Mel Gaynor may be a modest, unassuming guy off stage, but behind his intimidating black drumkit, he speaks with a loud, dominant voice. Gaynor’s percussive contributions have helped Scotland’s Simple Minds develop their distinctively rich, but nevertheless, visceral, sound. Before joining the band in 1982 during the recording of their international breakthrough album, New Gold Dream, he plied his trade as a journeyman drummer, traveling from band to band and studio to studio in London. It was this variety of experiences (from funk to disco to heavy metal) that lead to Simple Minds’ asking him to join the band. His blend of the various styles unique to each musical genre gave Simple Minds the power they needed to propel their swirling new wave soundtracks, plus the subtlety and expressive touch to add even more depth and detail to their complex sound. Gaynor is the only Englishman in the Scottish band, […]

June 1985 Issue