Saturday’s sold-out concert at the recently extended and refurbished Manchester Arena was the second date in the U.K. leg of their global tour, which began in New Zealand. Kerr was on form, continually expressing gratitude to the audience for their presence, stating, “I never take our fans’ loyalty for granted and feel overwhelmed and honoured that so many have bought tickets to see us.” This humility has retained their legions of fans over the years, who enthusiastically and word-perfectly chanted the lyrics to every song.
Having seen them perform several times, at stadiums, smaller intimate venues, and now at the iconic Manchester Arena, I can honestly state that this was one of their best shows. This was not only due to the anthems played, interspersed with new material, but also because of the outstanding graphics and light show throughout the concert. Plus, the amazing band that shared the stage with the two original members, Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, added to the magic.
Simple Minds are infamous for their heavy bass and pulsating drum rhythms that prevail in the majority of their tracks. It is always moving to hear Belfast Child being performed, as this song never fails to calm the jubilant audience and change the tempo. Saturday night was no different; the sound of the pipes and flute was hauntingly melodic, and in the arena that had experienced its own bombing tragedy, this score combined with Kerr’s vocals was exceptionally poignant.
The concert started with the classic Waterfront, and virtuoso Kerr played to his strengths, belting out the track to ensure the audience knew they were back. Lyrics and singing are Kerr’s forte, however, dancing is not, yet all was forgiven as he swung and circled the mic with his trademark style. He is a seasoned professional and ensured that he covered all the stage with every track, leaving fans feeling that no one side of the stage received more attention than another.
The band’s drummer, Cherisse Osei, was absolutely outstanding, and her solo raised the roof even further, if that was at all possible. She was utterly phenomenal! Considering that the heady drumbeat is at the forefront of the band’s unique selling point, she never missed a beat. Sarah Brown was also superb with her backing vocals and taking the lead on Book Of Brilliant Things.
The veteran Scottish rock band, with over forty-five years of experience, received rapturous applause at the end of the concert. For those die-hard fans like my husband and myself, it is always a delight to see Kerr lead his band, singing and dancing to his idol Bowie’s track Jean Genie, making a nod to where the band’s name originated.
This is a band still at the top of their game. Alongside their support of Del Amitri, who played many of their hits including Roll To Me and Always the Last To Know, you will be in for a fantastic night of nostalgia with tracks reminiscent of your youth and music from the greatest era of all (in my opinion), the ’80s. Ensure you buy tickets from a reputable ticket agent to catch these music icons when they return from Australia for the second U.K. leg of their sensational global tour.
Set List: Waterfront, I Travel, The American, Premonition, This Fear Of Gods, 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.
Encore: Book Of Brilliant Things, See The Lights, Alive And Kicking, Sanctify Yourself.
Photo Credit: Thorsten Samesch
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