SIMPLE MINDS The IRON MAIDEN of New Wave Bands: Concert Review Montreal, Canada June 17, 2025
- The Metal Voice
- Jun 20
- 4 min read
(Non-Metal Post warning, don't worry this does not always happen )
By Jimmy Kay
'Simple Minds Show Review' at the Centre Bell, Montreal, QC, Canada June 17, 2025
Simple Minds a Scottish New Wave Rock band formed in Glasgow in 1977. Singer Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill are the two members who have been with the band throughout its whole history, and the only current permanent members and songwriters. Both of these fellas are 65 years old and from their performance last night you would think they were in their 20's.
Opening bands Modern English and Soft Cell were ....let me put it this way...Boring, uninspiring (at least to me) despite their massive one hits that they both had in the 80's
Soft Cell was especially a waste of space and time on stage (for me). How they managed to cover one have one of the greatest pop song of all time 'Tainted Love' is quite perplexing. Even the crowd seemed rather bored except for that one Guy who would not sit down the whole time...Ya YOU
The crowd makeup was basically middle aged mom's (sans Hairspray) bordering grand mums and grey haired cargo shorts wearing Dads' / Grandpas who were there to revisit in time and space the glorious 80's and for 80 minutes, they did.
Simple Minds burst into the first two songs
-Waterfront
-Love Song
And the crowd EXPLODED and were on their feet. The frenzy was so loud it even took the band by surprise so much so lead Singer Jim Kerr was all choked up, borderline tears.. Thanking Montreal for always being there for the band from the start.
The band was supercharged and on fire, I would even argue they might be at their peak in terms of performance capabilities, which is mind blowing to think of. This was not no Soft Cell with two guys and a keyboard. This was a band of high caliber musicians and singers. Let me put it this way Simple Minds is the Iron Maiden of New Wave Rock, yeah they are that good metalheads.
Next up
-Glittering Prize
-Let There Be Love
Which meant, time for a pee break or buying an overpriced uninspiring T-shirt, which also meant time for the crowd to sit down. Kind of weird momentum going from top notch songs, too not really fan favorites and kind of dropped the mood a wee bit.
Next up
Once Upon a Time
This Fear of Gods
Oh Jungleland
Same deal here. Some deeper cuts that I knew and loved but once again not really the songs folk seemed to want to hear judging by the fans sitting down mode. As for myself and the diehards excellent execution of the songs .
Yah see it's simple crowd reaction analysis. Great choice of song, fans stand up and dance, poor choice, fans sit down and look at their phones or go for a beer.
Then
Someone Somewhere in Summertime
New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)
Another super high moment, crowd stands up and dances, men included, very white man can't dance moment, may I add.
Theme for Great Cities
Drum Solo
And here we break into the instrumental and drum solo. As much as I hate drum solos I will say Cherisse Osei is a force to be reckon with and may I also add Guitarist co founder Charlie Burchill might be one of the greatest New Wave Rock guitarists of all time. The Jimi Hendrix of New Wave guitar work. You can clearly hear how much Alex Lifeson of Rush borrowed off of him on albums like Power Windows and Hold your fire. Charlie Burchill tone, riffs and lead breaks absolutely stunning.
Momentum keeps moving upward with the big hits of the band once again, they are knocking it out of the park with....
Promised You a Miracle
All the Things She Said
See the Lights
Big Note here: Jim Kerr baritone vocals throughout the night were remarkable and you can clearly see how you don't need to have a massive range to be one of the greatest ROCK Singers of all time.
And then we got the MASSIVE HIT . Breakfast club baby
Don't You (Forget About Me)
OMG, The fan chant at the end of the song must have lasted 7 minutes long . LALALA LALALA
It was quite clear how this song was THE time machine moment for everyone who was there.
Then of course the explosive encores, smiles all around, not a disappointed fan in the house .
Encore:
Book of Brilliant Things
Alive and Kicking
Sanctify Yourself
If you love Rock and New Wave a must show to catch of the band at their peak live
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What a fantastic review! Comparing Simple Minds to the Iron Maiden of New Wave is spot-on, especially considering their stadium presence and enduring influence. It sounds like the Montreal show was absolutely electric—proof that a band with a decades-long career can still bring unmatched energy and production value. It takes a huge amount of professionalism, planning, and airtight logistics to pull off a tour of that scale, night after night.
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