SIMPLE Minds brought the sound of celtic music with a post-punk synth twist to the world in the 1980s.

With their 40th anniversary coming over the hill, the international hit, Don’t You Forget About Me, has come true, with lead singer Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill still recording new songs — and next month they are heading to Swindon.

Jim says he still gets excited about the music and wants the world to hear it.

“We have a great life doing what we always wanted to do and taking our music around the world,’’ he said.

The band have just released their latest album, Big Music, and he says it is reflection of where the band has been, as well as where they are now.

They will be playing tracks from the album when they perform at Swindon’s Oasis Leisure Centre on Saturday, May 2.

But Jim says he never tires of performing the hits that their fans want to hear.

“We are part of their lives and in front of an audience we give them a show. We are always excited about something new but never forget our fans,’’ he said.

Simple Minds has been named by the NME in their 100 Most Influential Bands, and they are firm favourites with the next generation of musicians.

Iain Cook from Chvrches is a huge fan, and co-wrote with Jim and Charlie on Big Music.

“He was a kid that was doing great stuff and it is a real accolade from younger bands if we inspire them to make something wonderful,’’ said Jim.

The Glasgow-born singer has a villa hotel in Sicily, but since his mum died he has returned more and more to Glasgow, where his dad still lives.

Simple Minds were asked to perform at the BBC Sports Personality Of the Year Awards in Glasgow just before Christmas, and Jim says he loved every minute of playing in his home town.

“Glasgow is a great spot and we had a good night. We know how to party at the end of the year up here,’’ he said.

Honest Town, one of the tracks on Big Music, is about Glasgow and written in memory of his mum.

“It was a phrase she used on one of the last times I was driving her out in the town. She opened up about her life and was at peace, so that became the song,’’ he said.

Another tribute on the album is the single Let The Day Begin, which is dedicated to Michael Been from The Call who died in 2010.

“We did a tour of the States last year and felt sad because Michael was not there.

“He was a fan of ours and influenced by us.

“This song is archetypal Simple Minds, so it is us doing him, doing us, and we put it on the album for him.’’

Jim is still very much a Celtic Football Club fan and admits he has a little footie rivalry with his son, James, who supports Arsenal.

Simple Minds will be kicking off at 8pm on Saturday, May 2, at the Oasis in Swindon.

Tickets are available now from www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk priced at £39.50 and £49.50.