!!!) Anniversary Tour. Plus tons of new music and so much more - Running Late on 88.3FM Saturday nights after Acoustic Cafe, online at wbwc.com. /tunein app......RERunning Late Sunday Afternoons @ 1pm.

08/25/2024

RL 08 24 24

Hour 1
Foreigner - Turning Back The Time - Turning Back The Time (OOTB 10/4, RRHOF’24)
Amy Helm - Money On 7 - Silver City (OOTB)
—RL excusive interview with Howard Jones ahead of 8/31 Temple Live tourstop —
Howard Jones - Pearl In The Shell (live) - Live At The 02 (OOTB)
Howard Jones - Too Shy (Kajagoogoo cover (live, feat. Nick Beggs) - Live At The O2 (OOTB)
Howard Jones - What Is Love? - The Best Of 83-93
—RL exclusive conversation with Martin Fry of ABC (archive 2022), on tour with Hojo Temple Live 8/31 —-
ABC - The Look Of Love - The Lexicon Of Love (Deluxe Edition)
ABC - Poison Arrow - The Lexicon Of Love (Deluxe Edition)
ABC - When Smokey Sings - Absolutely ABC
Haircut 100 - Love Plus One - VA: Rock Of The Eighties Vol. 1
Haircut 100 - Favorite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) (12” Version) - VA: 80s Madness

Hour 2
Robert Cray Band - Bad Influence - Bad Influence (later covered by EC for “Journeyman” Plays Cain Park Evans Amp 8/25)
Steve Earle -Guitar Town - Guitar Town (expanded edition) (plays with Robert Cray Cain Park Evans Amp 8/25)
LIVE feat. Dean Dero of STP - Lady Bhang (She Got Me Rollin’)(edited) - Lady Bhang (digital single) (OOTB) (Live & STP play Blossom 9/10)
Julian Cope - World Shut Your Mouth - VA: Hang The DJ - Modern Rock 1987
Tower Of Power - What Is Hip? - What Is Hip? - The Very Best Of (Request)
Collective Soul - Bluer Than So Blue - From Here To Eternity (OOTB) (just here for Hootie back at MGM in Nov!)
Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers - This Is Who We Are - Can’t Outrun A Memory (OOTB) (upcoming guest on RL)
Joan Osborne - Great American Cities - Nobody Owns You (plays Kent Stage in September)
Jesse Lynn Madera - Last Call (feat. Dan Navarro) - Austin (plays Tree Lawn on 9/10 w/Jill Sobule)
Duran Duran - All Of You - Future Past
Squeeze - Pulling Muscles From A Shell - Big Squeeze: The Very Best Of (Plays MGM Centerstage Sunday 9/1 - 50th Anniversary Tour!)
Squeeze - Hourglass - Big Squeeze: The Very Best Of (Plays MGM Centerstage Sunday 9/1 - 50th Anniversary Tour!)

Our thanks to Mr. Howard Jones, and Mr. Martin Fry - safe travel on tour and see you at TEMPLE LIVE on the 31st. Forthcoming - we talk with Joe Grusheky, Brian Ray, celebrate 10,000 Maniacs and So much more. Next week, we celebrate the return of Squeeze (50th Anniversary Tour!) and get you set for a great fall of music in the Rock And Roll Capital. Got an artist with a new release? An artist with a tour date in NEO? C'mon reps lets GO! Running Late, every Saturday night after Acoustic Cafe on 88.3FM The Sting, wbwc.com, and tune-in app. RERunning Late Sunday afternoons at 1pm.

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08/23/2024

On "that show I do" this week we're excited to bring a ton of guests to the program - Howard Jones is our guest as he , Martin Fry ABC and Haircut One Hundred return to Temple Live Saturday 8/31. Last seen there in 2014 for the first RETROFUTURA tour that everyone claims to have seen ....Mr Jones is back with a brand new LIVE AT THE 02 album in tow - and that electric band is ready to play. Along with that we'll visit with Mr. Martin Fry of ABC from an unaired 2022 archive interview on the history of LEXICON OF LOVE and future plans for ABC. we might even SQUEEZE more in (pun intended - stay tuned) including new music from Amy Helm and so much more. . Running Late every Saturday night after Acoustic Cafe, RERuning Late Sunday afternoons at 1pm on 88.3 The Sting.

