Simple Minds “Alive & Kicking” at Hollywood Casino Amp

First Simple Minds U.S. Tour in Seven Years Hit West St. Louis Area

Legendary new wave and synth-rock band Simple Minds embarked on one of its largest treks across the United States in its illustrious history celebrating 40 years of the chart-topping song “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” Dubbed the “Alive & Kicking” tour, the international sensation—and Scotland’s finest—made a stop at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in the west St. Louis suburb of Maryland Heights, MO on June 5, 2025. Joining the group on the road were fellow ’80s acts from the U.K., post-punk romantic Modern English and electro-noir pioneer Soft Cell.

Opening the night was Modern English delivering a short but satisfying set that leaned into its moody, jangly roots. Founding member and lead singer Robbie Grey—with his powerful yet tranquil vocals—looked invigorated as he paced the stage with a youthful spark while founding member Michael Conroy anchored the set with sharp, melodic basslines. Though “I Melt With You” naturally got the biggest crowd reaction, the band proved it has much more to offer—they still make dreamy melancholy feel timeless. Joining them on stage were guitarist Gabriel Sullivan and drummer Ric Chandler—founders Gary McDowell (guitar) and Stephen Walker (keyboard) were both absent and thoroughly missed.

Next, Soft Cell brought a jolt of drama and theatricality to the amphitheater. Marc Almond, dressed in black and dripping charisma, commanded the stage with a mix of cabaret flair and synth-pop swagger. “Tainted Love” came at the end—its haunting minimalism still as effective as ever—but songs like “Bedsitter” and “Torch” where Almond’s emotive vocals stretched across the warm night air also stood out. Dave Ball’s synth work created a dark, pulsing undercurrent that contrasted beautifully with Almond’s campy stage presence. The duo’s set walked the line between edgy and nostalgic. Backup singers Bryan Chambers and Kelly Barnes provided exceptional depth and harmonies, and even occasionally took the lead.

Then came Simple Minds, launching into “Waterfront” with a cinematic blast of sound that never let up. Founding member and frontman Jim Kerr commanded the stage with effortless charisma—his vocals as rich and dynamic as ever—while founding member Charlie Burchill’s guitar painted soaring textures over tracks like “Love Song” and “Someone Somewhere in Summertime.” The band’s current lineup felt like a supergroup—tight, expressive and thoroughly in sync. Backed by a stellar lineup that included the powerhouse vocals of Sarah Brown, rock-solid rhythm from Cherisse Osei on drums, melodic basslines of Ged Grimes and rich, textural guitar sounds of Gordy Goudie, Simple Minds sounded both enormous and refined.

The entire Simple Minds set felt like a culminating performance to life on Earth—like everything that is good and wholesome compiled into the sweetest sounds to send us forth to what awaits in Heaven. In one moment it was making us dance and in the next bringing us to tears. From the first beats of “Waterfront” to the last of “Sanctify Yourself,” those drums pulsated incessantly through our very fabric, every ounce of our being—through our souls. The music itself alone, of course, but combined with the astounding production quality and perfect weather too, made for an absolutely euphoric evening. We felt breathless as the band members took their closing bow and just completely awe-struck realizing that they can put on that level of a performance night after night.

Modern English Setlist at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater:

“Gathering Dust,” “Long in the Tooth,” “Someone’s Calling,” “Hands Across the Sea,” “Swans on Glass” and “I Melt With You”

Soft Cell Setlist at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater:

“Memorabilia,” “Torch,” “Monoculture,” “Nostalgia Machine,” “Purple Zone,” “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye,” “Bedsitter,” “The Night” (The Four Seasons) and “Tainted Love”/”Where Did Our Love Go?”

Simple Minds Setlist at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater:

“Waterfront,” “I Travel,” “Glittering Prize,” “Let There Be Love,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Oh Jungleland,” “Someone Somewhere in Summertime,” “Love Song,” “New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84),” “Theme for Great Cities,” “Promised You a Miracle,” “All the Things She Said,” “See the Lights” and “Don’t Forget About Me”; Encore – “Book of Brilliant Things” (Sarah Brown), “Alive and Kicking” and “Sanctify Yourself”