In light of the recently released documentary featuring Simple Minds, Everything’s Possible- AND their recently announced tour, here are some of the most influential bands hailing from Scotland.

1. Simple Minds

Arguably the most popular act to come out of Glasgow, Simple Minds captivated the charts in the eighties, reaching global success. Known globally for their hit “Don’t you forget about me” featured in the 1985 classic film, The Breakfast Club. They originally started out in 1977 as a punk band under the name of Johnny and the self-abusers, hailing from the Southside of Glasgow. They are known for their distinct art pop sound, which influenced many artists to come ranging from the Manic Street Preachers to Moby.

Interview with Jim Kerr of Simple Minds

Watch Everything’s Possible on BBC iPlayer here.

2. Orange Juice

Best known for their hit Rip it Up, Bearsden band Orange Juice burst onto the scene in the early eighties alongside bands like Aztec Camera and Josef K. Rip it up was their only track to reach the top 40, in other singles such as Blue Boy and Simply Thrilled Honey you can hear their distinct jangly-pop sound. Their band was short-lived as they disbanded in 1985, however iconic bands such as the Smiths took influence from their distinct ‘jangle pop’ sound. Orange Juice remain a staple in the Scottish music scene and have achieved cult status among music fans.

Smash Hit: Rip It Up

3. Cocteau Twins

Dream Pop pioneers the Cocteau Twins have had a lasting impact on the alternative Scottish music scene. Forming in 1979 in Grangemouth, the trio including legend Liz Fraser were active for several years cultivating audiences with their unique sound and indistinguishable lyrics. Their highest charting hit, Pearly-Dewdrops’ Drops reached number 29 on the singles charts in 1982. Subsequent releases had similar success and gave them a large following. Their unique sound has inspired acts such as, Slowdive, Lush and The Sugar cubes among many more.

Dream Pop legends: Sugar Hiccup live on Top of the Pops 1983

4. The Jesus and Mary Chain

Hailing from East Kilbride, The Jesus and Mary Chain are iconic figures in the development of shoegaze. The sibling duo formed in the early eighties and soon amassed a large following due to their unique sound at the time. Their first album Psycho Candy was released in 1985, achieving critical acclaim, among their other subsequent releases. Brothers Jim and William Reid are the only two constant members, but the band has been joined by the likes of Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream (drummer on their first album) and others. The Jesus and Mary Chain inspired many in the shoegaze scene, much like the Cocteau Twins, solidifying themselves as prominent figures in music.

Top 10 hit: April Skies live on Top of the Pops 1987

Still from their music video for April Skies (YouTube)

5. Teenage Fanclub

Formed in Glasgow in 1989, Alternative band Teenage Fanclub are known widely throughout Scotland and achieved commercial success in the 1990s. They blend an array of different styles of music, and often swap vocals with each other when playing live. Their most popular album Bandwagonesque, released in 1991 established them commercial success across the UK as it was more polished than their first album. NME readers voted in a poll for best album of that year and Bandwagonesque surpassed Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit and REM’s Out of Time, as it was voted first. Teenage Fanclub are still active today, influencing indie bands all over the world.

Personal favourite: What you do to me

Still from their music video for What You Do To Me (YouTube)

6. Primal Scream

Primal Scream originally formed in 1982 yet did not gain recognition until Bobby Gillespie left the Jesus and Mary Chain to focus on his new project. They found commercial success with their third album Screamadelica in 1991, reaching eighth on the charts and declared platinum thereafter. This catapulted the band into the international spotlight with their dance-inspired debut. Many acts from all over the world cite Primal Scream as an influence as they crafted this unique style fusing jazz, rock and dance together. Bands such as Kasabian, The Dandy Warhols, The Chemical Brothers and so many more. Primal Scream continue to be one of the biggest acts to come out of Scotland who are still actively performing, having hometown shows in April this year.

Sprung into stardom: Loaded

6 influential Scottish bands you need to know about