Simple Minds Get On The Stick

Working in conjunction with Germany-based live concert recordings outfit Concert Online, the band will sell USB sticks containing each night’s performance shortly after the concert ends for £25 ($41.50 U.S.)

In fact, the sticks will be prepped and ready so fast that they won’t contain the night’s encores. But that shouldn’t be a problem because the encores will be ready for downloading after the fans return home.

Each USB stick will come with an individual serial number. Once fans plug the sticks into their computers’ USB ports, the storage devices link to Concert Online’s Web site. Enter the serial number and the encores start downloading.

Plus, the band is planning on performing a different set list each night. That means eight different Simple Minds live recordings. Too bad other bands and artists aren’t on the stick.

While Simple Minds is hyping the “Concert Sticks” for its upcoming “Graffiti Soul” U.K. tour, the band actually did a soft launch with the stick earlier this month in Vienna.

But you don’t need a memory stick to enjoy Simple Minds live recordings. You can also download the songs directly to your computer.

“In addition to buying the USB stick after the concert at the merchandise stall,” Simple Minds’ Jim Kerr said, “no matter where you are in the world, you can go online and download the songs from that show, or you can have the stick packaged and sent directly to you. It’s amazing.”

Click here for the Concert Online Web site.

Click here for the Simple Minds Web site.