Gaynor joined Simple Minds in 1982 as a session drummer for the New Gold Dream album (as a recommendation by the record producer, Pete Walsh) then later joined the band permanently for the New Gold Dream tour, as a replacement for Mike Ogletree.
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In addition to Simple Minds, he has played alongside other acts such as: Sir Elton John, Lou Reed, Tina Turner, Meat Loaf, Samson, The Associates, Orange Juice, Peter Gabriel, The Pretenders, Prljavo kazalište, Gary Moore, Jackson Browne, Little Steven, Brian May, The Nolans, Goldie, Robert Palmer and Joan Armatrading.
Vocalists over the years included Dennis Hale ( who died in a car accident in South Africa after touring there with Jack Parnell's band; Marjorie Daw (who married the band's drummer, Kenny Clare); Bernard Manning; Marion Davis, who, as Marion Keene, had a successful television and show business career; Mel Gaynor; Pattie Forbes; & Johnny Worth, who became a successful songwriter under the name Les Vandyke;
Mel Gibson | Mel Brooks | Mel Blanc | Mel Tormé | Gloria Gaynor | Mel Smith | Mel Tillis | Mel Lastman | Mel Giedroyc | Janet Gaynor | Mel Martin | Mel Lewis | Mel Bochner | Mel Allen | Mitzi Gaynor | Mel White | Mel Watkins | Mel Ramos | Mel Kiper, Jr. | Mel Judah | Mel Chin | Mel Carnahan | Mel | Peter Mel | Mel Whinnen | Mel Torme | Mel Tjeerdsma | Mel Stuart | Mel Stottlemyre | Mel Miller |
Nicky Moore was recruited as a replacement, and Mel Gaynor then Pete Jupp took over drums, and this line-up released Before the Storm and Don't Get Mad Get Even.
Drummer Mel Gaynor was sidelined during the album sessions (apparently after disagreements with Trevor Horn) and was eventually demoted to session player status, with much of the drumming in the studio being performed by Manu Katché (from Peter Gabriel's band) and Stewart Copeland (ex-Police).