The Derek Forbes Blog

2008-09-18T14:24:00.005Z

Groundhogs legendary guitar and vocal hero Tony TS McPhee and myself at his home in England. The occasion was the buying of Tony's guitar, which is magnificent, and meeting the legend, who has always been a hero of mine, and a huge influence on me musically.I had lunch with Tony and his new wife Joanna. Lovely, lovely people, and a true Star.

2008-09-18T14:24:00.002Z

Sons of Dan are no more...well, at least Myself and Brian McGee have called it a day. Mick may very well continue the project, but maybe not. We wish him all the luck in the World..apart from Boston....with the project

2008-02-01T15:15:00.000Z

Can't wait to get the band out to Dublin. I had such a great time when I was there with Spear of Destiny. I think I swapped my blood for Guiness.

2008-02-01T01:16:00.000Z

I am on NEARFM RADIO tonight. This is a Dublin based Radio Station. The link is nearfm.ie

I'm on at 9.15 tonight. Looking forward to it.

2008-01-29T20:37:00.000Z

Two of our beautiful Girls.

Vonnie and Carrie

2008-01-29T20:27:00.000Z

Hey everybody,
I am back, and back with a vengeance. It's taken me over a year to get back onto my Blog, what a twat!
I bought a new lap top and for some reason I couldn't log on with what I thought was the correct password, what a knob !

Anyway, I'm here now, and I will pe dropping in regularly to see what's going on.
I have been writing lots of music and songs for fourgoodmen, and I have been updating my recording studio. I am now working on the same system as Mick MacNeil and Graeme Duffin, so we can exchange files and do our seperate parts at our own studios. Great way to work.
Good to be back

Derek

2006-12-12T22:07:00.000Z

Me with me kilt on in San Francisco. I should have received the Victoria Cross for bravery, as I was surrounded by some lovely chaps, who were trying to photograph the Loch Ness Monster.

2006-10-27T10:17:00.000Z

Me practising for the Blow Football Championship last week at rehearsals.

Bring it on FFL

2006-10-09T14:24:00.000Z

For all the Sons and Fascination fans
This is Steve Hillage and myself, in my flat in Glasgow.

2006-09-22T09:01:00.000Z

Me and a host of Golfers

Me, Alex, Andy and John

2006-09-15T21:24:00.000Z

Me with my Mashiniblick

Cash For Kids

Golf day out

courtesy of

James Newall

Celebrities featured

Myself and the guy from the telly with the glasses

2006-09-11T12:43:00.000Z

That'll be ..One roll and sausage, one egg and potato scone, two cups of tea and two fairy cakes

2006-08-27T11:19:00.000Z

This could almost be a scene from MASH

Gig in the Glen Dunfermline

We loved it

l to r. Bruce Watson, Ian Donaldson,

Jane Button and Myself

2006-08-24T12:16:00.000Z

fourgoodmen

and their lovely ladies

Glasgow Green

2006-08-02T20:47:00.000Z

Captain Pugwash...

Sailing my Birthday boat
on Loch Chon.
Having an imaginary
pipe o' baccy.

2006-07-31T21:35:00.000Z

Fourgoodmen
with newest girl piper
Yvonne

2006-07-26T16:56:00.000Z

Currently residing in the where are they now ? file.....

2006-07-17T09:18:00.000Z

The Red Mist Descends

4GM Live in Galashiels

2006-07-05T23:36:00.000Z

Lovely Picture of Carrie MacNeil

2006-07-03T19:05:00.000Z

4GM
and their two lovely girls
in action at the Big Weekend
in Galashiels

2006-07-01T11:24:00.000Z

The Big Weekend

Derek and Ian

await T.V. crew

for Borders Television

Interview.

What a laugh we had.

That is the gig behind us.

2006-06-28T09:23:00.000Z

The indestructible

FOURGOODMEN

Rehearsals went Swimmingly

Hello World

Malc, Ian, Derek and Graeme Duffin

2006-06-15T21:22:00.000Z

The mighty Yggdrassil

Unter skyolde rant
kyella de gange
Karshke kampen for
Karshke kampen fra
hil die stark ol
stut o stuark us

Ancient Viking prayer to Odin

2006-06-12T20:29:00.000Z

Senatus Populus Que Romanus

SPQR

Quo Vadis?

