Joe Cokell, CEO Sanctuary Records Worldwide said: “Simple Minds are a great addition to our roster, and we are looking forward to working with them on the release of the new album in the Autumn.”

Simple Minds have issued the following statement “Over the last few years Sanctuary have acquired a great reputation as being a true artistes label that can also deliver commercially. We look forward with great enthusiasm to working together with them on the next new phase of Simple Minds' music.”

John Williams, Senior VP of A&R, Sanctuary Records added: “With world sales of 30 million and five of their albums entering the UK charts at number one, Simple Minds are a rock institution. The songs for the new album are full of the passion, energy, and drive that characterised their best work. Jim, and Charlie are on a roll, and we are thrilled to be partners with them on their next journey.”

Currently recording in Holland, Simple Minds are in the final stages of recording a new album that is targeted for a September 2005 release. Produced by Jez Coad and Simple Minds with Bob Clearmountain mixing, lead singer Jim Kerr recently described the work in progress as “a return to form, a classic Simple Minds album, full of energy and atmospheric rock songs."

The new release will be Simple Minds' 14th studio album and marks a three decade long songwriting partnership between Kerr and lead guitarist Charlie Burchill.

Expected to tour extensively next year in support of the new album, there are also plans for Simple Minds to film both a live concert DVD plus a television documentary focusing on their career from their earliest days up until the present.