A perfect blend of musical joy and exemplary showmanship in Southampton! Our Music Editor, Emma Harrison, takes a trip down memory lane with Simple Minds.
My fourth time seeing Scotland’s finest did not disappoint, watching Simple Minds perform live is always joyous, life affirming, and full of energy.
Lead singer Jim Kerr is a tour de force. Charming and humble in equal measure, he is forever thankful and (at times) slightly bewildered by the phenomenal reception from the sold-out crowd.
His trademark humour was present, with the amiable front man quipping that he was watching Glastonbury on the TV in the hotel before coming here and that he “could see on the fans’ faces in the audience that they all wanted to be at Southampton Summer Sessions.”
Simple Minds close out Summer Sessions
Of course, this, and other platitudes, went down a storm, but geo-compliments aside, Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill, and the rest of the band of consummate musicians put on one heck of a show as the sun set over Guildhall Square in Southampton as the Summer Sessions closed out another exciting weekend of world-class music.
Simple Minds were supported by fellow eighties legends China Crisis with the band revealing that both bands had previously been on the bill in Southampton almost 40 years earlier, which gave a nice sense of occasion. The lead singer of China Crisis paid tribute to the band he was supporting by donning a rather splendid Simple Minds tee shirt.
China Crisis were the perfect band to evoke a true sense of nostalgia, and they delivered an exemplary set which truly set the tone for what was to come.
Plenty of passion from Simple Minds
One of the things I love about Simple Minds is that they genuinely love what they do, and every night is like an opening night of a tour (regardless of how much of the tour that they have completed). Simple Minds came on in the most understated way with the lovable Jim Kerr working the stage and waving to everyone in the crowd, and the band immediately went into a mind-blowing rendition of ‘Waterfront’ from their sixth studio album ‘Sparkle In The Rain’.
How can you better this barnstorming ‘Waterfront’? It’s tricky, but the band quickly segued into the intoxicating ‘Love Song’ with its irrepressible riffs and robo-funk beats really captured the imagination of the sold-out crowd. ‘Glittering Prize’, with its intricate bass lines, was pure perfection as was ‘Sanctify Yourself’, which saw some splendid fretwork from Charlie Burchill.
An outstanding drum solo from Cherisse Osei
Cherisse Osei on drums and percussion excelled throughout, especially on ‘Promised You A Miracle’ and, of course, her standout drum solo which was nothing short of sensational.
Other standout tracks included ‘All The Things She Said’ from 1985’s ‘Once Upon A Time’, the stunning ‘Let There Be Love’ and the perennially glorious ‘Someone Somewhere in Summertime’ which way back in 1982 was the follow-up to ‘Glittering Prize’.
Singalong with Simple Minds
Of course, you can’t go to a Simple Minds gig and not sing along to perhaps one of Simple Mind’s most beloved and enduring tracks ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ from the coming-of-age film ‘The Breakfast Club’. Cue thousands of delighted fans singing along with the ridiculously catchy refrain of ‘La, la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la’ in complete unison with the band.
The band closed their incredible 90-minute set with the wonderful ‘Alive and Kicking’ with its air-punching chorus and life-affirming lyrics.
The Magic of Eighties Music Nostalgia in Live Performance
Eighties music continues captivating audiences decades after original release, with bands like Simple Minds demonstrating timeless appeal through energetic live performances that transcend generational boundaries. The decade’s distinctive sound—characterized by synthesizer-driven melodies, powerful vocals, and anthemic choruses—creates instant emotional connections with listeners who experienced the era firsthand whilst introducing younger audiences to classic rock grandeur. Live music venues across the UK regularly feature eighties tribute acts and original artists, proving sustained demand for this nostalgic sonic landscape. Musicians from this period mastered both studio production and stage presence, delivering performances that balance technical precision with raw emotional energy that recorded versions cannot fully capture.
Why Live Band Performances Create Lasting Memories
Attending live band performances transforms passive music consumption into active participation, creating shared experiences that resonate long after final notes fade. The communal aspect of singing along with thousands of fellow fans—whether belting out familiar refrains or air-punching during climactic choruses—builds collective memories impossible to replicate through headphones or streaming services. Professional musicians understand how to read audiences, adjusting tempo and energy to maximize crowd engagement whilst maintaining artistic integrity. Summer Sessions and similar outdoor festival amplify these experiences through atmospheric settings where sunset lighting and warm evenings enhance musical enjoyment. The combination of exemplary showmanship, consummate musicianship, and genuine performer-audience connection explains why concert tickets remain coveted despite readily available recorded music, with sold-out crowds gathering repeatedly to witness favorite artists deliver life-affirming performances.
Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill presided over an energetic and celebratory set, superbly supported by the rest of the Simple Minds band. This was an uplifting, nostalgia-fueled night that delivered both style and substance in equal measure, delivered with unmistakable class — a full-throttle celebration steeped in classic rock grandeur with every note dripping in quality and passion.
Photo Credit: Ash Betton
