Derek Forbes’ songwriting and innovative bass style were an essential ingredient to the development and success of Simple Minds right up until their Sparkle In The Rain album. Since his departure he’s gone on to play with Propaganda, Oblivion Dust and Big Country amongst others and wining awards for his bass playing and writing along the way. Tonight though, he is revisiting songs from his Simple Minds period with his trio The Dark.
If anyone was in any doubt about who they were seeing, the instantly recognisable opener ‘Waterfront’ should have given more than a clue. ‘Love Song’ gets a great reaction but arguably it’s the deeper cuts of ‘Changeling’ and ‘I Travel’ that impress the most being bass driven to the extent that the absence of guitar is not noticed. Throwing in another pair of classics with ‘The American’ and ‘New Gold Dream’ along with some scatological anecdotes make for an entertaining set, but it’s the closing number of ‘Theme For Great Cities’ which proves a highlight with Forbes in captivating form as he covers every inch of the bass with speed and dexterity. It makes you wonder what Simple Minds would have been like had he remained with them, or indeed, how much of a different band they would have been without his contributions.
Ron Goodwin’s title score for Where Eagles Dare makes for one of the most stirring and dramatic opening sequences in cinematic history so it’s fair to say it transitions well as a means to build atmosphere and welcome Spear Of Destiny on the stage tonight. The intro segues neatly into ‘Rocket Ship’ and Kirk Brandon looks and sounds in good health having been forced to put things on hold from earlier in the year due heart troubles after his support slots on Big Country’s April dates. This time, he is joined by the formidable rhythm section of Phil Martini and Craig Adams alongside Adrian Portas and Clive Osborne whose sax shines on the expansive ‘The Wheel’ and ‘Grapes Of Wrath’.
‘The Melancholy Of Walter Sickert’ is the second number played from last years’ Ghost Population album and we are told is was written after Brandon had visited an exhibition of the post impressionist painter’s work. It is mightily impressive and it seems to move the gig up a notch or two and pairs well with ‘Flying Scotsman’. A run of classics including ‘Never Take Me Alive’ and ‘Soldier Soldier’ maintain the momentum and receive suitably enthusiastic responses taking us to the end of the main set.
The encore sees an energetic ‘Radio Radio’ and a suitably raucous ‘Rainmaker’. As the opening chords of ‘Liberator’ ring out everyone realises that this is their last chance to have a dance and sing along and oblige accordingly bringing a thoroughly enjoyable evening to a close.
Setlist:
Rocket Ship
Strangers in Our Town
The Wheel
Embassy Song
Grapes of Wrath
Pilgrim
The Price
Solution
Aria of the Devil
Junkman
The Melancholy of Walter Sickert
Flying Scotsman
The Hop
Omen of the Times
Never Take Me Alive
Land of Shame
Soldier Soldier
Encore:
Radio Radio
Rainmaker
Liberator
