Kenny Hyslop obit

Tributes as Simple Minds drummer Kenny Hyslop dies aged 73

 

He was not on the list.

Musicians and fans have paid tribute to the “much loved” Simple Minds drummer Kenny Hyslop following his death at the age of 73. 

Ultravox singer Midge Ure said his “old friend” had lived a lively life as he shared news of his passing on social media. 

No cause of death has been revealed, but it is understood Hyslop had been ill for a time. 

Kenny Hyslop was a bandmate of Ure’s in his group ‘Salvation’ - later named ‘Slik’ - but joined Simple Minds in 1981, staying for a year. 

He featured on the song "Promised You a Miracle", and appeared in the videos of the Simple Minds hits "Sweat in Bullet" and "Love Song", though he did not record the tracks. 

Midge Ure, who is currently in the US, posted on X: “Just about to board the British Airways flight from JFK and heard my old friend/Slik/Simple Minds drummer Kenny Hyslop has passed way. He lived a lively life!

“Huge condolences to his friends and family. He was much loved.”

Hyslop, who was born in Helensburgh in 1951, spent his life in the music industry in the UK and Canada. 

As well as Simple Minds, he played with Set the Tone, The O’clock Gang and the blues band Big George and the Business.

In his latter years he taught drumming Carlton Studios in Glasgow, as well as producing new music published through Myspace.

Fans in social media also shared their tributes. One said: “So sad, chatted to Kenny quite a bit online in the last few years met him over 40 years ago. One hell of a drummer! Fly straight Kenny.”

Another added: “It doesn't seem fair, it only seemed that a month or so ago, I messaged him and he told me that his treatment was going well.”