Simple Minds @ Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide 14/2/2024
All class! Simple Minds last night at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre were amazing playing to a full house on Valentine’s Day. Love was in the air and what a way to commemorate the occasion. Armed with an impressive back catalogue loaded with quality songs it was great to finally see them back in Adelaide as it has been eight years since their last visit. When you’re this good you really don’t need a support with the focus right on Simple Minds for the next ninety minutes finishing nice and early to make the most of the rest of the evening.
The musicianship is elite led by mainstays Jim Kerr (vocals), Charlie Burchill (guitar), Ged Grimes (bass), Cherisse Osei (drums), Sarah Brown (backing vocals), Gordy Goudie (guitar) and Erik Ljunggren (keys). As Jim Kerr took the stage he opened with “what a pleasure to finally be back here” encouraging the fans to get their hands up for Waterfront. Exceptional and that was the first song and even after I Travel Jim said that “I have the feeling it will be one of those nights” as they were on song. Love Song, King Is White and in the Crowd, Vision Thing and Once Upon a Time were sensational with Kerr adding “we’re just warming up, haven’t got started yet”.
Standing or sitting the crowd were in to and when they are powering their way through the machine with the likes of Glittering Prize and Promised You a Miracle it’s hard not to be in awe. Jokingly, Kerr asked if there was anyone who had been gagged, blindfolded, kidnapped and dragged along describing themselves as a young and upcoming band from Glasgow suggesting it could be worse, saying they could be Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet or Flock Of Seagulls. This was a longer break between songs with Kerr saying that “I’m knackered” reminiscing about their first show here in ’81 at The Thebbie (The-Barton) talking about not wanting to be one of those bands that leaves out Adelaide when they were reviewing the tour dates.
The good times continued New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) followed a ripping drum solo from Cherisse Osei with Kerr saying “that’s girl power!” Belfast Child was an incredibly powerful and emotive moment in the set with the lights and imagery on screen used to wonderful effect. The audience was transfixed and everyone knew what a moment this was. Kerr said again that they were still warming up and haven’t started yet led in to She’s River followed by Someone Somewhere in Summertime. Set closer and timeless anthem Don’t You (Forget About Me) was unforgettable moment and if you were going to remember one part of the show this it, pure joy from the band and the audience.
The encore was top shelf and highly regard backing singer Sarah Brown had a moment to shine on Amazing Grace. Alive And Kicking was amazing and Kerr thanked Adelaide for a great night promising to be back finishing on another massive hit Sanctify Yourself. The band took their final bows to a standing ovation as David Bowie’s The Jean Genie was played. Kerr danced a moment as we waved and thanked the crowd, almost not wanting to leave. Adelaide definitely made a statement selling this show out and we look forward to next time.
Live Review By Rob Lyon