Our first trip to the enchanting city of Verona, renowned as the home of opera and forever immortalized by Simple Minds fans in the iconic Verona Simple Minds Live video from years past, was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived at the airport, the air was thick with a sense of wonder; you could practically feel the city’s charm wrapping around you. In the heart of Verona stands the majestic Arena di Verona, an ancient amphitheatre that would host the Simple Minds concert that very evening.
As we settled into the square with a leisurely coffee, the faint sounds of the band’s soundcheck drifted from the venue, creating an electric atmosphere. We couldn’t help but chuckle as Jim Kerr playfully checked his vocals, asking the audience outside if they could hear him—twice! It was a delightful moment that perfectly encapsulated our experience in this stunning city.
As the doors opened, throngs of eager fans converged on the square, drawn to the striking Simple Minds Verona poster. It seemed like a rite of passage for fans to capture the moment with photographs, marking this occasion in style.
Entering the venue felt like stepping into a dream. The plush red velvet curtains and a luxurious red carpet beckoned us into the arena, enveloping us in an ambiance of anticipation. The air was charged with excitement, as both fans and the band knew this was going to be a night to remember.
As the PA system played uplifting tunes, we watched the venue fill up against the backdrop of a blazing sunset. When the lights dimmed, a palpable energy surged through the crowd. The sound of Gary Numan filled the air as the Simple Minds light display illuminated the stage, heralding the start of the show. The moment the opening bars of “Waterfront” resonated through the arena, the audience sprang to its feet, singing and dancing in unison. The connection between the band and the crowd was nothing short of electrifying, with Jim Kerr reaching across the stage to touch fans’ hands, bridging the gap between performer and audience.
The heat inside the venue paled in comparison to the intensity of the band’s performance; they were truly on fire that night, delivering an energy level that surpassed their recent shows in the UK. With each hit, from “Once Upon a Time” to “Oh Jungleland” and “Let There Be Love,” the night unfolded in a whirlwind of nostalgia and joy. Songs like “I Wish You Were Here” and the powerful “Someone Somewhere in Summertime” acted as anthems, encapsulating the spirit of the Verona concert.
In a touching moment during “Ghost Dancing,” Jim introduced the band in fluent Italian, much to the delight of the fans. After a quick wardrobe change, Jim returned to deliver an exquisite rendition of the classic “Belfast Child,” with Eric Ljunggren’s keys weaving a tapestry of sound that perfectly complemented Jim’s passionate vocals. It was, undoubtedly, the best version I’ve ever witnessed live, earning a rapturous response from the arena crowd.
Following “Themes from Great Cities,” Cherisse Osei took centre stage for a breath-taking drum solo that stirred the hearts of everyone present, setting the stage ablaze before the band launched into their greatest hits. They closed the set with a powerful medley that included “Promised You A Miracle,” “All the Things She Said,” “See The Lights,” and culminated in a joyous sing-along to the brilliant “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” As the band exited the stage, it was clear to all that they would return; they simply needed a brief intermission to hydrate before the encore.
When the band reappeared, Sarah Brown stepped forward to deliver an incredible rendition of “Book of Brilliant Things.” As she approached the final verse, Jim re-joined her, beaming with pride as she made the song uniquely her own. Applauding her performance, Jim thanked the audience before closing the night with the unforgettable “Alive and Kicking.”
The band received a thunderous ovation for their extraordinary set, and as they stood at the front of the stage, the PA began playing Sly and the Family Stone’s classic “Dance to the Music.” In that moment, both fans and band united in a celebration of music that has spanned decades. The noise level surged as we sang and clapped along, honouring the band with a standing ovation in the iconic Arena di Verona.
This was truly a special night in Verona, a night of magic that etched unforgettable memories of both the performance and this remarkable city. If you ever have the chance to visit Verona, seize it—you won’t be disappointed. Experiencing both Verona and Simple Minds in one night is a gift that will leave you illuminated by the lights of a night to remember.
Review by Karen Edmond
Photographs off Mobile by James Edmond
