Simple Minds were a fantastic live band from the get-go, yet despite that, it took them almost a decade before they released their first official live album. The hunger was there from the fanbase as many bootlegs exchanged hands from the earliest days.
Now, barely a year goes by without the band milking yet another live release. Okay, technically, there hasn’t been a live release since October 2023 and the release of New Gold Dream Live from Paisley Abbey …. so just over 18 months (by the time of LITCID’s release) but…yeah.
Okay, they pride themselves in being a fantastic live band so why wouldn’t they keep on bringing out live albums? I don’t know – because the cynic in me sees it as a continuous cash-grab? I feel like this band just wants to milk their fanbase for all their worth. Yes, we can choose not to be party to it. (I for one won’t be making an effort to pre-order. Many of the live albums I have of Simple Minds sit collecting dust, never being played – yet the bootlegs are the things that remain on fairly steady rotation …. When I can even listen to them.) It also now fully explains Kerr’s post from a few days back about the whole “live music” thing. Just another preamble for a plug. The purists and the more loyal AF diehards will buy into it. They feel obligated. Compelled to do so. I used to feel like that too, hence the live albums in my collection that are there as expensive dust-collectors.
ANYWAY! I promised myself that I would just blog about the release with the facts and not go on a moany, bitchy rant at the same time…but what can I say? That’s almost impossible these days. Sorry.
Here goes: Recorded at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam (not exactly a favourite venue for the Dutch, but who cares about that, right?) in 2024 as part of the Global Tour, this offering has been released with a mind-numbing 7m 35s version of Don’t You (Forget About Me) (as if we could, you keep reminding us every 5 fecking minutes!) which can be listened to NOW (no thanks!) on all streaming platforms.
Released on a 2CD set with a 24-page “Media Book” (which does look nice from the photos displayed – still not biting though! One for getting on the cheap from eBay eventually, mabbies), as well as 2LP on either standard black vinyl or special clear/glitter vinyl (fewer tracks at 18 rather than the CD version of 24).
Available to pre-order and released on 25 April 2025 – check out all the extra info at simpleminds.com
…and I’ll buy the live 2CD version when it comes out as well, just like the sucker I am for live stuff!
Anyway the bands you’re going to see in smaller venues, that’s where it’s at!
Back to my old-world cave I go! Ha-ha 😜
P.S. I’m sure Bellahouston will be very good, very professional sounding and that will he good enough for most concert goers.
All the very best Larelle 🙏💚
Spot on Larelle about it being a cash grab.
So many live albums since the 5X5 Tour (and I love the live stuff, but…).
A young Jim Kerr use to say he thought bands released live albums when they couldn’t think of new songs to put out. Does he still think that?
Those bundles you can buy on Townsend Music are just taking the piss out of fans to say the least. Yes, no none forces us to buy these ridiculously over priced sets but they are behaving like drug pushers and fans are the junkies!
Exactly! I mean, just because we can trot this stuff out every other year doesn’t mean that you should. I feel a big part of it is the belief in their own hype of “We’re the best live band.” Hmmm. You’re good at what you do, very good – in terms of passing it off as “the best.” I listened to the little snippet of DYFAM that pushed the album and it sounded just as I imagined it would – Jim straining with the “hey heys” and it sounding …. I dunno – they just bland me out these days. They’re kind of too polished on the one hand, while on the other just perform to the exact level that is required – winging it, in other words. I can’t describe it better. There’s nothing surprising, nor anything exceptional or unique. And I am ssoooo tired of that signature move of his being seen as some spectacular feat. Lol. I wish people would marvel at me for being able to lay on the floor. 🤣🤣🤣
I mean if he was actually limbo-ing, or still doing scissor kicks, or could move like he did 40 years ago, THAT would be something.
I’m sure that despite everything I’ve just said I’ll enjoy Bellahouston when it comes around.