Ugly American Werewolf in London: Simple Minds - Once Upon A Time

By 1985, Simple Minds were coming off a #1 album in the UK with Sparkle in the Rain and sales from all around the world. But it only went to #64 in the US and they needed something to spark greater interest across the pond. When Don't You Forget About Me from The Breakfast Club Soundtrack hit #1 in May 1985, a song they originally resisted, they had that spark and built on that success with memorable performance at Live Aid in Philadelphia. Their next album would need to be special to keep the momentum building.

New York producer Jimmy Iovine (Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty) came to London to work with the boys as they welcomed in new bass player John Giblin. He encourage Jim to emote more - to really sing his heart out - in the studio and his soul is captured on Once Upon A Time. Jim's lyrics are optimistic about the future - the native Glaswegians know where they come from (Oh Jungleland) and can be proud of what they've accomplished (Come a Long Way). Alive and Kicking would be the first single to follow up #1 smash Don't You Forget About Me and soared up the charts, thanks in part to a music video shot in the Pocono Mountains - former Simple Minds drummer Mel Gaynor enlightens us with a funny story from that video shoot!

They can get political without getting preachy (Ghostdancing) while bringing you to your feet with glorious salvation (Sanctify Yourself). Released October 21, 1985, Once Upon A Time would be the 2nd consecutive #1 in the UK and the 1st gold record for the band in the US.

But what if they put Don't You Forget About Me on it? It was already a #1 and hadn't been on a Simple Minds album. The Wolf believes it would have resulted in millions of more sales and fans for the band in the US but that's a debate you'll have to hear!

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