Simple Minds New Book: Heart of The Crowd

Jim Kerr & Joe Donnelly

A few moths back our very own Joe Donnelly was kindly asked by Jim Kerr to contribute a story to the forthcoming Simple Minds book, Heart of The Crowd. The book was released last week and what a wonderful book it is. It is lasting memory between a band and their fans, well worth a read. You can read Joe’s contribution to the book below.

Once Upon a Time (In Toryglen)

Before we had Simple Minds, even before Johnny & The Self Abusers, there was

Biba-Rom, the greatest glam rock band ever to come out of Glasgow.  Or so we thought. 

Biba-Rom consisted of Jim Kerr (vocals), Charlie Burchill (lead guitar),

Tony Donald (bass guitar), Brian McGee (drums), and yours truly on rhythm guitar.

We were all just 15 years old and in our last year at Holyrood Secondary School when we formed the band.

We were big fans of Lou Reed, David Bowie, Roxy Music, Cockney Rebel and Genesis with Peter Gabriel, who were all a massive influence on us and our music.

 We had seen them all play live at the famous Glasgow Apollo and, during a few ‘unofficial’ school absences, we even got to help the roadies load the gear into the venue. We were eager apprentices to the world of rock ‘n’ roll.

Biba-Rom’s first rehearsal studios were in the cramped basement of Brian McGee’s parents’ house. Realising we needed more space, and heads full of dreams , we approached the priest of St Brigid’s in Toryglen and asked if we could use the school hall to rehearse in. The priest didn’t share our artistic vision and almost chased us down the road with shouts of “Be away with your devil music!” Or words to that effect.

What happened next? Well, the priest was to get the full blast of Jim’s Mum, Irene. Once we told her of our plight, she had her coat on and marched down to confront the priest, no competition Irene took the situation in hand and we were booked in for our first rehearsal at St Brigid’s the following week.

Sadly Biba-Rom only ever played one gig…  a five-year old’s birthday party! We kicked off with Heroin by The Velvet Underground which, led to all the parents covering their kids’ ears, dragging them screaming from the hall.  

Yes! were we are on to something here?  I am sure some of those kids are still in therapy.Jim and I joke about putting Biba-Rom back together for a one off show.

Fast forward a good few years and I had joined The Silencers. We were blessed to go on tour with Simple Minds and we had an absolute ball.

 I’m now part of a new band, Caezar, and, I am delighted that we will be supporting Jim and Simple Minds once more. Next year, at Blenheim Palace, we will be sharing the stage again with my pals.

My friendship with the guys goes back many years. Jim and I have been friends, brothers, since we were three years old. and I’ve known Charlie since we were about eight years old. Looking back, I’ve got some great memories and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m thrilled for Jim and Charlie and the success they’ve enjoyed as one of the world’s greatest bands. 

Joe Donnelly