|
Duncan Barnwell chanced his arm - replying to an ad which asked for a keyboard player, and turning up
with a guitar. But Simple Minds accepted him in early 1978, and he became their second guitarist, a role
which allowed Charlie to branch out onto violin when needed.
A good friend of Derek Forbes, he rescued the future bass player from playing acoustic guitar in Spanish
bars, tempting him back to Glasgow with tales of punk and a new wave of bands. Derek ended up in The
Subs, but Barnwell was probably extremely pleased when his friend joined Simple Minds in May, 1978.
But it was not to last. After almost a year of gigs, numerous demos and a forthcoming record deal, Duncan
was asked to leave. He was well liked within the band, but they just didn’t need a second guitar player. The
disgruntled Duncan expected Derek to leave in sympathy - but Derek stayed on.
He later emigrated to Australia, where he worked as a journalist. He still keeps in contact with the band.
family tree
live appearances
|
