Simple Minds in Cap Roig: 80s nostalgia for fans and tourists

Calella de PalafrugellNight of revival musical in Cabo Rojo Festival of Calella de Palafrugell with Simple Minds, one of the most iconic bands of European rock of the 80s and 90s. The Scots, led by singer Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill, were key to renewing the sounds of classic rock with an alternative electronic style, initiating the era of postpunk and the new waveWith a solid track record spanning more than four decades, they remain committed to the same successful formula that made them famous, without experiments or revolutions, and they remain in good shape on stage, with a tight sound and an energetic live performance.

On their return to Catalonia, they played fifteen songs from their most celebrated albums, all from the last century. These are modern rock songs, based on the frequent use of synthesizers, fast-paced, punk-inspired rhythms, and a melodic voice, similar to the style of U2 and with references to David Bowie's most psychedelic period. A catchy, very danceable pattern that works, but is repeated almost exactly in every song, to the point that, one after the other, it becomes somewhat tiresome. However, the sold-out Cap Roig audience, made up mostly of veteran spectators and many foreigners, never tired of clapping along with each song, always in the same cadence, demonstrating a great desire to relive the music of another era.

The muscular rhythms of Waterfront marked the beginning of the night, with a powerful and cyclical base of synthesizers and drums, giving way to Jim Kerr, 66 years old, agile and communicative on stage, with a worn but still quite powerful voice, although often assisted by a very experienced backing singer. They followed the expansive Once upon a time and Oh Jungleland, where Burchill, pillar of the musical base, already began to shine with the intensity of his riffsAfter the three initial pieces, the electronic beat continued with pieces such as Let there be love and Love song, with a more disco-like and dance-like tone. Halfway through, two of the best moments of the night, which provided nuances and variety, were the instrumental interlude Theme for great cities, further funky and with a spectacular drum solo, and the Irish ballad Belfast child, where Kerr displayed his talents crooner. Then it was time for the final flourish, culminating in the long-awaited Don't you (forget about me), a generational anthem that made a fortune in the film The Breakfast Club (1985), with the entire audience singing the chorus countless times.