Mel Gaynor (ex Simple Minds) Announces Debut Solo Album

by Glenn Sargeant | Jan 17, 2024

Exactly 45-years since Simple Minds stormed into the UK Top 30 album charts with their debut album, their longest standing drummer, Mel Gaynor, announces the release of his debut solo album, ‘Come With Me’, out 3 May. One of the World’s most renowned drummers, Gaynor has sold over 60 Million records during his 35 year career, and now under his newly signed label deal with Marquee Records, he unleashes his debut solo single ‘Run’ 1 March, as the first track off his highly anticipated new solo studio album. Proving that the back-man drummer has front-man charisma, Gaynor steps up to stun audiences with his unique gritty vocal quality, lyrical genius and a rare ability to re-imagine old rock favourites, in a style we never thought possible. Oh, and popping the rock-cherry onto this music cake, Gaynor pulls icon, Robert Palmer in to feature on a 2024 re-working of ‘Addicted To Love’ – sheer genius!

Ten years in the making, and working with record producer and mix-engineer, Michael Smith from RYP Studios, this debut album sees Mel Gaynor step up as songwriter and lead vocalist, with of course, large helpings of powerhouse drumming on this debut album, which sees the triumphant return of this musical legend, but as a solo artist in his own right. A x10 track collection of ear-busting tracks, the title song ‘Come With Me’ busts opens the door to this debut album – bold, commanding and beat-dominant ferocious heavy-rock, blended with a swirling melodic guitar, this Def-Leppard-esque rock gem sets the scene for a diverse and eclectic collection of tracks that follow. ‘Run’, the debut single to be lifted from the track, takes a more anthemic, catchy pop/rock vibe, as Gaynor delivers a perfect slice of daytime radio, flecked with charismatic strings that add a distinct folk / Americana feel. The breath-taking dominance of ‘Keep On Believing’ flies the flag for 80s Album Orientated Rock in the same vein as Foreigner and Styx, whilst ‘Dangerous’, with its elements of funk-rock, is strongly reminiscent of the husky grit of Lenny Kravitz.

‘Little White Lies’ is pop at its best in a musical cocktail that harps back to the Robbie Williams’ ‘Feel’, whilst the mix of vocals sound a lot like a dream-pairing of Trevor Horn and Seal. ‘Fire In the Rain’, ‘Still Waters’, ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ all carry a 90s undertone Lenny Kravitz sound, blending rock, soul and funk to create material with catchy choruses and hooks. Aside from his original offerings, Gaynor refreshes our love for some of our favourite classics with his inspired version of Chris Isaac’s ‘Wicked Games’ creating a dream-like sequence across the music , and a real treat as the late Robert Palmer features on Gaynor’s spectacular version of ‘Addicted To Love’. Smashing classic rock smack bang into 2024, Gaynor demonstrates his unique ability to deliver a portfolio of his own original pennings, whilst re-imagining and refreshing some of our favourite tracks of all time; each track on this collection has leaps out as radio-ready in its own right.

“It’s been a lifetime’s achievement to bring my solo album to this stage,” explains Gaynor. “I’m immensely proud of this project, as it combines many of my music influences throughout my career, from rock to funk to soul, and even country. And to be stepping up finally as a solo artist is a dream come true. I hope that my fans will embrace this amazing journey with me.”

Although Mel is best known with arena and festival audiences around the world for his time with Simple Minds, it’s perhaps surprising to many of his fans that he’s also had a shining career as a session musician, most notably with guitar gods Brian May, Gary Moore, and the likes of Elton John, Lou Reed, Tina Turner, Meat Loaf, Samson, The Pretenders, Jackson Browne, Little Steven, Robert Palmer, Joan Armatrading, Incognito, Imagination and Light of the World, to name but a few of the luminary bands and solo artists that Mel has worked with. After leaving the hard rock band Samson (in which he played alongside future Iron Maiden vocalist, Bruce Dickinson), Gaynor joined Simple Minds in 1982 as a session drummer for the New Gold Dream album, playing on six of the nine tracks; permanently joining the band from the New Gold Dream tour onwards.

Now, for 2024, the man behind the drums takes centre stage to showcase his unparalleled vocal, writing and musical ability, in the form of his debut album ‘Come With Me’. Live tours and pop up performances are also on the agenda, kicking off with a live date at The Water Rats on Friday 16th February 2024.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Marquee Records

Mel Gaynor’s new debut solo album ‘Come With Me’ is released on Friday 3rd May 2024 on Marquee Records.

Pre-order and pre-save the album here: https://lnk.to/MelGaynorComeWithMe

Tickets to Water Rats, Kings Cross, London, United Kingdom on Friday 16th February 2024 are onsale now here: https://www.thewaterratsvenue.london/facebook-event/mel-gaynor-ex-simple-minds-full-band-show-support/

For more information visit his official website here: https://melgaynor.com/