Simple Minds frontman Jim Kerr says he's "overwhelmed" that the band is still rocking, nearly 30 years after they formed.

Kerr said the Glasgow rock group have "more energy now" than when they started playing together in 1977, despite going through hard times.

His comments come as the band prepares for four summer gigs in the UK, starting with three outdoor concerts this weekend in Essex, Bristol and London.

Simple Minds return to Scotland for T on the Fringe in Edinburgh on July 28. The gig will be filmed for a forthcoming live music DVD to celebrate the band's 30th anniversary.

Kerr said: "We've got quite a history and quite a story, but three decades seems overwhelming. We could never have imagined when we started the band we were going to go on and on."

The band, who headlined the World Cup launch in Berlin on June 7th, have played to sold-out venues on their Black and White 050505 World Tour, which began in January.

The singer said he was looking forward to the challenge of playing to festival crowds and winning new fans.

Kerr, whose marriage to Emmerdale star Patsy Kensit ended in 1996, said playing at T on the Fringe would make a "special" end to the tour.

"It will have an added dimension, because it's the last date on our tour.