Scottish alternative rock band Simple Minds made a triumphant return to Chicago on Friday night, delighting fans with a concert at Huntington Bank Pavilion on the lakefront. This performance marked the band’s first visit to the city since 2018, celebrating the first day of summer under clear skies and a warm breeze.
The concert was a vibrant showcase of the band’s enduring appeal, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of several significant milestones from 1985. This year, fans couldn’t get enough of the band’s classics, highlighted by their chart-topping hit “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” from the iconic John Hughes film “The Breakfast Club.”
Simple Minds, known for their dynamic sound and infectious energy, featured a setlist that included tracks from their recent works, such as the 2022 album “Direction of the Heart” and the live album “Live in the City of Diamonds.” However, much of the performance paid homage to pivotal moments from 1985, including the Live Aid performance that brought the band to a global audience and the release of their successful album “Once Upon a Time.”
The show kicked off with the anthemic song “Waterfront,” which showcased the vivid guitar work of Charlie Burchill. This stirring opener hails from the band’s 1984 album, “Sparkle in the Rain,” and set the stage for an exhilarating evening.
As the concert progressed, keyboardist Erik Ljunggren added a unique flair during “Let There Be Love,” incorporating the sound of Scottish pipes, effectively blending different musical textures. Frontman Jim Kerr captivated the audience with his energy and charisma, even climbing onto the stage barrier to engage directly with fans during the performance.
Kerr’s positivity radiated throughout the night, embodying the spirit of Simple Minds’ art rock as he passionately performed classics like “Promised You a Miracle.” The song, originating from their 1982 album “New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84),” was delivered with a freshness that proved the band’s vitality, despite the years that have passed since its release.
The evening went on to feature a stunning bass line from Ged Grimes during “Glittering Prize,” while Burchill’s intricate guitar work paired seamlessly with Grimes’ driving rhythm. Instrumental track “Themes for Great Cities” featured a sonic palette that would later influence bands like U2.
Drummer Cherisse Osei delivered an impressive drum solo, amusing Kerr, who declared, “That’s what Simple Minds call girl power.” The performance momentarily stumbled with a rare false start on “All the Things She Said,” but Kerr quickly turned it into a light-hearted moment, admitting with humor, “Sometimes we f— up.”
The night elevated further with the moving melody of “See the Lights,” which resonated with gospel influences thanks to backup vocalist Sarah Brown. This performance highlighted the band’s ability to blend different musical genres seamlessly.
To close the main set, the audience erupted into a singalong for the renowned “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” filling the venue with an electric atmosphere. Kerr humorously expressed his thanks to the crowd, quipping, “I should be paying you, but I’m a Scotsman, so I can’t see that happening.”
The encore featured Brown taking center stage for the dramatic “Book of Brilliant Things” before the concert concluded with the soulful power of “Sanctify Yourself.” This final performance not only engaged the audience but also paid tribute to Sly Stone, with a nod to the legacy of his music.
Simple Minds’ setlist leaned heavily on their classic catalog, with a notable absence of tracks from their recent releases. This approach illustrates the band’s strategy of strengthening their connection with American audiences by focusing on the songs that defined their legacy.
Alongside Simple Minds, the concert featured performances from fellow ’80s icons. English new wave band Modern English opened the show, inviting attendees to join in on the nostalgic chorus of their hit “I Melt with You.” The band balanced their set with new material, revealing a mix of old and fresh tunes.
Synth-pop duo Soft Cell also graced the stage, with Marc Almond and David Ball performing their collaboration “Purple Zone” alongside their classic hit “Tainted Love,” which continues to captivate audiences with its unique sound.
As Simple Minds continues to work on their 20th album, fans remain eager for their return, looking forward to new material that will undoubtedly remind audiences of the band’s enduring relevance and international acclaim.
image source from：chicago
