Concert Review: Simple Minds, Soft Cell and Modern English Perform in Phoenix

From left, Charlie Burchill, Erik
Ljunggren and Jim Kerr on May 25.
Photo credit: Charles Edington

Alive & Kicking Tour 2025

Who: Simple Minds, Soft Cell, Modern English

Where: Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ

When: Sunday, May 25, 2025

Next: Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on May 27; Moody Center in Austin, Texas on May 30; and other North American dates continuing through June 22, 2025

Information: 

https://www.simpleminds.com/tour/#dates

Review by Robert Kinsler

Simple Minds performing at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ
on Sunday night, May 25, 2025. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Simple Minds has embarked on the band's most ambitious North American tour in four decades, and based on the Scottish troupe's stop in Phoenix on Sunday night, the so-called "Alive & Kicking Tour 2025" is one of the most aptly-titled music tours in memory.

Jim Kerr in Phoenix on May 25.
Photo credit: Kim Kinsler

For 90 glorious minutes the seven-member troupe thrilled on an especially warm evening at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre with a mix of original material blending art rock, new wave, alt rock and synth pop into a signature sound that sounds as fresh and relevant today as it did in the 1980s. Impressive visuals — including visually stunning graphics that displayed on the rear and side projection screens — enhanced the concert.

With founding members Jim Kerr (lead vocals) and Charlie Burchill (lead guitar) leading the charge, the band's 18-song set built momentum from the time Simple Minds took the stage at 9:12 p.m. Opening with an explosive version of the band's 1983 worldwide hit "Waterfront," Kerr's powerful vocals were in artful sync with the song's luxurious arrangement. 

Simple Minds drummer Cherisse Osei in action.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Other early set highlights included the arena-minded rocker "Speed Your Love to Me" bolstered by Cherisse Osei's fantastic drumming, "Let There Be Love" with Kerr going into the crowd to sing the sentimental song, the evocative "Someone Somewhere in Summertime" adorned with Burchill's atmospheric fret work and Sarah Brown's backing vocals, and the hard-charging electronica art rocker "This Fear of Gods."

From left,  Jim Kerr and Sarah Brown. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Late set standouts included the sweeping "Promised You a Miracle," a powerhouse drum solo courtesy of Osei, a beautifully nuanced take on "See the Lights" showcasing Kerr's incredible lead vocals, and an extended version of "Don't You (Forget About Me)" that featured a lengthy crowd sing-along.

Jim Kerr impressing with his top-tier vocals.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

The encore included the soulful "Book of Brilliant Things" featuring Brown on lead vocals, and the one-two punch of the synth-swept "Alive and Kicking" and the anthemic rocker "Sanctify Yourself." The other members of Simple Minds include bassist Ged Grimes, acoustic guitarist Gordy Goudie and keyboardist Erik Ljunggren — all of whom whose talents contributed to a great set.

Modern English / Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Opening the night was British band Modern English (seen above), whose current line-up includes original members Robbie Grey (lead vocals), Michael Conroy (bass, vocals), and Stephen Walker (keyboards). Over the course of 30 minutes the English outfit performed a mix of great new and old material. The Neo-punk rocker "Long in the Tooth" off the band's most recent album (last year's 1234) was especially powerful, while takes of their classic 1980s material (the reflective "Hands Across the Sea" and the set-ending "I Melt With You") also resonated with the audience.

Soft Cell / Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Next up was Soft Cell, the English synth-pop duo founded by vocalist Marc Almond and instrumentalist David Ball. The duo scored a dozen top 40 hits in the United Kingdom, but is best known in the U.S. for their hit "Tainted Love," the latter delivered via an extended version in Phoenix. Other highlights included the electronica techno opener "Memorabilia" (featuring snippets of several Madonna hits), the catchy "Purple Zone" with a lovely chorus and dance-minded "The Night" (the latter a cover of the Four Seasons' 1972 hit).

Simple Minds 40: The Best of 1979 - 2019

One of this writer's favorite bands has a new comprehensive and well-deserved retrospective on the way this fall! Simple Minds' sound is so timeless I can't believe the band has been around for 40 years. Read my review of Simple Minds' fantastic first-ever concert in Las Vegas that I caught in October 2018. Robert Kinsler

Forthcoming Simple Minds collection celebrates 40 years of one of the most revered and successful UK bands ever

FORMATS: 3CD DELUXE EDITION, STANDARD CD AND DOUBLE VINYL,

INCLUDING A LIMITED-EDITION COLOR VERSION

INCLUDES THE NEW TRACK, A COVER OF KING CREOSOTE’S “FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY”

On November 1, 2019 UMe will release 40: THE BEST OF – 1979-2019, a new compilation album that covers all 40 years of legendary band Simple Minds recording career. It captures their early experimentation, cross over chart successes, right up to their new imperial phase represented by songs from 2015’s Big Music and last year’s Walk Between Worlds, which was their highest chart success in over 20 years, charting at number 4 in the UK.

