Our Secrets Are The Same: Friendship & Fame at the Heart of Simple Minds

by Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill, Graeme Thomson

The long-awaited memoir from Simple Minds' founder members and lifelong collaborators, Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill

A candid, moving and kinetic story of self-realization through the power of music, Our Secrets Are The Same is the remarkable joint memoir by Simple Minds' founder members, Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill. It not only reveals the inner workings of one of the most innovative and successful British bands of the past half-century, but the deeply personal tale of an extraordinary friendship which powered teenage dreams into visionary action.

Exploring key songs, places, years and events in the Simple Minds story, and told in the distinct voices of both men, Our Secrets Are The Same explores a bond which has encompassed stratospheric highs and humbling lows, marriages and divorces, fatherhood, fickle fame, tricky inter-band dynamics, the occasional explosive bust up, and a ruthless streak to rival the Sicilian Mafia.

Their connection is grounded in shared experiences and a set of values and codes so deeply ingrained they don't need to be spoken. For Our Secrets Are The Same is not just the story of two rock stars, but of two sons, brothers, partners and parents who have never forgotten where they come from. Two men who have remained deeply bonded to their roots and each other, while fulfilling a teenage dream to form a world-class live band and take their music around the globe.

Fascinating and funny, evocative and inspiring, this unforgettable memoir captures a unique journey through life and music, and a friendship like no other.

Genres: Music, Biography

352 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Andy Regan]

As entertaining a narrative as the band at its height. Simple Minds don't follow standard formulas and this book is no exception as Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill jointly chart their lives from childhood friendship through the heights of a vehicle that became one of the biggest around - with the swagger to match - in the 1980s.

Each chapter is shared and are not always chronological - interesting diversions include their close relationship with U2 who hit the heights around the same time. Still a brilliant live act, their story is also one of the changing shape of the music industry and how their focus is less on new material than entertaining millions on tour these days.

That both consider Sicily their home and largely shun rock star celebrity when not on stage underlines their kindred spirits as not only the core of the band but also best friends.

The band's highlights focused on are always going to be subjective - the immense Sparkle in the Rain - apart from Waterfront - and the quite brilliant Live in the City of Light - are afforded very minor references. However the story of descent and renewal around the middle of their near 50 year band lifespan is - as Jim is reminded - an arc that many musical legends have had to navigate. Their personalities and shared love of the band project shine through, not least Jim's virtual introversion when off stage.

Definitely one of the better muso autobiographies around.

[Jo Jackson]

As a longtime fan of Simple Minds this book provided some insight into the strong friendship, trust and bond between Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill. Their beginnings were humble and their lives outlined in this story reflect one of ups and downs as any band may experience yet their commitment to ensuring that their music and lyrics reflect their beginnings, their hometown- Glasgow and how their lives have shaped their want to share their music with others.
The hiatus and redefining moments for the band are explained respectfully in this story to ensure that the reader understand the need for change, adaptation and learning through time.
A band nearly spanning fifty years within an industry that is somewhat fickle and hard on artists is to be applauded and enjoyed. Simple Minds live today is just as entertaining and enthralling as it was many years ago.
May the landscape and hills of Italy that has drawn Jim and Charlie to work and live near each other provide the enthusiasm and joy they need to keep entertaining fans for years to come. Thank you for this great read!

[Ray Smillie]

Having read Great Cities: A New History Of Simple Minds written by Graeme Thomson (great book btw), I knew this would be equally as good. It was. All the band, bar Mel Gaynor, were involved in the Great Cities book and also having read Derek Forbes fine book, it was time to have the thoughts and memories of Jim and Charlie and what a fascinating read this was. Should have realised, like me, they were fans of prog rock, then fully embraced the punk scene.

They have been friends since school and remain close friends to the extent they are now near neighbours in Sicily. Never did see them live, the closet being Cuban Heels, like the Minds, formed by members of Johnny and the Self Abusers. More than happy to recommend this to fans.

[Clara Ville]

I do love a good music biography and this is definitely a good one. Jim and Charlie come across as being really lovely people and you can just tell how much they care for one another. A really interesting tour of music through the past four decades and an easy read, even if your not a Simple Minds fan, it’s a great story of an enduring friendhip..

[Ralph]

Decent enough memoir written in a chatty style

[David]

7.5/10

[Graham Bean]

An interesting format …and a pleasant departure from the usual rock memoir. Certainly a better read than the recent book by Paul Hewson.

[Aaron Badgley]

An interesting memoir. A conversation between friends. They both reveal a great deal about their lives and the band. I loved reading this book.

[Lee Stuart Evans]

* This book was published in the UK 2nd October 2025, not the 2026 date as incorrectly listed here.

Also, its correct published title is: Our Secrets Are The Same: The Enduring Friendship at the Heart of Simple Minds.