Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: 14 February 2024, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, South Australia
Simple Minds are one of the UK’s most successful bands, having achieved six No.1 albums in the UK as well hitting the top spot in countless other territories including Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Australia and New Zealand.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is that people say to me what Simple Minds are you talking about? The avant-garde, the art-rock, the pop, the ambient, the instrumental group, the political, the folk, the stadium band? We’ve been on one hell of a journey. To play all those different styles but at the same time be quintessentially Simple Minds is an amazing thing.” Jim Kerr.
Simple Minds have been musical pioneers for 40 glittering years. Catching the mood of the post-punk era, when the angry sounds of 1977 were splintering into a thousand different shapes, they emerged with a style rooted in the art-rock of David Bowie and the electronic dance of Donna Summer. They went on to become one of the great bands of their generation, deploying rousing choruses and booming atmospherics to provide a soundtrack that has endured.
They topped the American chart with Don’t You (Forget About Me) and followed suit in the UK with the Ballad Of The Streets EP (featuring Belfast Child). In selling over 60 million records, they have seen three of their 20 studio albums reach number one in the UK – Sparkle In The Rain, Once Upon A Time and Street Fighting Years – a chart-topping feat equalled by their live album Live In The City Of Light and the compilation Glittering Prize. A spellbinding touring band, they have graced the world’s biggest stadiums. They starred at Live Aid and played three momentous London shows in honour of Nelson Mandela.
THE REVIEW
After a notable absence from live performances for us in Adelaide (8 years), Simple Minds took the stage with vigor, showcasing the extensive rehearsal they had put in over the weeks prior. Part rock, part pop and 100% sensational, their set included a mix of beloved, bangin’ classics and newer pieces, demonstrating the band’s enduring talent and stage presence. Jim Kerr, the lead vocalist, is particularly noted for his agility and energy, he engaged deeply with the audience throughout their 90-minute set with a bit of relevant banter and plenty of rock and stage work. The band’s ability to deliver a powerful rendition of hits like ‘Belfast Child’ and ‘Don’t You Forget About Me’ left a lasting impression, concluding with HUGE encore of ‘Alive And Kicking’ and ‘Sanctify Yourself’ that resonated well with the crowd.
Opening with the 80’s crowd pleaser, ‘Waterfront’, they band set the bar high. They never dropped below it. EVER. The lighting was magnificent and the acoustics were insane. I can only assume of course, but, I’m pretty sure there would have been no disappointed punter in the crowd. While introducing who they were as a band, he teasingly mentioned ‘For those who were gagged, blinded-folded and dragged here and have no idea’, with tongue firmly in-cheek, he assured those folk, ‘It could be worse, we could be Duran Duran, or Spandau Ballet, or even A Flock Of Seagulls’. We were rapturous and the show went on…
This performance adds to Simple Minds’ reputation as a consistently above-average live act, as affirmed by a compilation of a plethora of respected critic concert reviews. Their live shows are described as grandiose, energetic, powerful, and poignant, reflecting the band’s ability to captivate audiences with their music and performance style. This broad critical acclaim underscores the band’s status as a must-see live act for fans and newcomers alike. We got it all, and in abundance.
Charlie Burchill (an original member), Ged Grimes, Sarah Brown, Gordy Goudie, Cherisse Osei as the band were in the finest form as Jim Kerr led the tight group through a well developed catalogue of 80’s and onwards great musical treats. Each of the member had their solo moments and they shone vividly showcasing the individual talents they posses.
For anyone considering catching Simple Minds on their global tour, I can only suggest that audiences are in for a treat. Their performance at Adelaide Entertainment Centre was a testament to their status as seasoned performers who continue to deliver engaging and memorable live music experiences. If you’ve missed their visit to your town, they promised THEY WILL BE BACK, VERY SOON! And I for one, cannot wait, I don’t think I’m alone however…
