SIMPLE MINDS BRING THE HOUSE DOWN AT SOUTHAMPTON SUMMER SESSIONS

Simple Minds brought the house down as they closed Southampton Summer Sessions after three weeks of unforgettable music. 

The Scottish rock band were incredible as they delivered an energetic 90-minute set in the Southampton sunshine.

In a weekend dominated by Glastonbury on our television screens, Simple Minds lead singer Jim Kerr told the sold-out crowd in Guildhall Square: “I was watching Glastonbury on the TV in the hotel before coming here.

“I could see on the fans faces in the audience that they all wanted to be at Southampton Summer Sessions.”

Kerr was right, there was no better place to be for live music than Southampton as Simple Minds delivered a thumping performance that included hits Don’t You (Forget About Me), and Alive and Kicking.

READ MORE: Train take to the stage at Southampton Summer Sessions

Simple Minds at Southampton Summer Sessions (Image: Cuffe & Taylor) The band – who have been performing for more than 40 years – opened the night with Waterfront, surprising anticipated fans with a cold open. 

Kerr showed no signs of slowing down at the age of 65 as he darted about the stage, more than once lifting his microphone stand in the air and getting spectators throwing their arms in the air.

The band didn’t disappoint with renditions of Don’t You (Forget About Me), and Alive and Kicking to round off the night.

The latter of which was met with the thousands in attendance taking over the chorus, with the band watching on for several minutes before they jumped back in to take over the song that reached the top 10 of the UK singles charts in October 1985.

Simple Minds departed the stage following an hour and a half of non-stop entertainment to the applause and cheers of fans who never wanted the night to end.

The band brought a close to the second annual Southampton Summer Sessions.

Rag ‘N’ Bone Man kicked-off the music festival before being followed by The Stranglers and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell.

The second week of festivities saw Craig David and McFly headline their respective concerts.

The Human League, Ocean Colour Scene, and Train all took to the stage in Southampton before Simple Minds rounded off another successful year of Summer Sessions in the city. 

2025-06-30T06:44:52Z