The story behind Simple Minds’ iconic hit “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” is almost as memorable as the song itself. In the new documentary Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible, actress Molly Ringwald shares her candid and surprising first reaction to the track, giving fans a rare glimpse into the origins of this unforgettable anthem forever linked to The Breakfast Club.
From reluctance to legendary: The making of a hit
The history of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” is often told with the caveat that Simple Minds were initially hesitant to record it. The song was written and produced by Keith Forsey, known for his work with Billy Idol and Psychedelic Furs, and was originally pitched to several artists—including Roxy Music’s Bryan Ferry—before landing with Simple Minds.
The band’s label, A&M Records, pushed for the track to be included on the Breakfast Club soundtrack, but the members were unsure if it matched their evolving sound. Simple Minds were then transitioning from their early punk and post-punk roots into a more expansive arena rock style, with albums like Empires and Dance and New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) defining their artistic direction.
Despite initial reservations, the band agreed to record the song—and it quickly became their biggest hit. Released in 1985, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and forever etched itself into pop culture history. It remains Simple Minds’ signature track and a staple of 1980s nostalgia.
Molly Ringwald’s candid take: “Like an obscene phone call”
In Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible, Molly Ringwald offers a vivid and amusing memory of hearing the song for the first time. Known to many as the iconic star of The Breakfast Club, Ringwald had been a fan of Simple Minds even before the soundtrack was finalized. “It felt gritty… almost like an obscene phone call — like, in a good way,” Ringwald says in the documentary trailer, sharing her initial reaction to the song’s raw energy and mysterious allure.
The actress also reveals that she played a small but meaningful role in bringing the band to the film’s attention. “I think I recommended them to [the film’s director] John Hughes,” she laughs, “I like to take a little responsibility for that.”
Ringwald’s connection to the band adds a personal touch to the story behind the soundtrack, reminding viewers how the synergy between film and music helped create one of the most iconic moments in 80s cinema.
A deep dive into the band’s Journey
Directed by Joss Cowley, Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible goes beyond the single hit to chronicle the band’s entire career. From their formation in the late 1970s as the punk outfit Johnny and the Self Abusers to their reinvention as Simple Minds, the documentary explores the evolving sound and vision that fueled their rise.
The film delves into their post-punk and art-rock phases, culminating in their peak global success during the mid-1980s. This era was highlighted by their performance at Live Aid in Philadelphia in 1985, a moment immortalized in music history.
However, the documentary also does not shy away from the band’s struggles during the 1990s, a period marked by shifting musical landscapes and commercial challenges. Their resurgence in the 2010s, fueled by a renewed creative energy and loyal fanbase, is portrayed as a triumphant comeback.
Jim Kerr’s reflections: “It’s a hell of a band”
Frontman Jim Kerr, the charismatic voice behind Simple Minds, shares his pride and perspective in the film. “It’s a hell of a band,” he tells PEOPLE, highlighting the group’s commitment to delivering powerful live performances despite decades in the industry.
Kerr emphasizes the band’s continued drive to prove themselves: “We still feel we’ve got a ton to prove. So it feels very much like we’ve got a lot of getting on with. That’s first and foremost before anything else.”
This passion is reflected in the band’s latest album, Live in the City of Diamonds, and their ongoing North American tour, which began on May 16 and marks their most extensive run in the region in forty years.
A celebration of legacy and future
Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible is more than a retrospective; it is a testament to resilience, artistry, and the enduring power of music to define generations. With candid interviews featuring notable figures such as Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan, Boomtown Rats’ Bob Geldof, and Virgin Records founder Richard Branson, the documentary paints a comprehensive portrait of a band that has left an indelible mark on rock history. For fans old and new, the film and accompanying music releases serve as a reminder that some bands are not just a product of their time but continue to evolve and inspire.
Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible will be available in theaters and on-demand starting June 13, 2025—offering audiences the chance to rediscover the grit and grandeur behind one of the most unforgettable songs of a generation.