Ianus et Derekus

Wallus Hadrianus

Changeus Roomus

Bathus Hoosus

Fortus Romanus nearus Hexhamus. Dayus afterus Giggus.

2006-06-09T22:01:00.000Z

This trip to Dublin almost took the Colonel to Never Never Land.

2006-05-25T21:09:00.000Z

Can I just say Goodbye to
Ian Copeland, (brother of Stewart and Miles Copeland), who died on Tuesday night
in Los Angeles. Ian was our Agent in America
with his company FBI, (Frontier Booking International),
He made Simple Minds in America along with countless other bands from these shores. I'll see you when I get there Ian. R.I.P.
Derek

Malc Button, Ian Donaldson
Yours Truly, Jane Button
Kirk Brandon.

after the gig in Campbelltown last year
That's the Isle of Arran you see in the
background.

2006-05-20T17:40:00.000Z

Ian and I on Borders Radio yesterday
Thanks to all who sent e-mails in.

Great reactions from fans everywhere.

What's your favourite?

More songs coming....

2006-05-09T17:41:00.000Z

FOURGOODMEN

Big in Falkirk

2006-05-09T08:00:00.000Z

Simple Minds

in the pool

Utrecht

pic

courtesy of John Leckie

2006-05-04T18:09:00.000Z

www.myspace.com/derekforbes

2006-05-04T17:58:00.000Z

Go to http://www.fourgoodmen.com as it has been launched today.

www.fourgoodmen.com

Me, the Colonel and Ian. Live in Campbelltown 2005.

2006-05-02T09:38:00.000Z

FOURGOODMEN

Recording Drums
for Kiss Cool and Falling

Jane Button

Smiley

Dirk von Flughafen der Erste

2006-04-24T22:56:00.000Z

How do you like our tans

2006-04-19T09:17:00.000Z

Rehearsals at Mick's Studio.

Using my Piano skills.

The chords to' Duel' I believe

2006-04-06T11:36:00.000Z

Me and Brian

Recording session

at Carlton Studios

FOURGOODMEN

2006-04-04T22:27:00.000Z

Derek Forbes, Brian McGee Simple Minds drummer number one, Kenny Hyslop Simple Minds drummer number two. How do you like them apples? FOURGOODMEN have all the good guys.
Photograph taken today 4th of April 2006
at Carlton Studios Glasgow. Brian had just
recorded his part on the first 4GM track

2006-03-29T18:56:00.000Z

http://www.myspace.com/4gm

2006-03-29T18:53:00.000Z

http://www.myspace.com/derekforbes

2006-03-29T13:48:00.000Z

Me and Peter Gabriel backstage at the Massey Hall in Toronto. This was just before I went onstage with Simple Minds. Peter was a good friend to the band. I saw Peter frequently after leaving the band. When I worked at 'Tears for Fears' studio,(The Woolhall, in Beckington, near Bath) , with Propaganda. Michael Mertens, Betsi Miller and I would make visits to Peter's studio (Real World), in Box, near Bath. It's a fantastic place. It has a trout filled river running under a glass floor in the Drum recording room. He was anothe huge influence on me. The album, 'Foxtrot' by Genesis, was almost worn out on my turntable at home. Needless to say, Jim and Charlie were also big fans of Peter. We toured with him all over Europe in the early eighties, and also appeared onstage with him a few times on the tour.

2006-03-28T23:56:00.000Z

There's my old mate Ronno, (Mick Ronson).

If it wasn't for Ronno, I may never have followed

my dream of being a Rockstar.

2006-03-24T18:22:00.000Z

Here's another young Simple Minded Chap for your quiz!

His pseudonym here is Nazareno Gabarelli.

Now living in Australia

Who is he?

2006-03-23T11:19:00.000Z

Back row
Left to right
John Henry Forbes
my brother
John McLean Corson (Ian/Jock)
my cousin(with guitar)
and
Sixteen year old me
in my bedroom in
Brockburn Road, Pollok
Glasgow

2006-03-16T17:55:00.000Z

That's ma Boy

Kai Forbes

supporting

AFGM

at Callander

2006-03-11T00:07:00.000Z

Who's this Simple Minded young chap?

