The air at The Mann Center in Philadelphia on Saturday crackled with a forceful mix of nostalgia and raw energy as Simple Minds, the Scottish titans of stadium rock and synth-pop, delivered a performance that proved they're anything but a forgotten memory. Following solid opening sets from new wave stalwarts Modern English and synth pioneers Soft Cell, the stage was perfectly primed for a masterclass in enduring rock anthems.
From the moment Jim Kerr walked out and the iconic opening notes of "Waterfront" echoed through the outdoor amphitheater; it was clear this wasn't just a band going through the motions. Kerr's voice, remarkably untouched by time, resonated with the same commanding power that filled arenas in the 80’s, his stage presence as charismatic and engaging as ever. He danced, he gestured, he connected with every corner of the crowd, making the vast space feel surprisingly intimate.
But it wasn't just Kerr showmanship and Charlie Burchill’s magnificent guitar playing that commanded attention. The entire band was a well-oiled machine, each member contributing to the vibrant tapestry of sound. A particular standout arrived between the atmospheric "Theme for Great Cities" and the triumphant "Promised You a Miracle," when drummer Cherisse Osei unleashed an absolutely breathtaking drum solo. It was a virtuosic display of rhythm, power, and finesse, a thunderous percussive conversation that left the Philly crowd roaring in appreciation. It was the kind of moment that elevates a concert from a mere performance to an unforgettable experience.
As the night progressed, anthems like "Someone Somewhere in Summertime" and "New Gold Dream" transported the audience back to a time when their music dominated the airwaves yet somehow felt fresh and vibrant in the present. Of course, the main set closed with the obligatory, but no less electrifying, "Don't You (Forget About Me)," prompting a massive singalong that reverberated off the surrounding trees.
The encore brought more classics, with "Book of Brilliant Things" offering a moment of introspection before the raw energy of "Alive and Kicking" ignited the crowd once more. They finished with "Sanctify Yourself," leaving everyone buzzing.
Simple Minds proved that their legacy isn't about past glories; it's about a living, breathing musical force that continues to captivate. For anyone who missed it, or those who want a deeper dive into their incredible journey, the band's documentary, "Everything is Possible," just hit U.S. theaters on June 13th. Based on tonight's performance, it's clear that for Simple Minds, everything truly is possible.
Tour Stops:
6/17 Bell Centre, Montreal CA
6/18 Budweiser Stage, Toronto CA
6/20 Huntington Bank Pavilion, Chicago IL
6/22 Rouff Music Center, Noblesville, IN
6/27 Bellahouston Park, Glasgow Scotland
Set List:
Waterfront
I Travel
Glittering Prize
Let There Be Love
Once Upon a Time
I Wish You Were Here
Oh Jungleland
Someone Somewhere in Summertime
New Gold Dream
Theme for Great Cities
Drum Solo (performed by Cherisse Osei)
Promised You a Miracle
All the Things She Said
See the Lights
Don't You (Forget About Me)
Encore:
Book of Brilliant Things
Alive and Kicking
Sanctify Yourself
Review and Photography by: Craig Eidell