Fans mistook Simple Minds singer Jim Kerr for an usher at his gig
Jim Kerr, frontman of Scottish rock band Simple Minds, was mistaken for an usher at one of his own gigs during an acoustic tour. Rather than being embarrassed, the charismatic 67-year-old found the incident amusing, joking he should have carried a torch to complete the part. The mix-up happened because Kerr had deliberately positioned himself at the back of each venue to walk through the crowd as the set started, aiming to create a more intimate connection with audiences and make the acoustic performances feel like genuine rock and roll.
Two fans approached the black-clad musician asking where Row H was without recognising him. The acoustic tour represented a change in format for Simple Minds, who typically perform large electrified stadium shows. The band, formed in Glasgow in 1977, achieved massive international success with their number one US hit "Don't You Forget About Me" (used in The Breakfast Club soundtrack) and famously performed to 100,000 people at Live Aid in Philadelphia in 1985. Kerr explained he enjoys mingling with crowds before performances to sense the audience's energy and observe their interactions.
- Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr mistaken for usher at his own gig
- He deliberately stood at the back of venues during acoustic tour to connect with fans
- Band formed in Glasgow in 1977, had major US success with "Don't You Forget About Me"
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Jim Kerr is the frontman of Simple Minds, a Scottish rock band formed in Glasgow in 1977 that achieved massive international success. The band is particularly known for the number one US hit "Don't You Forget About Me" and their famous Live Aid performance in Philadelphia in 1985, when they played to 100,000 people.
Simple Minds typically performs large, electrified stadium shows, but Kerr decided to undertake an acoustic tour to create a more intimate experience with audiences. To enhance this connection, he deliberately positioned himself at the back of each venue and walked through the crowd as his performance began, wanting to sense the audience's energy and observe their interactions.
This unconventional staging meant Kerr was standing at the back of the venue in black clothing as audiences arrived for the show. This positioning, whilst intended to foster a genuine connection with the crowd, created circumstances where some attendees did not recognise him and mistook him for a member of the venue's staff.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Revealed, how fans tried to usher in a new role for Simple Minds superstar”.