 Simple Minds - Bobby Talamine (c) 2025  Simple Minds - Bobby Talamine (c) 2025 Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine Edited by Fiza Javid Huntington Bank Pavilion Northerly Island - Chicago Friday - June 20, 2025 All things Simple Minds. The final scene in the movie "Braveheart:, after the passing of William Wallace, and his men alongside Robert the Bruce on the fields of Bannockburn, the year 1314- and the mystical and profound voiceover from William Wallace: "Patriots of Scotland, starving and outnumbered, charged the fields of Bannockburn. They fought like warrior poets, they fought like Scotsmen, and they won their freedom". Cue to the present day, and you have Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill of Simple Minds, Glaswegians through and through, holding truth to that definition of the fight to the present day, on the delivery of their message through some mighty fine and powerful songs. And they have that same kind of fighting spirit as William Wallace and his men, along with a community of like minded folks, all in the quest of spiritual uplift. And it's honest, their presentation and delivery, the scope of performing their majestic songs, and regal delivery. Opening their North American Tour with the song "Waterfront"? That should speak volumes in the communion of all things Simple Minds. A song with fight and grit and spirit, encompassed with communal belonging. The heart and soul of Simple Minds- Jim Kerr on lead vocals, Charlie Burchill on lead guitars. But still, like back in the day, the euphoric nature of "New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)", and of course "Sparkle in the Rain" released in 1984- the band, their style, their signature- encompassed with solid drumming. Back then, it was all things Mel Gaynor. Damn, this guy.- he was something else. Met him outside the Vic Theatre in Chicago when they were unloading and getting ready for soundcheck, I think in 1991- A beast of a man. I mean physical as all get out. An upper body and core like a linebacker, or a tight end. I understood immediately the nature of that, the physical demeanor of Mel Gaynor, followed by Simple Minds songs, and a solid drummer to put forth the punishing sound. The beat of the drums times ten, elevates everything. And to the present day, and with Cherisse Osei behind the kit. Don't underestimate her whatsoever. She can swing with the best of them, along with bringing the power and might. Simple Minds as a band, Jim and Charlie clearly know this. The drums, the beat of the drums, elevates their performances tenfold, nothing fake or limp, or dialed in. So yes, from my perspective, witnessing her play with the mates of Simple Minds, everything impressively energized from the opening song "Waterfront", on Chicago's waterfront. How 'bout that! And the barrel rolls continued from there, going early in their catalog with "I Travel" which was a delight, followed by "Glittering Prize", with Jim ever the showman, working the stage from left to right/ right to left, brandishing his microphone stand like a swashbuckling patron of Scotland. The force and nature of the songs throughout their set, even the ballads, all performed and sung with heart and conviction, the band still fighting like days of yore, making a name for themselves. Define success? Hard to wrap my head around their trajectory, and the coulda shouldas, and what might have been. Still, they have had their fare share of giant stadium revelry from back in the day, but still...a tough call on maintaining momentum, if that was even in the cards. But they have their reputation, mostly surrounded by no bullshit, and a camaraderie that still shines through and clear to see, such as a Charlie Burchill solo (amongst many), and with Jim providing neck massages and the occasional tweaking of Charlie's ears. All in good fun of course, but still, showing these mates care about each other.  Simple Minds - Bobby Talamine (c) 2025  Simple Minds - Bobby Talamine (c) 2025  Simple Minds - Bobby Talamine (c) 2025  Simple Minds - Bobby Talamine (c) 2025  Simple Minds - Bobby Talamine (c) 2025  Simple Minds - Bobby Talamine (c) 2025  Simple Minds - Bobby Talamine (c) 2025  Soft Cell - Bobby Talamine (c) 2025 Such is the band of Simple Minds, elevating their songs all the way to "Don't You (Forget About Me)", alongside the heavy encore of "Book of Brilliant Things", "Alive and Kicking", and ending with "Sanctify Yourself". All of them noteworthy for their singalongs, and the power of shared vocal. So as for Simple Minds and all things Simple Minds- sorely needed, their intentions still noteworthy, will full on delivery, with a band that delivers. And lets not forget that Soft Cell, Marc Almond and David Ball, along with their backup singers, had a short and concise set that delivered, although a bit heavy on the ballads, and not on the bangers, except for of course "Tainted Love", which closed their set. Still- Marc Almond man....even at like just before sunset- just happy to see him perform, and get his stage legs a goin'. Same with Modern English, and especially their solid front man Robbie Grey, and doing his best in regards to crowd interaction throughout, even though the sun's still out. No matter, celebratory good times, down to closer "I Melt With You". Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago Northerly Island, Simple Minds, Soft Cell, Modern English, Chicago Live Music, JBTV Music Television, Bobby Talamine, Fiza Javid, Jerry Bryant, Summer 2025, Huntington Bank Pavillion
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