The summer concert season kicked off with an unforgettable night as Simple Minds took the stage at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis, bringing their ‘Alive & Kicking’ Tour to life.
Opening the evening was none other than Modern English. Frontman Robbie Grey brought undeniable energy—he’s still got it. Despite the sparse crowd, St. Louis showed up for them. The band delivered a tight set of about six songs, capped off with a crowd-pleasing sing-along to their iconic ’80s anthem, “I Melt With You.” This wasn’t just an opener—it was a full-on performance that deserved center stage.
Next up was Soft Cell, and there’s truly no better band to see during Pride Month. The duo of Marc Almond and David Ball hit the stage with their signature synth-pop sound, delivering a mix of hits and deep cuts that resonated with everyone who came for them. It was the definition of “less is more”—no extravagant light show or flashy production, just the duo, two phenomenal backup singers, and a nonstop nine-song set of pure bangers. They closed with the legendary “Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go,” one of the most recognizable covers of all time.
Then came the headliner: Simple Minds. From the first note, it was clear that frontman Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill— the two original members still with the band—aimed to reintroduce American audiences to their expansive legacy beyond the John Hughes soundtrack that made them a household name. Backed by a strong band and a loyal fanbase, the current lineup demonstrated both evolution and enduring power, elevated by an intricate and engaging stage setup.
Their performance of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” proved the song’s timelessness, with the entire crowd joining in on the iconic “la-la-la-las,” creating a moment that was nothing short of electric. Shockingly, it wasn’t even the encore! Instead, the night ended with powerhouse renditions of “Alive and Kicking” and “Sanctify Yourself”—a perfect reminder that Simple Minds still have it. Alive and kicking, indeed.
It was a night of nostalgia and synth-driven energy—a time capsule of sound that transported every attendee back to the defining moments of their youth. The crowd may have been thin, but this lineup from decades past filled every heart in the venue.
PHOTO GALLERIES: (links will be added when photos are finished)
Melissa O’Rourke aka WickedWitchofSTL is a jack of all trades. By day she’s an established tattooist and piercer, by night a mother to her amazing son (who is a hell of a guitarist). Melissa has a musical background and can often be found at a local karaoke joint, or a concert when she’s not driving across the country for an adventure. This social butterfly always welcomes conversation so come say hi! See y’all at the next gig!