2006-03-07T12:32:00.000Z

Oran Mor hosts the beautiful people

Live onstage

and the Aftershow party

What a night that was.

2006-03-05T20:50:00.000Z

This is for the growing number of Jane Button fans out there.

That's Jim Prime of Deacon Blue in the background.

He played keyboards for our very first gig at Glasgow Green.

2006-03-03T13:32:00.000Z

The Fantastic Steve 'Smiley' Barnard

This was taken onstage at Port Patrick

Keep phoning King Tut's for tickets to

avoid disappointment.

The gig is on the 21st of April

The Management.

2006-03-02T23:39:00.000Z

A Few Good Men at Callander
Nice photograph, taken by our other drummer Malc Button. Classy , with a black and white feel.
I am still being accosted in the street by people who were at the gig.
Lawdy Mama that was a great night,
but so was Jaques de Molay.
More gigs are being discussed.
More songs have been written.
That Bruce Watson has inspired me.
Let's Dance....now there's a song!

2006-03-02T11:16:00.000Z

The redoubtable Mr. Steve Harris.

Bruce heaps praise on Steve after last shows

Steve and Smiley enjoyed their initiation

into 'Chewin the Fat' on our three day

Extravaganza.

Incidentally, Bruce must be related to the 'Unsinkable

Molly Brown', 'cos he's been on nearly every modern

day vessel that has sunk, luckily after he'd been on it.

2006-03-01T19:55:00.000Z

Bear with me folks.
I can't seem to load any photographs onto my site.
Normal service will resume as soon as possible.

The Management

2006-02-25T17:49:00.000Z

The building process continues after three different , yet successful gigs. It was a nice first venture into Ireland for the Good Men. Everyone that was there in the Spring and Airbrake in Belfast, danced and sang their hearts out. We have been asked to return, with a view to maybe being included in the festival set-up, that is run by the club. Callander was more than well received. I can't walk out of my house, without being accosted/congratulated/praised by the local women and gentry. Port Patrick was great as well. What a beautiful setting to play a gig. Steve and Smiley were initiated into the 'Chewin' the Fat' dvd's, at the after show 'spin the bottle' and see who get's Willie party, (Tocher that is)! Well, we're all looking forward to our next show at King Tut's in Glasgow, where we will be joined onstage, by a very, very special guest. I would get a ticket in advance for this one , if you could, all joking apart, as there are already a lot of neophytes under the bands spell, who are most definitely coming to the show. Thanks to everyone for attending the shows, and hope to see you all soon.
Derek

2006-02-22T09:53:00.000Z

Port Patrick tonight Belfast on Thursday

Well that was a great wee night in Callander. and it was great to see my son play with his band Hammershift as support. They were amazing, and went down very well with the audience. The good news is, Port of Menteith Primary school made their target, and can now go ahead with their plan to install a 'White Board 'in the classroom. We, the band, had a brilliant time. It was funny hearing our name being chanted before we went on. This was instigated by my youngest son, who was at the front of the stage, right in front of me. Off to Port Patrick in a couple of hours. See you all there. We are on after the football, (around 10pm).

2006-02-08T22:46:00.000Z

2006-02-08T22:20:00.000Z

The Gigs are Imminent. Let's be having you.

Callander on the 21st Feb (McLaren High School)

Port Patrick on the 22nd Feb (Port Hall)

Belfast on the 23rd Feb (Spring and Airbrake)

2006-02-06T22:16:00.000Z

What a bunch of lovely guys

2006-02-02T23:57:00.000Z

Stop Press

Bruce and Derek have began work on two new songs today. Ian and Mick to put their parts on as soon as.
All songs are by these four good men. If I told you what was happening now, you wouldn't believe me!

Derek

2006-02-01T21:48:00.000Z

Lunch Break

It's a choice between Ian and I who is the Chosen One. Check the beam of light!!!

Get yourself to the gigs in Callander, Port Patrick and Belfast.