08/20/2024

Happy Radio Day - WBWC Union Studios 2022 - Photo by Mary Cipriani.

08/10/2024

Slightly delayed due to power outages - this week on "that show I do" we feature our chat with Todd Park Mohr of Big Head Todd and the Monsters - ahead of the 8/15 gig @ Cain Park's Evans Ampatheater, then we catch up with Ed Roland of Collective Soul and talk about SUMMER CAMP WITH TRUCKS (with Hootie and the Blowfish and Edwin McCain) playing 8/15 at Blossom Music Center. Sandwiched in there tons of new music from Killers, Snow Patrol and a few other gems. Running Late on 88.3FM - every Saturday night after Acoustic Cafe, RERunning Late Sunday Afternoons at 1pm (wbwc.com, tune in app) See you on the airwaves :) 88.3 The Sting.

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08/07/2024

About now I start posting about "on that show I do" ... no clever quips here peeps. CLE blasted by storms yesterday - 300K still without power/utilities. [My thanks to the always cool CCPL for going beyond capacity to take in web-seekers from 5 other branches shuttered today ....!] My plan for this week's show is to include our chat with Todd Park Mohr of Big Head Todd and the Monsters. We talked all about the bands year, new album, post-covid touring and the like - the band is back at Cain Park on 8/15..... then Collective Soul return as part of SUMMER CAMP WITH TRUCKS (8/15 - Blossom) w/ Hootie and the Blowfish and Edwin McCain - we talk with them about the bands new 30th Anniversary (double!) album FROM HERE .... and so much more. Coming up - I'll tell you now in case I run out of net/power - Howard Jones is coming up, Mandoki's Soulmates.... Brian Ray.... oh we got cool stuff coming! :) Running Late on 88.3FM - Saturday nights after Acoustic Cafe, and Sunday Afternoons at 1pm on 88.3 The Sting, wbwc.com and the tune-in app.

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08/02/2024

on "That Show I Do" - after going back to the 80s last weekend for Totally Tubular Festival @ Blossom - we move up a decade to the 1990s for an ON AIR TOURBOOK chat with members of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Gin Blossoms, and Vertical Horizon (all playing Park Weds 8/7 for a SOLD OUT show). Not to be outdone, RL pal Five For Fighting's John Ondrasik chimes in ahead of his Friday 8/9 House of Blues Cleveland show. All that plus music new and old and so much more - Running Late every Saturday night after Acoustic Cafe on 88.3FM (wbwc.com ) and RERunning Late Sunday afternoons at 1pm (& tune-in app)

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07/24/2024

Mr. Clapton notes his career path would have never been the same without the late Mr. Mayall - to say the least. Many other of my own favorite musicians also came through the Bluesbreakers camp - Thankful for all the music played :)

07/19/2024

well well....on "that show I do"... the "height of summer" is upon us - This weekend we're thrilled to speak with our old friend Carl Palmer ahead of his RETURN OF ELP show Monday 7/22 @ The Kent Stage. I'm young (enough) to say I discovered Mr.Palmer through a tiny quartet known as the Original Asia, but have been exploring all the wonderful music that came before that ever since. Don't miss our behind the scenes look . Then if you missed our not-so-Private Conversation last week with Lyle Lovett - we've included a little be more this weekend ahead of his show The Goodyear Theater Saturday 7/27. Its gonna be so big, it's LARGE. That plus new music from Joe Bonamassa, Angélique Kidjo, and much more. Running Late on 88.3FM, every Saturday night after Acoustic Cafe and online at wbwc.com. RERunning Late Sunday afternoons at 1pm and on the tune-in app.

07/19/2024

Woo Hoo! Cinema On The Square!!!

July 25, 2024 Connor Palace GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES

July 26, 2024 | Connor Palace 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU

July 27, 2024 | Connor Palace BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID

July 27, 2024 | Connor Palace THE MASK

July 28, 2024 | Connor Palace THE IRON GIANT

Aug 2, 2024 | Connor Palace REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE

Aug 3, 2024 | Connor Palace ALL ABOUT EVE

Aug 3, 2024 | Connor Palace HAIRSPRAY

Aug 4, 2024 | Connor Palace THE PARENT TRAP

Aug 7, 2024 | Connor Palace EVER AFTER

Aug 8, 2024 | Connor Palace SOME LIKE IT HOT

Aug 9, 2024 | Connor Palace MOONSTRUCK

Aug 10, 2024 | Connor Palace THE PHILADELPHIA STORY

Aug 10, 2024 | Connor Palace DIE HARD

Aug 11, 2024 | Connor Palace MARY POPPINS

Official ticketing website for performances at Playhouse Square, the not-for-profit performing arts center in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, presenting Broadway, concerts, comedy, dance, film and educational programs.

