Dad travels from US to Glasgow for Hydro gig then met top band

AN American dad came to Glasgow just to catch a gig at the Hydro – then met the band.

Ronald McClurg Thomas travelled around 3219 miles from New York to see Simple Minds play in the city last Saturday.

The 65- year- old booked the trip to cheer himself up after his beloved dog Pup Pup passed away which left him devastated.

The experience made him finally “smile again” after he even met Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill from the band before the show.

Ronald told the Glasgow Times: “It was quite amazing. The photo of me with Jim and Charley was proof of how happy I was seeing my smile.

“It’s been a while since I smiled like that after losing my beautiful Husky named Pup Pup.

“I was devastated since her passing, and I felt I needed to take a vacation.

“My ancestors lived in Scotland so I always wanted to visit, then I saw Simple Minds’ global tour was scheduled for

Glasgow, so I booked my holiday.

“I did talk with Jim and Charlie. I left them a note, asking if we could collaborate on a story about how important companion dogs or emotional support dogs can be in a person’s life especially during the pandemic and its aftermath.

“I felt it was so wonderful to meet Simple Minds and see them live for the first time, why did I wait 40 years to do this?”

Ronald attended the show alone after his brother, Dean Thomas, was sadly unable to join him.

He paid £ 350 for the ultimate Gold VIP package which included a meet and greet with the performers.

This also let him attend the warmup session where they played five songs not included on the list of songs played at the concert.

He said: “This was the ultimate Simple Minds experience for me, perhaps a once in a lifetime experience.

“I recommend that fans definitely attend the Simple Minds Global

Tour 2024, because the band is just as vibrant today as they were 40 years ago, especially with their new albums and hits.

“They will never disappoint their fans and I encourage new listeners to partake in the enjoyment.

“My brother will be so pleased to receive the special vinyl print of New Gold Dream Live from Paisley Abbey I got for him, regardless of the empty seat.

“Each one is autographed by Jim and Charlie.”