Simple Minds say they are still learning their craft despite 45 years in the music business.
The Scots rockers have just released their 18th studio album Direction of the Heart, after becoming “hellbent on making a feel-good record”.
Lead singer Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill told STV entertainment show What’s On Scotland how Simple Minds have always wanted to move forward.
Charlie said: “I think it’s back to the early days when Jim and I used to go hitchhiking – just the idea of when you’ve come from Glasgow and suddenly see all these great places in Europe.
“We’re always thinking about being on the move.”
From the new album, the song First You Jump features the line “First you jump, then you get your wings”.
Kerr said it was about confronting your fears head on, adding: “You know, our generation didn’t really talk much about anxieties, but there’s no doubt these days people have a lot of fears about all manner of things.”
The pair have been firm friends since they were young boys growing up in the Toryglen area of Glasgow.
Burchill says that even now they are still learning lessons. “Every stage of your life, you are picking up stuff and you’re learning stuff,” he said.
“I think Jim and I, we’re just those types – it’s a continuing thing.”
Kerr added: “Although we work really hard at it, and there’s a craft and an art and all that, it’s still playing.
“The real core of it is the fans, who allow us to do what we do. To say that we’re fortunate is an understatement – we’re spoiled.”
What’s On Scotland is on STV and the STV Player at 7pm on Friday, October 28.
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