American dad came to Glasgow for Hydro gig - then met band

Ronald McClurg Thomas travelled around 3,219 miles from New York to see Simple Minds play in the city on Saturday, March 30.

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.

The experience made Ronald finally “smile again” after he met Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill from Simple Minds (Image: Sourced)

Ronald told the Glasgow Times: “It was quite amazing. The photo of me with Jim and Charlie 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 misses his dog Pup Pup (Image: Sourced)

Ronald is a huge Simple Minds fan (Image: Sourced)

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.

Ronald was delighted with his experience (Image: Sourced)

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.”