07/10/2024

On...."That show I do"... Sometimes, if you wait long enough - shows like this one just sneak up on you. Running Late on 88.3FM falls on July 13th this year - the 39th anniversary of LIVE AID. So I felt I had to pack as many artists in... First Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chris Stein of Blondie is on with us to chat up his new UNDER A ROCK memoir and talk Blondie tracks (including planned new works in 2025!). Then a Not-So-Private Conversation with Lyle Lovett ahead of his upcoming 7/27 show at The Goodyear Theater. Having shared some great interactions with Mr. Lovett since the earliest days of RL, I'm thrilled finally sit and chat up his songwriting and approach to leading his Large Band. Plus 10K Maniacs are back on the road and we'll feature some live music from them, plus new music and so much more. Running Late on 88.3FM every Saturday night after Acoustic Cafe and online at wbwc.com. RERunning Late Sunday afternoons at 1pm (all on 88.3 The Sting)

07/07/2024

RL 07 06 24

KBC Band - America - KBC Band (July 4th Holiday)
Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers - Homestead - American Babylon (reissue)(launching HOUSEROCKER: 40th efforts now)
Wico - Annilation - Hot Sun Cool Shroud EP (OOTB) (played Chatauqua 7/5)
JD McPherson - Sunshine Getaway - Nite Owls (out in Sept.) (OOTB) (just in Pitt w/Plant/Krauss)
X - Big Black X - Smoke & Fiction (out 8/2 - Play farewell show at Kent Stage 7/17) (OOTB)
Johnny Cash - Well Alright - Songwriter (OOTB)
—Running Late Exclusive interview with Mike Reno of Loverboy (opens for Sammy Hagar & Friends. @ Blossom 7/29
Loverboy - Turn Me Loose - Classics
Loverboy - Working For The Weekend - Classics
Loverboy - Lovin’ Every Minute Of It - Classics
The Tragically Hip - Get Back Again (studio version, previously unreleased) - (originally) Live At Misty Moon (OOTB)
James - No Strings - Yummy (OOTB)(open for Johnny Marr in Detroit in Oct. )

Hour 2
Lake Street Dive - Dance With A Stranger - Good Together (OOTB)(Play Temple Live July 9th!)
Bruce Hornsby - The Great Divide - Spirit Trail (25 anniversary.) Goodyear July 9th, postpooned till Oct 8th :( )
Edwin McCain - I Want It All - The Austin Sessions (by request) (Opens for Hootie 8/15)
Collective Soul - Mother’s Love - From Here To Eternity (OOTB) (Opens for Hootie 8/15)
Hootie & The Blowfish - Hannah Jane (live:S. Carolina 9/10/95) - Tuckers Town (CD Single)(Headlines Blossom 8/15)
—Running Late Exclusive Conversation With Jackie P. of The VINDYS — (upcoming tour w/Pat Benatar/Neil Geraldo 7/10)—
The VINDYS - Want Your Heart - Bugs
The VINDYS - Elton Glasses Baby - Digital Single (OOTB, debut on RL last weekend!)
The VINDYS - If I Want - Bugs
The Pixies - Que Sera Sera (whatever will be…) - digital single (OOTB)
Paula Cole - The Replacements and Dinosaur Jr - Lo (plays Kent Stage in July)
Modern English - Not My Leader , 1,2,3,4, (OOTB - plays Totally Tubular Festival July 28th - Blossom)

My thanks to Mike Reno and Jackie Popovic for the time and great music - see you on stage soon :) Coming Up:
LYLE LOVETT, JOE GRUSHECKY, Totally Tubular Festival and many more :) Got an artist with a new release? An upcoming live gig in NEO? C'mon reps LETS GO. Running Late - every Saturday night after Acoustic Cafe, and online at wbwc.com. RERunning Late Sunday afternoons at 1pm.

