Originally scheduled to be an outdoor event, the Derby Summer Sessions was switched to the indoor Vaillant Live several months back for unspecified logistical reasons. The downside of this decision is that the 3,500 capacity venue is a soulless, modern building with an upper tier so ridiculously high it would give some football stadiums a run for their money. Thankfully, what it lacks in aesthetics are more than made up by the acoustics, with a well balanced sound mix ensuring that the sets by both headliners Simple Minds and special guest Alison Moyet were crystal clear.
Taking the stage to a warm reception, Alison explained to the crowd that with a shortened set time she would be talking between songs much less than usual. What followed was 40 odd minutes of slick pop, much of it from her commercial 80’s heyday, that allowed the audience to bask in the glow of nostalgia and sing-a-long to some iconic songs. Flanked by two multi-instrumentalists (keyboards, guitars), Alison remains in remarkably good voice, and delivered hit after hit from a time when it seemed like she was always in the singles charts, either solo or with Yazoo. ‘Don’t Go’, ‘Only You’ and ‘Love Resurrection’ were notable highlights and this was a very well received performance that set the evening up nicely for the main course.
It has been a very long time since Simple Minds were last here in Derby; in fact you have to go back to December 1982 and a gig at the old Assembly Rooms in support of New Gold Dream, a couple of years before their career trajectory exploded. Some forty-odd years later, Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill are joined by an impressive bunch of musicians to ensure that Simple Minds remain an irresistible live attraction. There were no new songs tonight, this was a show that delivered the iconic moments the audience had grown up with and the atmosphere throughout was one of joyous celebration.
‘Waterfront’ immediately had everyone clapping along, Jim as animated as ever, and followed by ‘Once Upon a Time’, ‘Glittering Prize’ and ‘Oh Jungleland’ made for a rock solid quartet that reminds you just how many anthems they have at their disposal. Still playing the role of showman to perfection, Jim made his way into the pit to hold hands and perform ‘Let There Be Love’ in amongst the front row. After this slight shift in pace, ‘Love Song’ bounced along with its infectious groove, making for an inspired mid-set highpoint.
Always known for their huge drum sound provided in the past by Mel Gaynor, incumbent Cherisse Osei possesses a similarly energetic style, leading the band through ‘Theme For Great Cities’ which segued into her impressive solo spot. Drum solos may be rooted in the past, but when the drummer is this good you can only watch on with admiration. With this being a more truncated set than their arena tour twelve months ago, they were all too soon into the likes of ‘See the Lights’, ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ and ‘Alive and Kicking’, sending everyone home happy after what was a wonderful show from start to finish.
Setlist:-
Waterfront
Once Upon a Time
Glittering Prize
Oh Jungleland
Let There Be Love
Love Song
Come a Long Way
Someone Somewhere in Summertime
Sanctify Yourself
Theme for Great Cities
Promised You a Miracle
All the Things She Said
See the Lights
Don’t You (Forget About Me)
Book of Brilliant Things
Alive and Kicking
