THE ORIGINAL line up of Scots rockers Simple Minds are set to work together for the first time in 27 years.

The band will go into the recording studio in the middle of June to record two tracks which may be released later this year it has been revealed.

The group - who celebrate their 30th anniversary this year - were originally formed by singer Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill when they were at Holyrood Secondary school in Glasgow.

After a brief spell as a punk band called Johnny and the Self Abusers, drummer Brian McGhee, bassist Derek Forbes, and keyboard player Mick McNeil were drafted in to form the first version of Simple Minds.

The group enjoyed modest success with the line up before McGhee left.

The band later achieved global fame with hits such as Promised You a Miracle and Don't you Forget About Me.

Speaking last night Jim Kerr, 49, said: "Of course I am excited with the prospect of working with the original line-up once more.

"I had always believed that the day would come when we would get the opportunity to do so.

"The last time we worked together was on our Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call album, featuring songs like The American, Themes for Great Cities, Love Song etc, and it is still considered by many as among our best ever work.

"We have a lot to live up to, but we intend to have some fun attempting to do just that."

Last month Jim Kerr succeeded in persuading organisers of a Nelson Mandela tribute concert to ask his band to play.

Kerr had issued a plea for Simple Minds to be added to the list of rock heroes who will celebrate Mandela's 90th birthday this summer.

Mandela will fly to London to watch stars like troubled singer Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis perform in London's Hyde Park.

The gig will take place on June 27. Razorlight, Eminem, Duffy, Keane, Sugababes and Jamelia are also set to appear on the bill.