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07/06/2024

Tonight on "that show I do" Mike Reno of Loverboy drops a line before he and the band take on Blossom 7/29 opening for Sammy Hagar (The Red Rocker) and friends - "Best Of Both Worlds". Then Jackie from The Vindys catches us up with a brand new song before they open for Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo 7/10 at MGM Northfield Park Center Stage! All that plus new music from Wilco and so much more. Running Late on 88.3FM - Saturday nights after Acoustic Cafe and online at wbwc.com, RERunning Late Sunday afternoons at 1pm.

06/29/2024

On "That show I do" this week we're thrilled to touch base with our friend Jackie P. from The VINDYS who are about to take on the opening slot for a series of dates with Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo (locally the show gets to CLE on July 10th at MGM Northfield). Its been fantastic watching this great Youngstown outfit get better and better and this is just one more great step. Plus brand new music and so much more - its a show only John Hannibal could love .... Running Late on 88.3FM - Saturday night after Acoustic Cafe and online at WBWC.com RERunning Late Sunday afternoons at 1pm.

06/27/2024

Um, I think Dave pointed this out onstage long before PJ admitted it... and perhaps it has (much) more to do with Pete Townshend's cover.... but for the 2nd time - Eddie V. has stopped me in my tracks for he and I having the same taste :)

On Wednesday, the third season of The Bear premiered on FX, and with it came the debut of a solo cover of

06/22/2024

On "that show I do" - By very popular demand - we revisit our chat with Los Lonely Boys (they play Cain Park Sunday night!) and then check in with RRHOF'er Ross Valory on his solo ALL OF THE ABOVE album - plus tons of new music and more. Running Late on 88.3FM, Saturday night after Acoustic Cafe and online at wbwc.com. RERunning Late Sunday afternoons at 1pm.

06/15/2024

On "that show I do".... Los Lonely Boys talk about the new album RESURRECTION (out in August) to be previewed of at Cain Park Sunday June 23rd....then Ann Powers talks about Joni Mitchell as she captured her for TRAVELING - her new book on the folk groundbreaker. Plus tons of new music and more - its Running Late on 88.3FM - Saturday nights after Acoustic Cafe and online at wbwc.com - RERunning Late Sunday afternoons at 1pm.

06/14/2024

"This Is R.E.M. and this is what we did" - I love that the RRHOF band doing a one-song performance at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame made such a headline - a true nod to the importance of the bands work and ethic. Kudos to Anthony Mason of CBS for preparing his CBS MORNINGS interview in a way that would be accurate if the band did - or did not - play. (Pitchfork's headline even says "just hours after" when in reality the interview AIRED yesterday morning, but was recorded in February...and sure enough - the comet came to pass....:) Here is the 2nd part that reveals the "maybe" that was revealed last night.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/r-e-m-discusses-surprise-reunion-at-songwriters-hall-of-fame-reveals-why-there-wont-be-another/

Kudos to Mr. Downs, who remains the bands biggest fan.

"CBS Mornings" was there when R.E.M. was planning a surprise reunion at the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction.

06/10/2024

June 10th 1994 (so yes, 30 years ago), This guy and I took a bow, but it was really one of honor towards the wonderful audience we served and the terrific team who played along. For as long as we went (about 2 1/2 years, but if felt like 5!) our time on WBWC's AMOK In The Morning franchise was a great time - and to the level of small town radio -even before we left school. We were interviewing local politicians, reps from major sports teams, musicians, but also great production and good fun. The good news is that we're still friends after all these years, and that is something we did dream of way back in the day. Thanks to our great team who got us started, supported us along the way, and even took over and carried the torch after. Thanks Connie - you were right after all.

06/08/2024

We travel back in time 50 (ok, 51) years to a deep dive into Paul McCartney & Wings BAND ON THE RUN this week, then slightly less far back fo an exploration of Dire Straits on the live stage. Running Late on 88.3FM - Saturday nights after Acoustic Cafe, and online at wbwc.com, RERunning Late Sunday afternoons at 1pm (EST).

