It is bound to be a rather emotional return as Rockfield is where the band recorded some of their fledgling and most innovative work, specifically both their second and third albums - Real to Real Cacophony, Empires and Dance.

With Jez Coad who co produced the bands last album Black and White 050505 returning to fulfill the same duties, drummer Mel Gaynor and bassist Eddy Duffy will join founder members Charlie Burchill and Jim Kerr - both of whom have spent the last few months writing the set of new songs that are due to be recorded. Andy Gillespie will add additional keyboards. Legendary mixer Bob Clearmountain is set to complete the finishing work at his own Mix This studios in Los Angeles and the album when completed will be ready for international release within the early months of 2009. Simple Minds will perform for the first time the entirety of their multi-million selling 1982 album ''New Gold Dream'' featuring the hits Promised You a Miracle, Glittering Prize, and Someone, Somewhere (In Summertime).

The second half of the concert will see the band perform some of their best known songs from their classic albums staring off with ''Life in a Day'' (1979), ''Reel To Reel Cacophony'' (1979), ''Empires & Dance'' (1980), right up to their groundbreaking first album with Virgin, ''Sons & Fascination'' (1980) featuring the hit Love Song. The band will also highlight songs from the album ''Sparkle in the Rain'' (1984) that includes the hits Waterfront and Up On The Catwalk, as well as the U.S. No.1 hit single Don''t You (Forget About Me) (1985), plus the benchmark album ''Once Upon A Time'' (1985) featuring the massive global anthem Alive and Kicking.

But that''s not all.  The band will also perform songs like Belfast Child from 1989''s ''Street Fighting Years'' right up to 2005''s return-to-form album ''Black & White 050505'' featuring the songs Home and Stranger. Incredibly, Simple Minds have scored over twenty Top 20 hits in a career spanning nearly three decades.  They have sold over 35 million records, had five number one albums, a No. 1 single in America - plus three American top ten singles and been Voted Q magazine''s World''s Best Live Act.

Throughout their illustrious 30-year career in music, Simple Minds have embarked on countless sold out stadium tours including headlining three times at Wembley stadium.  They have influenced bands as diverse as current favourites Bloc Party, Muse, as well as Moby, Manic Street Preachers and the Klaxons along the way.

"We are delighted to announce these six rare UK concerts," says lead singer and founding member, Jim Kerr.  "The concerts will reflect our entire musical journey from day one to the current phase of creativity and without doubt will also conjure up all the energy, atmosphere and passion that for many is symbolic of Simple Minds shows over the last 30 years."

"There is no better way of announcing to the world," adds Kerr, "that Simple Minds continues to embrace an uplifting musical spirit and enthusiasm that that defined our best work.  We are really looking forward to these concerts and celebrating 30 years of musical history with the fans."