Forbes left the band in 2015. Forbes was a featured extra in the film "This Is Not a Love Song". He also toured the East Coast of America from 2015–2017 with his all-American band, Derek Forbes Band. Members include John McNutt (ex-Spear of Destiny), Danny Beisell (Fosterchild and American Vinyl), Tim McKinstrey and Marc Iezzi. Forbes was awarded an Ivor Novello in 2016, for Outstanding Song Collection, for his songwriting for Simple Minds, amongst others. On 22 June 2016, Forbes released a solo album titled "Echoes" containing 11 songs he composed with Simple Minds in their early years, which he re-recorded as the only musician involved in the project. ZANTi is Forbes' band and album project with Anni Hogan (ex-Marc & the Mambas). ZANTi have released one album, "Broken Hearted City" on Downwards Records with Forbes and Hogan on all writing, arranging, performing and producing duties.