05/30/2024

On "that show I do" - our old friend Glen Hughes (ex Deep Purple) gives us a look inside the new Black Country Communion album (the supergroup with Joe Bonamassa and Jason Bonham) "V" arrives this week, plus he might even hint at
his own shows this fall (!!!).Plus new songs a plenty - and some special sets from bands coming to town. Then its a deep dive into Billy Idol's REBEL YELL @ 40 for our second hour! Running Late on 88.3FM - Saturday night after Acoustic Cafe and online at wbwc.com. RERunning Late Sunday afternoons at 1pm.

05/26/2024

On "That show I do"... Thrilled to share my conversation with STAX: Soulsville USA director Jamila Wignot on putting together the recent HBOseries (now on demand via MAX) then we catch up with guitarist RICK VITO - talking about his new album Cadillac Man, and many cool sessions gone by - plus great new music, a few classic songs from artists coming to town soon and a nod to those who serve this Memorial Day Weekend! Running Late on 88.3FM Saturday nights after Acoustic Cafe and online at wbwc.com, Sunday afternoons at 1pm

05/19/2024

Hope you can catch RL this weekend with Pete Muller (Pete Muller Music) as we look into his newly released album MORE TIME. Plus some great live sets, new tracks and a nod to the late David Sanborn.

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05/13/2024

Hearts are heavy here, reading all the kind words celebrating the amazing David Sanborn. Like my other friends who've already shared his effect on their musical life - Mr. Sanborn was a witness and participant in a great deal of sessions, tours and lives that echoed and rippled upon my own. Obviously, he played "that line" for "Walk On The Wild Side" - but that really is just a bookmark in a career that had him playing upon session after session of the most amazing creative moments. So much has already been said (Kudos Tom Wang, Richard Greer) that I won't repeat it all here. Still, I'll add how thankful I was that his TV effort NIGHT MUSIC arrived when it did - My first few years of college were so much richer for it. Eric Clapton and Robert Cray debut songs that would be from JOURNEYMAN, Stevie Ray Vaughan would debut his sober self, Marcus Miller and Hiram Bullock.... so many great amazing players. Exiled to youtube....now I hope it someday becomes available again like the variety shows of old. From that point - anytime Mr. Sanborn showed up on something unique - I was there (and whe he sat in with Paul Shaffer on Letterman? - gold!) Back at the time - I was trying to have my first exposure to an artist be included in a signature etc. It means that the first CD I ever owned in the Lethal Weapon series ( #3, but the first films soundtrack was on vinyl at the time... ) brought a smile to Mr. Sanborn's face (or maybe it was the look of "really?" - I'll never know :) So much after that comes to mind - "Snakes" from UPFRONT was often used as bed for AMOK IN THE MORNING with Brian, Denise and I.... INSIDE had that fantastic Sting vocal (lifted from NIGHT MUSIC) of Bill Withers' "Aint No Sunshine".... or even just recently - when the reimagined COMPLETE 24 NIGHTS by Eric Clapton was released including the first live recording of "Breaking Point" (from JOURNEYMAN) was included - and a horn player in the Royal Albert Hall rock set - uncredited in the liner notes (???). I was lucky enough to have Mr. Sanborn pop up now and again in my life for 40 some odd years. Just like the fade of "...Wild Side" leaves you - like it just keeps going. I feel that's exactly what Mr. Sanborns music and influence will keep doing. Kudos to Bruce Hicks who makes his first of many appearances in my life in the Borders M&G (read Richard Greer's post about that - it was amazing)...and comfort also to friends Jonatha and Patrick who crossed paths with me the first of a million times since cause Mr. Sanborn was just that everywhere. RIP.

05/11/2024

On the show this week - The Bacon Brothers (!) walk us through The Ballad Of The Brothers - the brand new album and some of the stories behind it ....Plus we take a deep dive into music from acts playing CRUEL WORLD in Cali this weekend. Plus music news and so much more - Running Late - late night after Acoustic Cafe on 88.3FM and online at wbwc.com /tune in app. RERunning Late Sundays at 1pm.....

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05/03/2024

Maybe some further SM Touring in the USA 24? 25?

CRUEL WORLD = REST OF THE WORLD?

The emerging goal in my life from as far back when I was a teenager, was to find something I loved doing and to give every ounce of my being while wearing myself out doing it.
All these years there’s been no change in my outlook.

Perhaps then that’s why I need to stifle a giggle at the thought of anyone saying “What? You're going all the way to California just to do one gig?” When the truth is that, were it possible and considered necessary, I would go all the way to the ‘Lost City of Atlantis’ itself, and back, if thought that such an endeavour would further the cause of Simple Minds.

