Simple Minds reimagine 'Act of Love' to mark anniversary of first concert

Simple Minds have re-released 'Act of Love' today to mark the anniversary of the band's first concert at Glasgow's Satellite City in 1978.

'Act of Love' is a vivid reimagining of one of the first songs singer Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill wrote together.

"It speaks of where Simple Minds have been and where they are heading," the band said in a release. "Honouring the youthful passion and belief which sparked the band into life...the track is an act of time travel, sweeping across four decades in just a few exhilarating minutes."

'Act of Love' is synonymous with the beginning of the Simple Minds story. Though a live favourite in the group's early days, the song "disappeared into the mist" without ever being properly recorded.

Kerr explains they wanted to revisit the song that solidified the band's potential.

"Over the years people have asked: When did you think Simple Minds had the potential to make it?" Kerr said. "I believe we had something special as soon as I heard Charlie play the riff on 'Act of Love."

Four decades, numerous hit singles and 60 million record sales later, Kerr and Burchill have finally returned to the track. While in Thailand on a busman's holiday, Burchill sent Kerr an outline of the updated version - breathing new life into the old favourite. While the original version "rattled along with youthful energy", the 2022 version bolsters the same melody with a sense of poignant maturity.

'Act of Love' is a bridge between the band's past and un-folding future. The group hopes the single will be a "rallying cry" for fans that have waited to see the group after their world tour was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The band will re-commence their world tour this spring.

Listen to the reimagined 'Act of Love' below.

Simple Minds 2022 UK & Irish tour dates:

31 March - London - The SSE Arena Wembley
01 April - Bournemouth International Centre
03 April - Brighton Centre
05 April - Aberdeen P&J Live
06 April - Glasgow Ovo Hydro
07 April - Birmingham Resorts World Arena
09 April - Leeds First Direct Arena
10 April - Newcastle Utilita Arena
12 April - Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
14 April - Cardiff motorpoint Arena
15 April - Hull Bonus Arena
16 April - Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
17 April - Dublin 3Arena
18 June - Blenheim Palace - Nocturne Live
09 August- Belfast Custom House Square
12 August- Edinburgh Summer Sessions
13 August- Edinburgh Summer Sessions