30 Years Live : Belfast
The highly anticipated Simple Minds ’30 Years Live’ tour climaxed last night in Belfast’s Odyssey arena. Although it wasn’t billed as a double headliner tour having Deacon Blue as the special guests made it a very special night for all. In one of the first gigs I have seen that the hall has been filled prior to the support it promised to be a night to remember.
It is not quite 30 years for Deacon Blue. The band haven’t been around as long as Simple Minds having been formed by Ricky Ross in 1985. Since then Deacon Blue have racked up a string of hit releases including ‘Chocolate Girl’ and ‘Fergus Sings the Blues’. We first saw the band live in Belfast’s Ulster Hall in 1994 and it was a gig that sticks in my mind for not only the brilliant musical performance but also the entertaining musings from lead singer Ricky Ross.
The band split later that year but performed a number of reunion gigs in the late 90s while Ricky’s solo career flourished. In 1999 the band officially reformed, on what I think is fair to describe as a part time basis releasing ‘Homesick’ and ‘Singles’. They quickly demonstrated their performance was set to be better than ever, and it was!
It is not often the first band on stage can enthuse and whip up an audience frenzy, generally they play to half empty venues and barely gain the attention of those who are there. Deacon Blue were a very different affair, from the outset they had the audience gripped. I actually got the impression there were people around us had bought tickets on the back of knowing Deacon Blue were playing. No one was disappointed.
The performance was spectacular, Deacon Blue didn’t have the elaborate lighting rig of Simple Minds but this band didn’t need it. The audience were on their feet for the majority of the performance and visibly erupted at classics such as ‘When will you (make my phone ring)’. Ross described ‘Fergus Sings the Blues’ and the second Scottish National Anthem and he was as funny as ever complimenting the Belfast crowd and then quipping ‘If you believe this sort of bullshit you are in for a great night’ Deacon Blue were flawless in my mind, it was audible time travel it is over fourteen years since I first heard the band live they are every bit as good, if not better than how I remember the Ulster Hall.
The set climaxed with ‘Dignity’ and I wish they could have played for longer. If the night had ended here few would have been disappointed. Lets hope Deacon Blue are back in Belfast soon headlining their own show !!
There was now a buzz of energy from the audience. Everyone waited with anticipation of how Simple Minds were ever going to match the performance of their special guests. It was clear Simple Minds were going to up the anti the second they took to the stage with one of the most spectacular light shows we have seen in the Odyssey. Not the pyrotechnic explosions of Nickelback but a well executed, visually stunning light show.
Simple Minds were formed back in 1978 at a time when many of audience, if they were born at all were in primary school. That said Jim Kerr appeared remarkably youthful. In fact the members of both bands appear to have aged better than I have ! Kicking off with a brilliant performance of ‘Waterfront’ the energy didn’t ebb for a second during the full set. Unlike other bands of late there was a great level of audience interaction. A local hotel received a bit of a dig for not having Mars Bars in the mini bar and Jim Kerr congratulated the brilliant St George’s Market proclaiming “I could live there!”
The audience were treated to all the greats, Ghost Dancing (Footage from Belfast) one of the first songs I ever played on guitar was injected with an audience lead chorus of Gloria. Charlie Burchill, (who I kind of think looks a little like Jim Rockford ?) was mesmerising on guitar. His remarkable performance looked almost effortless. I have always associated Charlie’s style with that of the Edge but a bit more of a rock edge with breathtaking guitar solos not so often seen with U2. The attractive red Gretsch that appeared on stage was the envy of every guitarist there.
The audience were just as loud in their reactions at the end of each song as the band themselves. The atmosphere was electric, and unlike some gigs, not a single pint of beer thrown. The entire event was quite an experience, it is hard to think of a band who are going to match the enjoyment of this double headline event.
Belfast marked the last night in the 30 Years live tour. Simple Minds have had only two nights off since 27th November and despite this they still excelled on the last night of the tour. Nearly four hours of solid music climaxed with an encore featuring an obvious version Belfast Child. Music has changed so much during the 30 years spanning Simple Minds career and in many ways bands of this standard are becoming less common. Simple Minds and Deacon Blue represent a golden era in music and the gig was payed credit to this. I really don’t think anyone in the audience of even those on stage for that matter really wanted the night to end. I have a feeling I will be talking about this show for many years to come !
Simple Minds have recently announced they are to play Edinburgh Castle on 18th July 2009. See their website for more information.
Links:
Deacon Blue
Simple Minds
More Photos
Deacon Blue Live DVD
Crashing Beats & Fantasy
Without doubt the best gig I have been to in the last five years. I enjoyed every single second of it. Would have like to have heard ‘Chocolate Girl’ but perhaps to slow for a night like last night.
An entire album one song after the other, what a night. Totally agree, one of the best nights in a long time. Totally loved both bands. Ghost Dancing was amazing!
Best concert I have been at in 5 years. It just kept on going, I can’t believe they have had only two nights off in 2 weeks. A friend of mine is a Deacon Blue tonight in Glasgow ! Just bought ‘Singles’ online -can’t wait for it to arrive.
This is music as it should be. There are not too many bands who sound as good live as their records but Simple Minds were awesome. I’ll be honest and say I was not a big Deacon Blue fan in the day but they impressed me last night….
Usually I go to gigs late avoiding the support act. I was there from 8pm and I am so glad I was. Deecon Blue were amazing. I haven’t seen a band with 2 lead singers before, it worked really well although you would wonder how they get on given the ego’s of lead singers? Fab night though.
I think the thing that stands out is the fact all the songs played by both bands are happy.. There were no dark, no depression and few mellow songs. All upbeat – that is what we want
@ Bill Stewart, I hope they get on, they are married and have a few kids together
Having done a couple of gigs of this Simple Minds 30th Anniversary Tour, I have to say the atmosphere in Belfast was incredible!
Too bad we didn’t get a lot of time to see the city, but I’ll definitely come to Belfast again!
From this show: See The Lights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0veoog7xq5Y