Simple Minds make up for a lengthy absence with a full North American tour, in support of Walk Between Worlds.
It may have been over a decade since Simple Minds last did a full tour across the US, but all was forgiven after they put on a two and a half hour show, made up of 23 songs which spanned their 41-year career. Singer Jim Kerr and guitarist/keyboardist Charlie Burchill may be the only remaining original members of the band, but the sound was pure Simple Minds.
The Chicago Theatre were on their feet, singing and dancing along, matching the energy of Kerr who never stood still for one minute as he worked the entire stage from beginning to end. They may have felt that they needed to make up for lost time, but after this performance, it’s fair to say they’ve paid their debt.
Sarah Brown may technically be the band’s backing vocalist, but with a voice and presence such as hers, the title almost doesn’t feel quite right. She was given her moment in the spotlight during “Love Song” as Kerr danced on the drum riser. Cherisse Osei also more than made her presence known, proving she was a force to be reckoned with behind her drum kit.
This tour may have been in support of their current album, Walk Between Worlds, which was released in February this year, but they made sure to delve back into the archives, playing those you would expect and some you might not. Only three songs from the new album were actually performed – “Sense of Discovery,” “The Signal and the Noise” and “Walk Between Worlds” – with the majority of the setlist concentrating on their material from the eighties. It was everything the fans have come to expect and love to hear.
It goes without saying that they performed “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” and it is nice to see that they are not one of those bands who shy away from and refuse to perform their biggest hits. The evening was rounded out with two more big hitters – “Alive and Kicking” and “Sanctify Yourself.”
What better way to start the week than a night of music that has you up and out of your seat for the whole show. All may be forgiven for leaving it so long between visits, however can we just ask that they don’t leave it so long until the next time. After such an absence, The Chicago Theatre was impressively filled, especially for a Monday night show. Previous visits to Chicago saw them performing at the likes of the Metro and the Rivera Theatre. The fact that they’ve upsized in venue so significantly just goes to show if they tour, the crowds will come.
The tour has headed over to the West Coast before looping back around and wrapping up in Orlando, FL on November 11. Get yourself along to this one or else you will be kicking yourself if you miss it.
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