Formed in the seventies, and named after a lyric – “so simple minded” – from David Bowie’s seminal 1975 single “The Jean Genie,” Simple Minds have become one of the most successful bands ever to come from the UK, selling over 60 million records worldwide, having number one singles on both sides of the Atlantic, and number one albums the world over, including five UK number one albums: Sparkle In The Rain (1984), Once Upon A Time (1985) and Street Fighting Years as well as the concert recording Live In The City Of Light (1987), and the compilation Glittering Prize 81/92.

Compiled in conjunction with the band, 40: THE BEST OF presents the very best of Simple Minds extensive catalog It is a comprehensive overview of 40 years of one of Britain's most successful bands, taking in the innovative sheen of “Promised You A Miracle” and “Glittering Prize,” the anthemic sweep of “Waterfront” and “Sanctify Yourself,” the firebrand strand of “Belfast Child” and “Mandela Day”, the colossus that is “Don't You (Forget About Me)” and “Alive & Kicking,” and bringing things right up to date with the inclusion of a new track: a cover of King Creosote’s 2014 Song, “For One Night Only.”

“For One Night Only” captures Simple Minds unique talent of taking an already fantastic song - as they did with their cover of The Call’s “Let The Day Begin” on 2015’s Big Music album - and injecting its sentiment with added urgency. The result is a clarion call to their fans the world over, which is sure to become a momentous live moment on their 2020 world tour.

The collection is a reminder of one of the most musically diverse and adventurous careers ever in British music, which saw Simple Minds record some of the most beguiling and inventive music of the post-punk period. On songs such as 1979’s “Chelsea Girls” (from the band’s debut album, Life In A Day), and “I travel, Celebrate” (1980’s Empires and Dance), “Love Song, The American” (Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call), Simple Minds set the standard for the British alternative scene.

From 1982 onwards the band produced some of their most inspiring and wide appealing work. Beginning with their 1982 classic album New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84), with several songs from the album included here, follow up album Sparkle In The Rain (“Up On The Catwalk” and “Speed Your Love to Me”), and culminating in two UK number one albums and a number one single: 1985’s “Once Upon a Time” (represented here by the aforementioned “Don’t You Forget About Me,” “Alive and Kicking” and “Sanctify Yourself”) and 1989’s “Street Fighting Years,” and the single “Belfast Child.”

Into the nineties Simple Minds continued to release albums and create gems, many of which have grown in stature amongst fans and become staples of their live set. Included here from the period are “Let There Be Love,” “See The Lights,” “She’s a River” and “War Babies.”

From left, Simple Minds guitarist Charlie Burchill, singer Sarah Brown and lead
vocalist Jim Kerr performing at the Pearl Theater in Las Vegas on Oct. 21, 2018.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Over the past 10 years Simple Minds has rekindled the magic that made them a vital artistic force in their early days, found themselves referenced by younger artists and playing to tens of thousands of people every year, all over the world. They have been the recipient of the Q Awards Lifetime Achievement and received universal critical acclaim for their recent albums. 2015’s Big Music was described by MOJO magazine as “their best album in 30 years”, and last year’s Walk Between Worlds was acclaimed across the board and became their most successful album in over two decades, culminating in their largest US tour to date. Two songs are included from each of those albums: “Honest Town” and “Blindfolded (Big Music),” and “Sense of Discovery” and “Magic (Walk Between Worlds).”

40: THE BEST OF will be available on a 3CD deluxe edition, single CD, 2LP coloured vinyl and a 40-track digital format. It was remastered at the world-famous Abbey Road studios and has spectacular new art designed by long-time collaborator Stuart Crouch, featuring iconic symbols by Malcolm Garrett which represent the 40 years.

3-CD DELUXE EDITION

DISC ONE   

Waterfront

Love Song

I Travel

Glittering Prize

Sense of Discovery

The American

Up on The Catwalk

She's A River

Someone Somewhere in Summertime

See the Lights

Jeweller to the Stars

War Babies

Belfast Child
 

DISC TWO   

Home

Magic

Promised You A Miracle

This Is Your Land

Honest Town

Glittering Prize (Acoustic)

Waterfront (Acoustic)

See the Lights (Acoustic)

Let There Be Love

New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)

All the Things She Said

Once Upon A Time

Don't You (Forget About Me)

 

DISC THREE     

Chelsea Girl

Cry

Hypnotised

Stars Will Lead the Way

For One Night Only - New Track

Theme for Great Cities

Life in A Day

Changeling

Celebrate

Blindfolded

Sanctify Yourself

Mandela Day

Speed Your Love to Me

Alive and Kicking

1-CD

Waterfront

Love Song

I Travel

Glittering Prize

Sense of Discovery

Someone Somewhere in Summertime

See the Lights

Belfast Child

Promised You A Miracle

Honest Town

Don't You (Forget About Me)

Chelsea Girl

Hypnotised

Stars Will Lead the Way

For One Night Only - New Track

Sanctify Yourself

Mandela Day

Alive and Kicking

2-LP / 2-LP COLOR VINYL EDITION

SIDE ONE
 

Chelsea Girl

I Travel

Love Song

Promised You A Miracle

Glittering Prize    
 

SIDE TWO   

Someone Somewhere in Summertime

Waterfront

Don't You (Forget About Me)

Alive and Kicking

Sanctify Yourself

     SIDE THREE   

Belfast Child

Mandela Day

See the Lights

Hypnotised

     

SIDE FOUR   

Stars Will Lead the Way

Honest Town

Sense of Discovery

For One Night Only – New track

To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Simple Minds embark on an 11-month world tour in early 2020. Beginning in Europe in February, they tour the UK in April.