2006-02-01T16:13:00.000Z

Me and Dirty Dingus McGee

Can't wait for these gigs to happen!!!

Belfast was great for the Minds last night.

Our Zoomer on the spot was well impressed

21st 22nd 23rd February 2006

AFGM .........Avanti !!!

2006-01-30T20:53:00.000Z

AFGM having a writing session on Wednesday. I can't wait.
We are having talks with high profile companies at the moment, and I don't think it will be too long before you see AFGM products in the shops. Tickets are going great once again for our forth coming gigs in Callander, Port Patrick and Belfast. I spoke to Mel Gaynor the other day. He was rehearsing with the Minds in Brussels for their forth coming tour. Great to hear from the Cakeman!!!

Left to right: Steve Harris (Gary Numan), Smiley (Robbie Williams/Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros), Bruce Watson, Me, Mick MacNeil and Ian Donaldson

2006-01-22T19:44:00.000Z

AFGM

21/22/23 February

Callander/Port Patrick /Belfast

Top Brian McGee and myself when we played with The Flys, along with (middle) Roy White from White and Torch (remember them), and Ray McVeigh from the Professionals.We had some astounding songs, but the age of the internet wasn't what it is now, so it was difficult to promote, and ultimately we parted ways.

2006-01-20T22:56:00.000Z

The
1975
the place The Maggie in Sauchiehall Street
the band
Big Dick and the Fourskins
from left to right

Guitar : Duncan Barnwell ex Johnny and the Self-Abusers and Simple Minds
Bass : Brian McLintock
Vocals : Dicey O'Neill
Drums : Hugh Armstrong
Lead Guitar : Derek Forbes ex Subhumans, Simple Minds,Propaganda, The Flys, 10:51,Addict of the Tripp Minds(Japan), Oblivion Dust (Japan),Spear of Destiny now A Few Good Men

2006-01-16T21:29:00.000Z

A Few Good Men and one Super Man

Malky, Bruce, Ian, Derek,Jane, Ally McCoist and Mick at the Oran Mor after show party.

2006-01-16T14:29:00.000Z

Port Patrick 22nd and Belfast 23rd February
A Few Good Men on the trail again.

We are doing a benefit gig on the 21st February at McLaren High School in Callander.
This is to raise money for Port of Menteith Primary School.
Anyone can come along. My sons band Hammershift will support us, which is great.
Doors 7 pm
Tickets at door £10-adult/£8-child
This was a rehearsal day that was hijacked, but, to be honest, we would rather play. We will bring rehearsals forward. 3 gigs in a row, feels like a tour for AFGM !!!!!

I can't believe that the acoustic guitar hasn't been snapped up. Only a few hours to go till the auction ends....
Plans are afoot!!!!!

2006-01-10T14:52:00.000Z

Hey y'all,
I've just put this acoustic guitar on e-bay. I had to ask Bruce Watson how to do it. The guitar belonged to Charlie Burchill, and may have been used on albums from Once Upon a Time to Neapolis.
I had an identical guitar, and I gave it to Derek McInnes ex Rangers and Dundee United player, as he was learning. So, Charlie new I would need another one, and gave me his. Fantastic gesture. I have had my eyes on an old Washburn guitar in Crewe, ever since the Spear of Destiny 'Westworld 'weekend at the Limelight Club.The guitar is just over 100 years old, and is one of the best and loudest acoustics I've ever heard. So listen out for it on the album and see it live, if I can get it. Anyone interested in the Yamaha acoustic should go to the Music/Rock Memorabilia/Concert Memorabilia. I've listed it under Simple Minds, Charlie Burchill, Derek Forbes guitar. See you all at Port Patrick and hello to all our potential fans in good old Belfast.

2006-01-06T20:40:00.000Z

Me on the set of Most Haunted

No !! in fact, this is Jane Button, Ian Donaldson and myself onstage at Hogmanay in Sotteraneos, Glasgow.
It turned out to be a one and three quarter hour extravaganza.
Even George Melly was impressed, (that's him in the picture frame).

Remember Port Patrick 22nd and Belfast 23rd of February.2006.

