Simple Minds drummer Kenny Hyslop passes away aged 73

Musicians and fans have paid tribute to the “much-loved” Simple Minds drummer Kenny Hyslop, who has died at the age of 73.

Ultravox singer Midge Ure called Hyslop his “old friend” and shared the news of his passing on social media. While no official cause of death has been revealed, it is known that Hyslop had been ill for some time. He was a bandmate of Ure’s in the group ‘Salvation’ (later renamed ‘Slik’) before joining Simple Minds in 1981, where he stayed for a year. Hyslop featured on the track “Promised You a Miracle” and appeared in the music videos for “Sweat in Bullet” and “Love Song,” though he didn’t record the songs. Midge Ure, currently in the U.S., expressed his sadness on X (formerly Twitter), recalling Hyslop’s lively life and sending condolences to his family. Born in Helensburgh in 1951, Hyslop spent his career in the music industry, playing with bands like Set the Tone, The O’clock Gang, and Big George and the Business.

In later years, he taught drumming at Carlton Studios in Glasgow and produced new music via Myspace. Fans also shared their grief online, with one recalling fond conversations and praising his drumming skills. Another fan mentioned how recently they had messaged Hyslop, who had told them his treatment was going well.

Music by Yevhen Onoychenko from Pixabay