Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible” Review – The Disappointing Truth Behind an ’80s Anthem

Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible (2025)

Directed by: Joss Crowley

Written by: Joss Crowley

Starring: Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill, Mel Gaynor

Release Date: June 13, 2025

Published: June 17, 2025

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“Don’t Ask How the Sausage Is Made”

There’s an old adage about not wanting to know how the sausage is made. It applies to food, of course, but also to culture, art, electronics—anything where seeing the process might ruin the magic. Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible offers a striking example of that adage in action.

If you know Simple Minds, you’re either a Gen-X Brit who remembers their domination of the early ’80s UK pop charts—or an American who loved The Breakfast Club. Their signature hit, “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” exploded in 1984 thanks to that iconic John Hughes film. If you’re like me, you probably assumed the story behind the song was some lightning-in-a-bottle creative breakthrough.

But the reality, as shown in Everything Is Possible, is far from it.

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The Truth Behind a Classic Song

The documentary lays out, in excruciating detail, how Simple Minds never wanted to record “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” in the first place. According to lead singer Jim Kerr—affable and surprisingly open about it—they didn’t write the song. They didn’t even like it. It was handed to them after both Corey Hart (“Sunglasses at Night”) and Billy Idol (“Dancing with Myself”) had already passed.

The song was penned by songwriter Keith Forsey specifically for The Breakfast Club soundtrack. He originally envisioned Bryan Ferry as the vocalist, but Ferry was busy with a Roxy Music album. It took a nudge from Breakfast Club star Molly Ringwald, who makes a brief appearance in the documentary, to finally get it in front of Simple Minds—who hadn’t yet broken big in America.

Despite initial reluctance, Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill gave in under pressure from their label. They assumed they’d rewrite the song but only contributed a few key elements: the iconic “Hey Hey Hey Hey” intro, an improvised drum break from Mel Gaynor, and the now-famous trailing “La La La’s.” Kerr even admits those ended up being the most memorable parts—the parts the audience still loves to sing.

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Shattering the Myth

So yeah—that’s how one of the greatest songs of the 1980s got made. And honestly, I kind of wish I hadn’t heard it.

Still, it’s the reason I watched the documentary. I’m not a big Simple Minds fan beyond “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” In fact, I knew so little about them that I didn’t even realize Jim Kerr was once married to Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders—a band I truly love.

I wanted to hear about creative spark and accidental genius. What I got instead was a behind-the-scenes look at music industry compromise. And while the film is informative, it’s also kind of a bummer.

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For the Die-Hard Fans

The rest of Everything Is Possible is… fine. If you’re a longtime fan, you’ll enjoy the tour stories, early influences, and memories of their Top of the Pops debut. There are some great anecdotes scattered throughout, and Kerr remains a charming guide.

But if you came looking for inspiration—the stuff that makes a great song feel like it came from the heavens—you might walk away disappointed.

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Final Thoughts: Some Things Are Better Left Unknown

There’s no doubt that Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible offers valuable insights. But for casual fans—or those who’ve romanticized the origin of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”—the truth might feel a little too raw.

3 stars out of 5

Sometimes, the magic of a great song is best left unexplained.