Simple Minds Shine in a Night of Timeless Anthems

It was a night of soaring synths, timeless hits, and electric energy as Simple Minds, brought the house to its feet at PNC Bank Arts Center.

simple minds band on stage at PNC Bank Arts Theatre on June 11th 2025 | Show Review | Eat Sleep Breathe Music

A warm breeze swept over the PNC Bank Arts Center as the summer concert season continued in Holmdel, NJ on Wednesday, June 11th. After a day of rain, the skies cleared, leaving behind a golden evening that was a little hot—but manageable. Under stage lights, though, the heat became a presence of its own, something the performers acknowledged with good humor throughout the night. The arena was packed, a multi-generational crowd buzzing with excitement to see a dream lineup: Modern English, Soft Cell, and the legendary Simple Minds.

Modern English opened the show right on time at 7 PM, delivering a tight, 30-minute set filled with post-punk energy. They leaned into their roots with tracks like “Gathering Dust” and “Swans on Glass,” but it was their new material—like “Long in the Tooth” from their 2023 release 1 2 3 4—that showed the band still has creative fuel. Of course, it all led up to their iconic ’80s hit “I Melt With You,” which turned into a crowd-wide singalong. They gave the classic a faster medley treatment at the end, bringing to mind montages from films like Valley Girl. The audience rose in a standing ovation, already on their feet by the third song, dancing and filming the moment.

Next came Soft Cell, who took the stage with minimal set design but maximum charisma. Frontman Marc Almond was in fine form, dancing and engaging the crowd with his signature flair. Though their Pet Shop Boys collaboration “Purple Zone” made an appearance, Almond joked, “They’re not here tonight!” A standout moment came with their electric cover of The Four Seasons’ “The Night,” introduced with a story about how they’d considered covering soulful classics when they first started. Their finale was a high-octane medley of their biggest hit, “Tainted Love / Where Did Our Love Go,” featuring powerhouse backup vocals and a euphoric response from the crowd.

Then came the main event. At 9:15 PM, Simple Minds took the stage as the sky darkened and the lights blazed. They opened with the massive “Waterfront,” immediately setting the tone for a high-energy, emotionally charged performance. Jim Kerr was magnetic—dancing, joking with the crowd, even dropping into a backbend mid-song. He regularly checked in with the audience (“Are you okay?”), feeding off their energy as they sang along, waved arms, and lost themselves in the music.

Their setlist was a carefully curated journey through their career. From the shimmering optimism of “New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)” to the funky exuberance of “Promised You a Miracle,” the band celebrated their synth-pop and stadium rock years with gusto. Fan favorites like “Someone Somewhere in Summertime” and “All the Things She Said” stood tall next to deeper cuts such as “This Fear of Gods,” a moody gem from their early experimental days, and “Oh Jungleland,” which showcased their knack for drama and atmosphere.

Instrumental interlude “Theme For Great Cities” gave the band a breather while showing off their rhythmic precision, and drummer Cherisse Osei’s powerful solo brought the audience roaring. Vocalist Sarah Brown stepped into the spotlight with a beautiful lead on “Book of Brilliant Things” and shared duets with Kerr on several tracks, adding rich harmony and soul to the performance.

As the show built toward its climax, Simple Minds delivered their most iconic anthem: “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” The 1985 Breakfast Club classic stretched into a 10-minute singalong, with Kerr leading the crowd in a cathartic, emotional release. It was a moment that felt both personal and universal—echoing decades of memories for fans who grew up with the band.

But the night wasn’t over yet. A four-song encore brought even more fire, starting with “Book of Brilliant Things,” followed by the soaring “Alive and Kicking” and the funky, infectious “Sanctify Yourself.” Finally, in a surprise twist, the band came together a cappella for a cover of Sly & the Family Stone’s “Dance to the Music.” It was a communal, joyous finale—voices raised in harmony, smiles all around—a fitting end to a night defined by connection, nostalgia, and enduring musical magic.

For an enchanting evening, catch Simple Minds now on tour. Get more information on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) pages.