2006-01-04T21:35:00.000Z

Next gigs are Port Patrick Village Hall and the Spring and Airbrake, Belfast, on the 22nd and 23rd February respectively. Happy New Year to you all for 2006.
The December gigs went better than we could imagine.
We are in talks with potential agents for this years touring plans. We hope to be playing Germany, Belgium, Holland, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia and America. Don't worry Britain is in there too, with two tours being planned as I write, in both halves of the year. Need to get my dancing trousers out.

2005-12-21T16:17:00.000Z

Tickets going great guns for Oran Mor gig on the 27th of December

2005-12-10T19:10:00.000Z

Tickets on sale for Oran Mor gig at usual outlets.

27th of December 2005
New AFGM message board up and running. Please give us your feedback at www.afewgoodmen.info
Derek

2005-12-09T12:11:00.000Z

If you think that last photograph was dodgy, how's about this. It's an early Minds tour, and this shows Charlie , Mel and myself on a night off in a classy wee bar in Paris. Captain Haddock or what?

2005-12-08T22:30:00.000Z

A Few Good Men to play an Hogmanay gig at new Glasgow Jazz Club/Italian Restaurant.
Sotterraneo is situated on Union Street, right beside the Rennie MacKintosh Hotel. We, AFGM, were blown away by this stunning venue/restaurant and are really looking forward to playing there. Anyone who would like to attend this show/dinner on Hogmanay should call 0141-221-4340. Bring in the bells with AFGM and Sotterraneo's Hostess,(and owner), Isabella. Tickets for this Italian feast of great food and the very best in entertainment are £59.95pp. Hope to see you there. Ciao

2005-12-07T22:47:00.000Z

This is A FEW GOOD MEN for the ORAN MOR gig on the 27th of December.

Left to right: Steve Harris guitar (Gary Numan)
Ian Donaldson vocals (H2O), Carrie MacNeil piper,
Jane Button vocals (H2O), Smiley drums (Robbie Williams), Bruce Watson guitar (Big Country),
Mick MacNeil keyboards (Simple Minds/Pretenders),
Derek Forbes bass (Simple Minds/Propaganda).

2005-12-06T17:04:00.000Z

Remember!!!!!!!! A FEW GOOD MEN at ORAN MOR 27th of December
And what a set we have for you!!!Tickets available at usual outlets.
see www.afewgoodmen.info
HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL

Derek

2005-12-06T16:38:00.000Z

Spear live in London

What a mad eleven days that was! We had one rehearsal in London on the night before the tour, then off we went. First gig was at the Academy in Islington, London. It went really well. This was my first night meeting the lads from Gene Loves Jezebel. We were to become great friends during the course of the tour. Our line up was Kirk Brandon, our Leader, Warren 'Woz' Wilson on lead guitar, Chris 'Cider Man'Bell "..somebody at the door?"...on Drums and Derek 'Tea total' Forbes on Bass.
Gene Loves Jezebel had James ' Basher' Stephenson on Lead Guitar, Jay 'Yackee Da' Aston on Vocals, Pete 'the Ripper' Rizzo on Bass and Chris' Cider Man' Bell..."would somebody answer that"...on Drums. As you can see, Chris did all twenty two gigs on the tour, which was above and beyond the call of duty. He may never be able to play the trombone again.
What a lovely time was had by all.

2005-12-05T19:52:00.000Z

Just Back from Evil Spear Tour

2005-11-22T23:18:00.000Z

On tour with Spear of Destiny tomorrow

check dates on kirkbrandon.com

2005-11-21T21:29:00.000Z

THE SEARCH FOR GIGS IN EUROPE BEGINS

I've received a load of requests for AFGM to play gigs in Europe. If anyone has contact with promoters or agents who would be interested in bringing us over to their countries, please let us know . It would be great to tour Europe with Mick again, let alone the rest of the band. The photograph shown here was taken in a park near Euston Station in London, and I was suffering from a serious hangover.