To recap. Simple Minds are heading to the US next week for their appearance at the Cruel World Fest in Pasadena. And unless we are, what we refer to as being “short of a fight on a damaging night” - or “not up to our usual selves” during our predestined allotted 50 mins on stage - what reason is there to feel less than confident that a ton of good to our profile could be realised from our one - off Stateside appearance this year.

How come? Well, given that - thanks to a worldwide pandemic mostly - we have not set foot in North America for almost six years. We are humble and wise enough to realise that six years is a heck of a long time, and resultantly a good old fashioned ‘reboot opportunity’ such as an appearance at Cruel World - with the nation’s biggest promoters and live agents in attendance and looking on - could substantially aid and abet Simple Minds plans to tour North America extensively next year.

Paraphrasing our ‘man on the ground,’ radio broadcaster and all round good friend to Simple Minds, Todd Richard, referring to the Pasadena festival, Todd reckons:

" It's BIG. It's THE ONE WITH EVERYBODY ON etc (look at years past). For the rest of the world unaware that SM are currently out touring - let this opportunity be the wake up call!
After this Simple Minds will have to come back to the US in response to everyone’s request. "

In response to Todd’s enthusiastic comment. And above all else to our fans in that part of the world. All I can say is that Simple Minds return next year to North America is already close to guaranteed. As sure as eggs is eggs etc.

Question is… how extensive? We have no ideas as yet - but again it’s worth pointing out that the reaction to our appearance at Cruel World is bound to have some influence on how our touring plans for next year shape up!

So let us get on with it and wish us well!

Jim Kerr

Pic: Thorsten Samech.

05/03/2024

CRUEL WORLD = REST OF THE WORLD?

The emerging goal in my life from as far back when I was a teenager, was to find something I loved doing and to give every ounce of my being while wearing myself out doing it.
All these years there’s been no change in my outlook.

Perhaps then that’s why I need to stifle a giggle at the thought of anyone saying “What? You're going all the way to California just to do one gig?” When the truth is that, were it possible and considered necessary, I would go all the way to the ‘Lost City of Atlantis’ itself, and back, if thought that such an endeavour would further the cause of Simple Minds.

To recap. Simple Minds are heading to the US next week for their appearance at the Cruel World Fest in Pasadena. And unless we are, what we refer to as being “short of a fight on a damaging night” - or “not up to our usual selves” during our predestined allotted 50 mins on stage - what reason is there to feel less than confident that a ton of good to our profile could be realised from our one - off Stateside appearance this year.

How come? Well, given that - thanks to a worldwide pandemic mostly - we have not set foot in North America for almost six years. We are humble and wise enough to realise that six years is a heck of a long time, and resultantly a good old fashioned ‘reboot opportunity’ such as an appearance at Cruel World - with the nation’s biggest promoters and live agents in attendance and looking on - could substantially aid and abet Simple Minds plans to tour North America extensively next year.

Paraphrasing our ‘man on the ground,’ radio broadcaster and all round good friend to Simple Minds, Todd Richard, referring to the Pasadena festival, Todd reckons:

" It's BIG. It's THE ONE WITH EVERYBODY ON etc (look at years past). For the rest of the world unaware that SM are currently out touring - let this opportunity be the wake up call!
After this Simple Minds will have to come back to the US in response to everyone’s request. "

In response to Todd’s enthusiastic comment. And above all else to our fans in that part of the world. All I can say is that Simple Minds return next year to North America is already close to guaranteed. As sure as eggs is eggs etc.

Question is… how extensive? We have no ideas as yet - but again it’s worth pointing out that the reaction to our appearance at Cruel World is bound to have some influence on how our touring plans for next year shape up!

So let us get on with it and wish us well!

Jim Kerr

Pic: Thorsten Samech.

04/27/2024

On "that show I do" tonight - Shawn Colvin is our guest, ahead of her duel show with KT Tunstall at Kent Stage (Sun 4/28). Also we hear from our pals at the Rock Hall and the class of 2024! Rock on with us tonight after Acoustic Cafe, and RERunning Late on 88.3FM Sunday afternoons at 1pm! (wbwc.com, tune-in app!)

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04/18/2024

Busy Busy - this weekend!