WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
On the evening of June 18, 2024, I went to the first night of the Llangollen Musical Eisteddfod to see two very special Scottish bands, Del Amitri and Simple Minds.
As I walked through the showgrounds on a beautiful summer evening, there was a buzz in the air. The crowd was mostly older, as expected for these bands, but the excitement was palpable.
Del Amitri took the stage first, the band now consisting of Justin Currie Bass, Guitar/Vocals, Lain Harvie Guitar/Vocals, Kris Dollimore Guitar, Andy Alston Keyboards/Accordion and Ashley Soan Drumsand and as a big fan, I was thrilled.
They looked every bit the rock stars and delivered a performance that mixed nostalgia with contemporary relevance. The historic festival provided a perfect backdrop for the Scottish indie/folk/rock band. As the sun set behind the Welsh hills, Del Amitri, led by the charismatic Justin Currie, opened with their 1989 hit “Kiss This Thing Goodbye,” captivating the audience instantly. The band’s tight musicianship and Currie’s emotive vocals transported the crowd back to the heyday of alternative rock.
The setlist included classics as well as newer material. Fan favorites like “Stone Cold Sober” and “Always the Last to Know” had the audience singing along, creating a feeling of shared memories and joy. Each song received enthusiastic applause, and the band’s energy inspired spontaneous dancing and foot-tapping throughout the crowd.
Del Amitri seamlessly integrated their newer songs from the album “Fatal Mistakes” into the set, proving that the band still has plenty of creative fire. Their sound has evolved over the years, but it retains the distinctive blend of rock, pop, and folk influences that has always set them apart.
My highlight of the set was “Nothing Ever Happens.” As Currie delivered the poignant lyrics, the song’s timeless critique of societal apathy resonated deeply, and the crowd responded with huge applause and cheers. Del Amitri’s performance was a brilliant start to the evening. It was a blend of nostalgia and fresh energy that reaffirmed their place as a great band for fans old and new.
And then it was time for the legendary Simple Minds. The nucleus of the band consists of the two remaining original members, Jim Kerr (vocals) and Charlie Burchill (electric and acoustic guitars,. The other current band members are Ged Grimes (bass guitar), Cherisse Osei (drums), Sarah Brown (backing vocals), Gordy Goudie (additional guitar and keyboards) and Berenice Scott (keyboards) and from the moment they took the stage, the energy went up to another level.
They opened with the powerful anthem “Waterfront,” immediately captivating the audience. Jim Kerr’s charismatic presence and distinctive voice set the tone for the night, promising a journey through their rich musical legacy. The setlist was a blend of timeless classics and contemporary tracks, reflecting the band’s evolution while honoring their roots. Hits like “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” and “Promised You A Miracle” elicited enthusiastic sing-alongs, with the crowd relishing every moment. These songs were integral to the soundtrack of the 80s, and they felt as fresh and relevant as ever.
The evening’s highlight was the performance of “Belfast Child.” Kerr’s haunting vocals filled the air, creating a powerful moment of reflection and connection, underscoring the band’s talent for crafting songs that resonate deeply on a personal level. Throughout the concert, Jim Kerr engaged with the audience, sharing anecdotes and expressing gratitude for their continued support. His interaction added a personal touch to the performance, making the audience feel like part of the Simple Minds family. It was clear that the band values their fans and takes joy in performing for them.
The night came to a triumphant close with “Alive and Kicking.” The crowd’s exuberance was matched by the band’s, culminating in a final wave of applause and cheers that echoed long after the music had ended. Simple Minds were brilliant tonight. Jim Kerr’s voice was impeccable and the band was tight. The ability to blend nostalgic hits with fresh material and their exceptional stage presence made for an unforgettable evening. Simple Minds demonstrated why they remain one of the most beloved bands in rock history, leaving the audience with memories to cherish and a renewed appreciation for their enduring artistry.
SET LIST
1/ Waterfront
2/ Once Upon a Time
3/ The Signal and the Noise
4/ Pleasantly Disturbed
(First performance since November 2013)
5/ All the Things She Said
6/ Glittering Prize
7/ Promised You a Miracle
8/ Sanctify Yourself
9/ Come a Long Way
10/ New Gold Dream (81, 82, 83, 84)
11/ Belfast Child
12/ Someone Somewhere in Summertime
13/ Don’t You (Forget About Me)
14/ Book of Brilliant Things
15/ See the Lights
16/ Alive and Kicking
FOLLOW SIMPLE MINDS
FOLLOW DEL AMITRI
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
