Simple Minds star Jim Kerr admits he can't tell difference between basic chords

23 December 2023 , 21:36

1074     0

Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr (Image: ullstein bild via Getty Images)

Music is as easy as A, B, C for most people in rock’n’roll, but for Simple Minds singer Jim Kerr it’s a case of Eh? B, C.

The star – whose hits with the group include Don’t You (Forget About Me) – can’t tell the difference between basic chords, despite more than 40 years in the business. Jim, 64, said he has never fancied learning an instrument as he has always been thinking of lyrics instead.

Simple Minds guitarist Charlie Burchill, also 64, said of his bandmate’s inability to distinguish some of the basics: “I can play the same three chords five times and Jim will think it’s five different chords.” Jim said: “Charlie will go, ‘It’s a f***ing G and an F, Jim’, [but] being the singer, you’re responsible for the bull****. It’s up to you to come up with the myths and language of the band.”

Dad-of-two Jim, who has children with his famous ex-wives – Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde, 72, and EastEnders actress Patsy Kensit, 55 – added: “I have never had the impulse to pick up an instrument. Music is magical to me, I’m in awe of musicians.”

The Glasgow band, who played the US leg of the Live Aid concert in 1985, also recorded Belfast Child, Promised You a Miracle, and Alive and Kicking.

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

Stian Alexander