Returning to Birmingham at the weekend, Simple Minds delighted a capacity Arena crowd with a journey through the past forty-odd years that took in all of their big hits plus a few deeper cuts. For many years now the core band has been the partnership of Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, the duo being supported by an impressive bunch of singers and musicians to ensure they remain a top-drawer live attraction. And on the strength on this performance, there was little doubt that Kerr and Burchill still have the desire and motivation to keep Simple Minds going for as long as they both feel able to do so.
‘Waterfront’ and ‘Love Song’ made for a solid opening pairing, the familiar refrain of the former and bouncing melody of the latter ensuring the night got off to a great start. Kerr is still in fine voice and still does all of his trademark hand gestures, and with Burchill’s signature guitar sound at the forefront they moved through lesser played numbers that included ‘Sweat in Bullet’ and ‘This Fear of Gods’ from 1980’s Empires and Dance. This was the cue for a brief pause as Jim introduced the rest of the band and reassured everyone they would be playing songs from all eras of Simple Minds history that led into a powerful ‘All the Things She Said’. Bringing things right up to date was ‘Solstice Kiss’, from 2022’s Top 5 album Directions of the Heart.
Revisiting the title track from 1985’s chart topping Once Upon a Time, Jim referenced the bands massive shows at Milton Keynes Bowl in the summer of ’86, a time when Simple Minds were at their commercial peak. They then went further back in time to 1982 and a trio of classic anthems from New Gold Dream, ‘Glittering Prize’, ‘Promised You a Miracle’ and the title track, each serving as a reminder of just how many great songs Kerr and Burchill have at their disposal. It was a hushed arena that listened in awe to the dramatic ‘Belfast Child’, Jim taking the opportunity to prove that he still has the voice to match his stage presence. The main set closed out with the mass sing-a-long of ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’, which may not be Simple Minds best song but is undoubtedly the one they will be best remembered for.
The encore began with Jim giving way to vocalist Sarah Brown, who took centre stage for a compelling ‘Book of Brilliant Things’, her mesmerising voice beautifully capturing the emotion of the song. Jim returned to the mic and the evening then came to a close with the trio of ‘See the Lights’, ‘Alive and Kicking’ and a rousing ‘Sanctify Yourself’, that sent everyone home happy after what was a wonderful show from start to finish.
Setlist:-
Waterfront
Love Song
Sweat in Bullet
King Is White and in the Crowd
This Fear of Gods
All the Things She Said
Solstice Kiss
Once Upon a Time
Glittering Prize
Promised You a Miracle
New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)
Belfast Child
Someone Somewhere in Summertime
Don’t You (Forget About Me)
Book of Brilliant Things
See the Lights
Alive and Kicking
Sanctify Yourself
