15 June 2025 (gig)
18 June 2025
The multi-package tours that dominate the summer concert series have officially returned. While there are a myriad of acts sharing the stages this year, there are several 80's-themed bills that are not just enjoyable to attend, but are also a great economic value.
One of the most interesting combinations currently on the road is the Simple Minds headlining tour, for which they are joined by other 80's stalwarts, Soft Cell and Modern English.
Simple Minds and company performed at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts on June 15, 2025.
Opening with a seven-song set, new wave pioneers Modern English were fantastic (as they always are). Since regrouping in 1995, Modern English has been a constant presence on the concert scene. The band alternated between older gems ("Gathering Dust" and "Swans on Glass") and newer delights (2024's "Long in the Tooth"). The quartet ended with the iconic synthesizer-heavy track, "I Melt With You", which brought the crowd to its feet, reaffirming the timeless appeal of the song.
Next up were synth-pop architects, Soft Cell. The duo featuring Marc Almond and David Ball have not performed in the area since 2002. Although, Almond stated that he loves Massachusetts and visits the state "every year."
Soft Cell started with "Memorabilia" and the 1982 hit, "Torch" which transformed the vibe of the outdoor Xfinity Center into the dark dance clubs of the '80s, where black clothes were almost mandatory and the group's musical creations once dominated.
Almond was very energetic and did not stop engaging the crowd during its nearly 60-minute set. Before "Purple Zone," Almond told of how a collaboration on the track with another synth-laced pairing, the Pet Shop Boys, came to be. The set concluded with Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" / "Where Did Our Love Go". The medley of two 60's hits (Gloria Jones did the original "Tainted Love", while "Where Did Our Love Go" launched the career of The Supremes) reimagined with an 80's electronic beat made the meshing of songs iconic and turned Soft Cell into the most influential synth-pop act ever.
Simple Minds is best known in America for the uber-smash, "Don't You (Forget About Me)." The song, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, was prominently featured in the classic 1985 John Hughes film, "The Breakfast Club. "
The band, which is fronted by original members Jim Kerr (lead vocalist) and Charlie Burchill (guitar), opened their performance with "Waterfront" and "Midnight Walking".
The group's 18-song set was peppered with deeper tracks as "Theme for Great Cities" and "Oh Jungleland" and mixed well with earlier career charting songs as "Someone Somewhere in Summertime" and "Promised You a Miracle".
In addition to Kerr and Burchill, the current version of the ensemble features former Danny Wilson (best known for 1987's "Mary's Prayer") bass player Ged Grimes and powerhouse drummer, Cherisse Osei.
A 12-minute version of "Don't You (Forget About Me"), during which Kerr led an enthusiastic sing-a-long of the song ending "La, la-la-la-la" refrain, closed out the set. Simple Minds returned to play their other most recognizable hits, the atmospheric "Alive and Kicking" and closed out with a captivating take of "Sanctify Yourself."