As they turn 40, Simple Minds legacy is something to be proud of as their story continues to evolve.

Simple Minds thrills in historic first-ever appearance in Las Vegas

Simple Minds greeting the crowd early during their thrilling
concert at the Pearl Theater in Las Vegas on October 21, 2018.

Simple Minds
Where: The Pearl Theater at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas
When: October 21, 2018
Next: Simple Minds is on tour in the U.S. through Nov. 11, 2018. 
Information: SimpleMinds.com


Although Simple Minds has been together more than 40 years, scored a number of enduring alternative rock hits and earned a fistful of number one albums in the U.K., the Scottish band broke new ground in coming to Las Vegas on Sunday night (Oct. 21, 2018).

"How are you?" said singer Jim Kerr in greeting the enthusiastic crowd gathered inside the Pearl Theater after a rousing performance of "Love Song" early in the set. "Thanks to every single one of you for coming to see us. We're elated to be back in the U.S. This is the first gig we've ever done in Las Vegas. This is history for Simple Minds tonight."

From left, Simple Minds guitarist Charlie Burchill, singer Sarah Brown and
lead vocalist Jim Kerr performing at the Pearl Theater on October 21, 2018.

What's more, Simple Minds delivered a truly memorable concert featuring 23 selections delivered across two and a half hours. This was a concert that revisited all of the Scottish troupe's best-known songs, as well as featuring great tracks off the band's excellent 2018 LP Walk Between Worlds.

From the moment Simple Minds emerged on stage, there was a palpable sense that the band was inspired and thrilled to be on stage. "Viva Las Vegas," said Kerr as he came to the mic. "Let me see your hands." The six-member group then launched into the wistful anthem "The Signal and the Noise," a Walk Between Worlds cut bolstered by a driving rhythm (drummer Cherisse Osei and bassist Ged Grimes would prove their rhythm might all night), evocative keyboards and guitar textures as well as sublime backing vocals from Sarah Brown.

Simple Minds performing "Waterfront" in Las Vegas.

Whether performing hits from the '80s or newer material, the passion and precision of the performances were potent. A dynamic rear projection screen was also well utilized, with graphics and lighting frequently adding power to the concert. For example, "Waterfront" was offered early in the night and included a dynamic photographic backdrop of a waterfront behind the musicians. 

Guitarist Charlie Burchill performing at the
Pearl Theater in Las Vegas.

The human touch was as essential as the technology and visuals, with Kerr crouching down during "Love Song" to greet fans. He would do that throughout the night, anxious and eager to make a connection with the audience via the band's music, his personable storytelling and true appreciation of the night.

Other early highlights of the show included "Up On the Catwalk," with lead guitarist Charlie Burchill crafting a shimmering solo, and the poignant new song "Sense of Discovery."

It is not uncommon for even established artists to cover and revisit other artists' songs. Simple Minds' discography is so extensive that the band can rely on its own finely-crafted material to carry the day at performances. 

The only exception to that approach came late in the first half of the concert when Kerr showcased singer Sarah Brown for a completely-reworked cover of the Ewan MacColl-penned 1949 classic "Dirty Old Town."

From left, guitarist Charlie Burchill, singer Sarah Brown and
lead singer Jim Kerr of Simple Minds.

That rendition was subtle, with Brown's soprano at times enhanced by Kerr's backing vocals.

The second half of the concert was even more powerful, with the instrumental foray "Theme For Great Cities," the ethereal "Walk Between Worlds" (another great showcase for Kerr and Brown to blend voices) and slide guitar-adorned "See the Lights" among the first heard standouts.

By the time Simple Minds got to the end of their long set, the crowd grew more excited with each track. The soulful "All the Things She Said," burgeoning art rocker "Dolphins" and extended sing-along version of "Don't You (Forget About Me)" were delivered before a thrilling encore that included the spirited "Alive and Kicking" and rousing "Sanctify Yourself." 



Review and photography by Robert Kinsler

Jim Kerr is all smiles, seen here continuing to acknowledge
the crowd after the Simple Minds concert was over
and his band mates had left the Pearl Theater stage.

Simple Minds' set list at the Pearl Theater

1. The Signal and the Noise
2. Waterfront
3. Love Song
4. Let There Be Love
5. Up on the Catwalk
6. Sense of Discovery
7. Promised You a Miracle
8. The American
9. Hunter and the Hunted
10. Stand By Love
11. Dirty Old Town
12. Theme For Great Cities
13. She's a River
14. Walk Between Worlds
15. Someone Somewhere in Summertime
16. See the Lights
17. All the Things She Said
18. Dolphins
19. Don't You (Forget About Me)
20. New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)
21. Once Upon a Time
22. Alive and Kicking
23. Sanctify Yourself