I Was Meant to Sing “Don’t You Forget About Me” – Derek Forbes (Simple Minds)

Derek Forbes reveals he was originally meant to sing “Don’t You Forget About Me” — and what really happened behind the scenes at Simple Minds at their peak. He also opens up about being sacked from the band, working with David Bowie and Iggy Pop, and meeting Paul McCartney. In this in-depth XS Noize Podcast interview, Mark Millar sits down with one of the most influential bass players of his generation to uncover the real story behind the music — from near-misses and regrets to the defining moments that shaped rock history. In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Derek Forbes discusses: Nearly joining the Navy before music took over The early days and rise of Simple Minds The truth behind Don’t You Forget About Me Recording at Rockfield alongside Bowie and Iggy Pop Meeting Paul McCartney and the story behind his book title Being sacked from Simple Minds at their peak Life after the band and returning years later This is a rare, honest and often funny conversation packed with untold stories from one of rock’s most distinctive musicians. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 01:10 Writing the Book & Early Life 03:40 Touring Stories & Life on the Road 06:15 Nearly Joining the Navy (Career Almost Didn’t Happen) 08:20 First Chart Success & Early Breakthrough 12:00 Joining Simple Minds (From Guitar to Bass) 17:05 First Gigs & Early Days in the Band 22:20 He Was Meant to Sing “Don’t You Forget About Me” 24:20 Recording with David Bowie & Iggy Pop 28:15 Meeting Paul McCartney (In the Studio) 32:40 Being Sacked from Simple Minds 41:50 Favourite Songs & Basslines 46:30 Most Memorable Career Moments 50:40 The Magic of New Gold Dream Era 52:00 Future Plans & Documentary 54:40 How “Waterfront” Was Created 57:10 Current Projects & Tour 58:10 Final Thoughts Watch / Follow XS Noize 🌐 Website: https://www.xsnoize.com 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/xsnoizemusic 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xsnoizemusic 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xsnoizemusic About Derek Forbes Derek Forbes is best known as the bassist and songwriter behind many of Simple Minds’ early classics. He has also worked with bands including Big Country and Propaganda. Related Topics Simple Minds interview Don’t You Forget About Me meaning David Bowie studio stories Paul McCartney interview stories Rockfield Studios history Bass guitar legends 80s rock history Music autobiography interviews

Added 28 Mar 2026