On this day 30/11/1982 Simple Minds

On this day, 30 November 1982, Scottish rockers Simple Minds played Cardiff’s Top Rank on the band’s New Gold Dream Tour. Support was provided by Liverpool band China Crisis.

New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84) was the fifth studio album by the band. The album was released in September 1982 by record label Virgin, and was a turning point for the band as they gained critical and commercial success in the UK and Europe with the album peaking at number 3 in the UK Albums Chart.

The record generated a handful of singles: "Promised You a Miracle" (released in April 1982), "Glittering Prize" (August 1982) and "Someone Somewhere in Summertime" (November 1982).

From a fan site - It was an extensive tour from the start: warm up in the UK (Glasgow, Edinburgh and London) followed by Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Canada before returning to the UK. Plans for the Japanese visit were quickly shelved before the tour started, and the Canadian leg of the tour was marred by accidents and delays.

It all proved far too demanding for Mike Ogletree, who left immediately after the Canadian leg. Therefore the band quickly contacted Mel Gaynor who joined them for the remaining UK dates.

The second UK leg marked a significant ramp up in terms of merchandising and promotion. Whilst T-shirts and badges were for sale on previous tours, a tour programme appeared for the first time. And the single Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) was issued to remind everyone that Simple Minds were back and touring.

The band were clearly overflowing with ideas. Not only did many of the songs take on extended, rearranged forms, but new songs, such as Street Hassle, The Kick Inside Of Me and, as a triumphal conclusion, Waterfront all started to appear; all of which would appear on the next album Sparkle In The Rain.