2005-11-19T15:43:00.000Z

AFGM Kelvin Hall gig

2005-11-18T22:32:00.000Z

Me on the Peter Gabriel Tour in the early eighties

2005-11-18T20:41:00.000Z

ORAN MOR tickets are being printed at the moment, so they should be at Ticketmaster by the end of this week coming.
In answer to the post from MIMMO, YES , we would love to play Italy, so let us know what you can do.
We wrote another great song this week. Great stuff from Ian and Bruce. Mick is working on a batch of song ideas at the moment. Hope to have a few ideas from Steve Harris in the near future.
We have confirmed a date for AFGM in Port Patrick on the 23rd of February 2006, we hope to add another date the following day in Belfast. Watch this space.

2005-11-17T09:44:00.000Z

NEW GIG FOR A FEW GOOD MEN

we will be playing ORIN MOR on the 27th of December.
The gig is situated at the top of Byres road in the west end of Glasgow.

2005-11-17T09:25:00.000Z

This is the issue with my interview in it. The bass I am holding is my Vigier Passion . I broke it shortly after this photo was taken by Bob Thacker. I jumped on it at King Tut's in Glasgow at the end of the Spear of Destiny gig. It is now back with Vigier in France being repaired and repainted. It will be Ferrarri red on it's return, with a hint of Orange. I will be on tour in England with Spear of Destiny for 11 days starting on the 23rd of this month (November), starting in London on the 24th at the Academy,Islington.

2005-11-16T23:47:00.000Z

NEW GIG ADDED AT ORIN MOR, BYRES ROAD, GLASGOW
27TH OF DECEMBER 2005

2005-11-16T23:07:00.000Z

Hey y'all,
as lots of people have asked the question, "Why did they play that song" regarding Ivory Blacks the other night, I will attempt to enlighten one and all.
1. Waterfront/ Love Song/Someone,Somewhere in Summertime/Belfast Child/Don't You Forget About Me..........I think these are some of the best and most popular Simple Minds songs ever written, and Why Not? And Micks playing of the Squeeze Box is second to none everytime.
2. Real Gone Kid/Dignity..........we were lucky, and honoured enough to have Jim Prime from Deacon Blue tread the boards with us on our very first gig at Glasgow Green. He was on the list to appear at Ivory Blacks as a special guest, but unfortunately couldn't make it. Look out for him in the future.
3. Everybody Wants To Rule The World..........The bass and the drums are Mel Gaynor and Myself, which were sampled from Waterfront. I worked with Ian Stanley, keyboard player with Tears for Fears, and Chris Hughes, drummer with Adam and the Ants/Tears for Fears, and they both produced the second Propaganda album, 1.2.3.4.) at the Woolhall Studio in Beckington, near Bath. One day Ian said " oh Derek, forgot to thank you for Everybody wants to rule the world", then told me the story of them sampling Mel and myself from Waterfront.
Need I say more?
4. Chance/In a Big Country/Fields of Fire..........the Bruce Watson fella, legend that he is. This was the first time Fields of Fire has been played since Stuart left us. Also, AFGM are the first band to use the bagpipes on In a Big Country. They were played by Carrie MacNeil, Micks' niece, and what a player she is.
5. Duel..........Taken from my happy days with Propaganda.. This song was a hit in Britain, but was number one in a few European countries. We may add another hit from the Props next gig.
6. I Dream to Sleep..........Huge hit for Ian Donaldson with H2O. Someone even remarked how well Ian sang that H2O song, not realising that it was Ian who sang it in the first place. H2O and Big Country played Top of the Pops together when 'Dream to Sleep' charted.

Your cahance has come if you missed us last time. We are playing at ORIN MOR in BYRES ROAD in GLASGOW on the 27TH of DECEMBER 2005, tickets in advance at usual outlets. We are handing over the AFGM website to a new operator so, be patient with us. We have fantastic footage to show you all, and will have it on the site asap. Check www.afewgoodmen.info often for up to date information. On behalf of Ian,Bruce,Jane,Smiley Mick, Carrie,Steve,Malk and me , Derek have a good Xmas and hope to see you on the 27th at Orin Mor, Glasgow...................A Few Good Men ( and a couple of 'Stoatirs')
Derek 'Big Dan' Forbes

2005-11-13T22:51:00.000Z