From the moment they stepped foot on stage the energy in the theatre went to the max. In fact at the end of 'Home',the second song from their new disc, the PA system blew which delayed the set five minutes while the problem was repaired. Hoping that the wait did not take the wind out of anyone's sails Simple Minds jumped right into 'East at Easter' and we were back on course.
Front man Jim Kerr has the stage presence and charisma to rival the likes of Bono and Mick Jagger. He draws people to him, playing to the crowd and bringing everyone together in unison. If he isn't prowling the stage like a cat, he's jumping on the spot like a boxer or swinging his mic cord around like a whip. Over the years he hasn't lost the vocal strength and still has the soaring voice which made Simple Minds songs anthems.
Backed by original members Charlie Burchill (guitars), Eddie Duffy (bass), plus newcomers Mel Gaynor (drums) and Mark Taylor (keyboard); a band this tight and anthemic shouldn't be touring medium size venues. Every song had the crowd clapping in unison, bouncing on the spot and singing their hearts out, something you rarely see at shows in Paris.
New material "Stranger", "The Jeweller (Part 2)" and "Home" from the stellar album "Black and White 050505" came across like the classic hits. "Waterfront", "All The Things She Said", "See The Lights", "Don't You Forget About Me" were all part of the two hour set leaving the crowd singing and grinning from ear to ear. With incredible lighting, the theatre felt like everyone was underwater during beautiful set closer "Dolphins". It didn't take long to bring the band back for two encores. Taudience participation and energy. Sometimes he crowd whipped into a frenzy by the likes of "New Gold Dream", "Glittering Prize" and "Alive and Kicking".
It is no surprise to see that many of the dates on this European tour are sold out. Maybe this proves the point that music today is too stale, with no classic and memorable anthems to last the years for the younger generations. The average age for the show was certainly near 40, with a handful of the crowd bringing along their children. Sad to say that twenty years from now there won't be many bands where parents introduce their children to legends. At least on this night, Paris was alive and kicking.
SETLIST
Intro
Stay Visible
Home
East At Easter
Up on the Catwalk
Book of Brilliant Things
See The Lights
Big Sleep
All The Things She Said
Waterfront
Hypnotized
The Jeweler (Part 2)
A Life Shot In Black and White
Somewhere In Summertime
Speed Your Love To Me
Don't You Forget About Me
Dolphins
ENCORE
Different Worlds (Taormina.me)
Seeing Out The Angel
New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)
SECOND ENCORE
Stranger
Glittering Prize
Alive and Kicking |
