Welcome to the official website of Derek Forbes.
Derek Forbes, born at an early age, in Glasgow, Scotland, taught himself to play, started his musical career with 'the Subs' and was the original Bass Player of the "Simple Minds" (1978) Derek then together with Brian McGee were undoubtedly responsible for defining the unmistakable sound of the early Simple Minds albums and composed blistering rhythm tracks.
Derek and Brian formed a formidable partnership for the first 6 Simple Minds albums, he also became known as a member and writer with the German band "Propaganda" whom introduced the industrial-rock musicstyle in Europe and America. He has played, written, and recorded with other bands like Spear of Destiny, The Alarm, Addict of the Tripp Minds, Oblivion Dust....Los Mondo Bongo, Isolated Atoms, Four Good Men and now XSM (Ex Simple Minds).
Legendary "Bass Player"
- Voted Best Bass Player in the World. (Australia 1982)
- Voted Best Bass Player in the United Kingdom (1982)
- Voted Best Scottish Bass Player Ever (2010)
Derek played on and wrote songs for many number one albums and singles, including
'Don't You Forget About Me' from the Hollywood blockbuster the Breakfast Club. It was this and many other songs like
'Alive and Kicking' that became number one hits all over the World with the Simple Minds. He also contributed to the hitsingles from
'Gimme your heart' and "Party Clothes" with the Subs.
Derek has sang, played on record, and stage, with David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Mick Ronson, Peter Gabriel, Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Kirsty MacColl, Mathew Fisher (Procol Harem) and many others. Derek has also performed at the Climate Summit in Copenhagen, for World Leaders, including President Obama. Derek has had a career spanning more than 35 years and he is still going strong. He now is on tour in Europe.
