Review by Ivor Whitten for MPM
Under the MCD banner two big bands of the 80s and 90s were in town to show their edge had not dulled in any way. Tonight, Del Amitri were supporting Simple minds in the SSE and all the generations were in attendance to feel the vibes.
Del Amitri took the stage describing their humorous exploits in the back rooms where the Belfast Giants had their lockers. The mood was going to be perfectly light and relaxing. Not that the boys were not putting on a slick performance.
Immediately kicking off with “Always the Last to Know”, to loud roars and applause – They knew exactly how to set everyone at chill and enjoyable vibe. Delivering songs like “Kiss This Thing Goodbye”, “Driving With the Brakes On”, “Stone Cold Sober” and finishing with “Nothing Ever Happens”, it was a perfectly delivered musical masterpiece of nostalgic feelgood.

With everything that’s going on in the world, Del Amitri drove the crowd down an expressively relaxing highway. Utterly emotionally satisfying providing the right amount of contentment through expertly delivered light alt rock rhythms. The standing ovation said it all without words. Del Amitri are still very much loved and with good reason.

It must also be said that lead singer Justin Currie is in all our thoughts after his recent diagnosis of Parkinsons. It reminds us all that it can hit anyone.
The stage was cleared for the main event and the anticipation was think in the air for the appearance of those Scottish purveyors of all those upbeat hits Simple Minds.
The band moved onto the stage with confident authority and foreknowledge of providing a riveting performance. And they weren’t wrong. And with a “Hello Belfast” from the inimitable Jim Kerr they launched straight into “Waterfront”, everyone was almost immediately up onto their feet singing and clapping along.

The music didn’t slow and the audience didn’t seem to have a chance to sit back down. Moving on into “Life in a day” and “Hunter and the Hunted” Jim and the band exploded with energy on stage giving a performance anyone half their age would be very proud off.
There was perfectly timed banter from Jim with the audience, even cheekily having a go at a few other music stars by showing off how easily he can move round the stage. He proved without a doubt he was not slowing at all. The audience lapped it up.

“Big Sleep” and “This Fear of Gods” maintained the musical hype train and before travelling onward Jim took a moment to chat again highlighting his very glittery jacket and how it was picked out for him as well as the last appearance of Simple Minds in Belfast at the Custom House Square. The very full SSE thrummed with approval and the energy that flowed all round the stadium was infectious.

Up next was “Let there be love”, “Solstice Kiss”, “Vision Thing” and “Once Upon a Time” stoked the audience with many just getting up and dancing, seats forgotten and left behind. Arms in the air singing their lungs out to “Glittering Prize” and “Promised You a Miracle” as the band effortlessly continued to manoeuvre around the stage with everyone getting a bit of time in the limelight. And once there was a short lull between songs, Jim quipped “We’re just warming up. Haven’t even started yet” which received a very loud roar of approval.

“New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)” landed with just as much vigour as the very first song and pulled everyone onto their feet again like a magnetic musical cult. The place was filled with smiles of pure joy. Simple Minds were delivering a tight, well-oiled performance that produced just pure joy for even the grumpiest there. Immediately after “New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)” all but Cherisse Osei, the drummer, walking of the stage leaving just Cherisse to entertain with an incredible drum solo showing off her rhythmic percussive skills. It also led neatly into the absolute Belfast favourite of “Belfast Child”, arguably was the most epic, sweeping song of the night. A song that delivered those special chills down the back of your neck.

Then “Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)”, before the set finished with the unforgettable “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” especially if you have ever watched “The Breakfast Club”.
And of course there was an encore with “Book of brilliant”, “See The Lights”, “Alive and Kicking” and “Sanctify yourself”.

The roar and thrum of the crowd was deafening. The band had absolutely provided a fantastic slick performance that many will be talking about for months to come.
It was a perfect combination of Del Amitri and Simple Minds, providing a whole night of pure musical entertainment that will leave an indelible memory on anyone who attended.
Simple Minds are touring until August and you can find out more at https://www.simpleminds.com/tour/
Do yourself a favour and grab a ticket while you can as a number of the shows are sold out.
Photography by Darren Mcveigh for MPM