Simple Minds at Cannock Chase
Concert review by John Corser

Simple Minds sparkled in the rain as they filled Cannock Chase Forest with their anthemic rock on Saturday night.

The band belied their 32 years together to prove they are definitely still alive and kicking.

Click on the image on the right to see more pictures.

Singer Jim Kerr was in superb form getting the 5,500, who filled the forest bowl, clapping, waving their arms and singing along.

A light rain began to fall as Simple Minds delivered Waterfront, but the rain – nowhere near as heavy as the downpour experienced for Erasure’s Friday night performance – could not dim the enjoyment of the band’s fans of all ages.

There were smiles on faces throughout the hour and 50 minutes the Scottish band were on stage. Charlie Burchill’s chiming and splintered guitar work drove the concert along at a great pace.

Jim Kerr told the fans they were the best audience they had met on their short Forestry Commission greatest hits tour.

The band, who have sold more than 40 million albums,  included new song Stagefright in the set but for the rest it was classic song after classic song including early synthesiser-tinged favourites Celebrate and Love Song.