A SINGER from Clydebank is bringing his tribute band Simple Minded to town for the first time later this year.

George Porter is the frontman for the Simple Minds act formed in late 2008 and told how, despite being on the go for years, the band has never gigged in his beloved home town.

Growing up in Faifley, the 52-year-old vocalist said the band has been going from strength-to-strength and will be coming to John Brown’s Bar on Saturday, November 7.

Porter, who now stays in Livingston, said: “This is very much a homecoming gig for us, coming to do our first gig in Clydebank at John Brown’s Bar. We’re all very excited about it and I’m looking forward to seeing some familiar faces there. We have already had a lot of people showing interest in the gig.” The line-up also includes David Kelly on guitar, Stuart Clyde on keyboards, Stevie Mason on bass and Paul Carnegie on Drums — all are from the West Lothian area.

The band goes beyond many tribute acts and has been endorsed by members of the real Simple Minds, including bass player Derek Forbes who turned up at the first gig and joined them on stage.

In 2009, they played at the official after party of Simple Minds following their show in the SECC.

In 2011, Porter actually left the band for a period to join Ex Simple Minds, a band of former members of the rock outfit.

The band took a hiatus at this point, and on the last gig Simple Minds former member Brian McGee joined the band on stage to sing backing vocals for big hitter Chelsea Girl.

They made a return in 2012, and have been on the go ever since, with the five members juggling work and music life to deliver their reputable tribute act to the Simple Minds.

George Porter said: “My brother Alan, who helps out with the band, and I have great memories of growing up in Clydebank in the '70s.

“The band has been meaning to get this homecoming gig done but we’ve been busy, with everyone having full-time jobs still.

“We still have a lot of friends in Clydebank, despite not living there now, and are really looking forward to bringing the show to the Bankies.” The band’s gig will be on Saturday, November 7 in John Brown’s Bar. Event information can be found on the band’s website.

Visit www.simplemindedtribute.com for more information, videos and pictures of the band.