Simple Minds' Jim Kerr to go ‘head to head’ with ex-wife

Singer James Kerr of Simple Minds (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

SIMPLE Minds’ Jim Kerr is set to race ex-wife Chrissie Hynde to the Christmas number one spot.

The Alive and Kicking singer, 57, and Chrissie, 65, have both released records in the run up to Christmas.

But Jim, who will soon be celebrating 40 years in showbusiness, admits Chrissie’s song is better.

“I went to a very posh supermarket in Clarkston/Muirend and my ex missus was blasting through the speakers,” said Jim.

“It must be that time of year. We’ve not got a great Christmas tune but she’s got a great one. ”

Asked what he’d do if he had a choice over who gets to number one, he added: “I’d just let her win.” The Scots rockers have just released a new album “Simple Minds Acoustic” and have released “Promised You A Miracle” with St Andrews born singer KT Tunstall, 41, for the
festive season.

Jim’s ex wife Chrissie, who he divorced in 1990, has also released her own Pretenders track for Christmas called Holy Commotion from the album Alone.

Last week Simple Minds picked up an award for best performance at the Forth Awards before playing a storming set at the Scottish Business Awards.

The band’s 40th birthday celebrations are fast approaching but Jim says they are still deciding how to mark the date.

He explained: “We haven’t quite nailed that yet. We’ve got a lot of plans but can’t divulge them.”

Simple Minds had a string of worldwide hits with tracks including Belfast Child, Don’t You (Forget About Me), Promised You a Miracle and Waterfront.

These days the Celtic
supporting dad-of-two splits his time between Scotland and Sicily, two of his greatest loves.

“When Simple Minds started we thought we’d go for 40 days not 40 years. We’ve had great fortune. People say we’ve worked hard and but we’re very fortunate too,” he said.

Interview: Simple Minds happy to be back where it all started