Simple Minds singer Jim Kerr recalls his travel adventures 

So which hotel is the singer’s favourite?

Here he talks about his touring highs and lows, how a fan saved him from nearly missing a gig in Sweden – and more…

EARLIEST HOLIDAY MEMORY?

I was four. We went to Bray, a coastal resort near Dublin, on the ferry. The sea was chilly but my dad was up for a dip, and so was I.

FIRST TRIP ABROAD?

At 14, I went on a school trip to Rimini. It was the start of my love affair with Italy. I’ve since bought a house and a hotel in Sicily.

ANY TOURING LOW SPOTS?

Years ago we were booked to do a gig in Newcastle and drove to Tyneside, only to find it was the Newcastle in Staffordshire!

AND HIGH SPOTS?

Once I was struggling to get to a gig in Sweden, so we asked air traffic control for help. They connected me with a fan who had a private plane, who picked me up from an airfield outside Brussels.

FAVOURITE HOTEL?

Frankfurt’s Rocco Forte Villa Kennedy, named in honour of JFK’s visit to the German city, is Jim’s favourite hotel 

Frankfurt’s Rocco Forte Villa Kennedy — named in honour of JFK’s visit to the German city.

ANY TRAVEL TIPS?

Be patient — there’s no point getting all bent out of shape.

ANYWHERE YOU’D LIKE TO PLAY FOR THE FIRST TIME?

China . . . although perhaps not right now.

• Street Fighting Years deluxe edition is out now. To mark its 40th anniversary, Simple Minds is touring the UK in April (simpleminds.com/tour).