I never saw Simple Minds during their 1980s pomp - when they were pomp in more ways than one - but no fear, as this show at a packed Utilita Arena transported me right back there. Sure, singer Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill (the only original members) are somewhat older, and definitely wiser - Kerr skips words and shares the mic with Sarah Brown and the crowd to preserve his voice, and is more of a benevolent uncle than the occasionally pretentious showman of old - but the tunes are impressively timeless.

All bar two songs came from the decade they dominated, with no less than five from New Gold Dream (arguably their best album) and another four from the all-conquering Once Upon A Time. Each was greeted like an old friend in a brilliantly executed and energetic performance, the younger members - particularly dynamic drummer Cherisse Osei - helping drive an almost breathless show that had the audience on their feet from the off despite Kerr quipping “we’re just getting stated” midway through.

By that point we’d already been treated to blistering versions of the likes of Love Song, Glittering Prize and All The Things She Said, and while there was brief respite for all bar Osei during her drum solo, one of the night’s highlights followed, in the shape of a passionate reading of Belfast Child, accompanied by images of the Troubles on a huge bank of screens that were used to impressive effect all night.

After that it was anthem after anthem - including a lengthy (too long? Kerr jokingly pointing at his watch) ‘la, la, la, la’ singalong during Don’t You (Forget About Me) - and all too soon Uncle Jim was asking if we minded them playing one last song. Of course not, and Sanctify Yourself provided another visit to a decade so sacred to band and audience alike.

Honourable mention for fellow Glaswegians Del Amitri, who provided a sprightly set of their own greatest hits - and reminder of what an accomplished outfit they are - as opening act. Guitarist Iain Harvie still looks like Lemmy and hams up the axe God schtick, and singer Justin Currie (the line-up’s only other original member) was in similarly fine form, overcoming, as well as ignoring, the trembling hands that betrayed his recently announced Parkinson’s diagnosis. Terrific renditions of the likes of Kiss This Thing Goodbye and Nothing Ever Happens proved they’re very much alive and kicking too.

4 stars

Reviewed by Steve Adams at Utilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday 23 March.