Simple Minds @ SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland, 19 March 2024

Simple Minds, Del Amitri

Simple Minds @ SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland, 19 March 2024,

March 22, 2024
By Lee Campbell
Photo: Lee Campbell
Web Exclusive

About five songs into the gig, Simple Minds mascot Jim Kerr tells the Belfast crowd he had to put something to a vote. His jacket on stage bothers him. Singer Sarah Brown and drummer Cherisse Osei think it looks the part. Jim, with typical Glaswegian humour, says he feels more like Boomtown Rat Johnnie Fingers in a set of pyjamas. The frontman feels completely comfortable, in a city that is close to him.

Prior to that, fellow Glaswegians Del Amitri led by Justin Carey are given a warm welcome, although the majority of the crowd seem to still be hanging out in the bars around the arena. Currie just announced a few weeks ago that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Despite facing such adversity, Currie and the boys belted out some great tunes on this March night from the docks of the Titanic.

The first quarter of the set included two deep tracks for die-hard Simple Minds fans, “Life in a Day” from their debut album and the electrifying “This Fear of Gods” from Empires and Dance LP. In addition to the Celtic 'Solstice Kiss' from their latest album, Direction of the Heartthe 18-song performance is packed with the band's biggest hits over the decades.

Last October they were released New Gold Dream – Live from Paisley Abbeyto celebrate their fifth and arguably best record since 1982. With its sumptuous basslines, now delivered by Ged Grimes instead of Derek Forbes, his legacy lives on in this 2024 World tour. There are six songs, with “Someone, Somewhere in Summertime” always managing to captivate the senses through its mystery and melancholy.

“Once Upon a Time” gets a great reception from the crowd before a succession of “Glittering Prize”, “Promised You a Miracle” and “New Gold Dream”. Kerr introduces drummer Cherisse Osei as the “baby” of the band. She truly is a force of nature and has brought so much positive energy to Simple Minds on the past two tours. The Belfast faithful are rocking it with her drum solo.

Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill, both now 64, wear the badge of aging rock stars very well. Hearing 'Belfast Child' in the very city it was written for is pure, poignant emotion for fans and musicians alike. “Don't You (Forget About Me)” remains the anthem it has become, especially in a live setting, with Mel Gaynor's famous drumming now perfectly performed by Ossei.

The rousing “Book of Brilliant Things” is first out of the gates on the encore, sung solely by singer Sarah Brown as Kerr takes a breather, watching his colleague's vocal performance in pride and awe. “See the Lights” from 1991 Real life The album is a surprise with 'Alive and Kicking' and 'Sanctify Yourself' bringing down the curtain in Belfast.

Simple Minds have now managed to last almost fifty years since their birth in 1977, with two childhood friends from Glasgow at the helm. Their music still means so much to so many, stirs up a rainbow of emotions and ultimately speaks to the heart.

The current tour will run until August with various festival dates throughout the summer across Europe.