DIRTY OLD TOWN - SIMPLE MINDS
As featured on our most recent album WALK BETWEEN WORLDS.
Simple Minds version of the Ewan MacColl classic DIRTY OLD TOWN - sung by the magnificent Sarah Brown has received a fair amount of plaudits particularly from critics in the US.
On any given night of this current Simple Minds tour you can watch and listen as Sarah "brings the house down" with her interpretation, that for my money is as good as any that already exists.
Great singers of course, always rely on great songs. Dirty Old Town is as good a song as it gets.
Check here to know more about the origins of this beautifully sentimental song.
www.songfacts.com/place/salford-greater-manchester-england/dirty-old-town.
Photo taken backstage in Atlanta by James Monkman
I can attest to its beauty and power a couple of weeks ago in DC. Thank you, Sarah!
Could have stuck the one with Wee Jinky on the Album as a Bonus
Sounded so good last night!
Gorgeous
DETROIT REVIEW - October 15, 2018
The first, and only time until yesterday, I saw SM perform live was at Pine Knob when they opened for The Pretenders on August 14, 1984. To the best of my recollection I loved every minute.
Never stopped listening to, and loving, the music from Simple Minds. The core members Charlie Burchill (guitars n keys) and vocalist Jim Kerr have never stopped making music that spoke to me on many levels. I was able to follow their tours on the net over the last few years - let me amend that sentence to include the word "European" in front of "tours". Sure, they came over to the states in 2013 and some other time, but they never stopped in Michigan in spite of my pleas!
Until LAST NIGHT! Gotta say it was worth the wait. With no opening act, the current line up of Simple Minds blew Julie and I out of our seats with two sets that mixed oldies, hits, deep cuts, and new music in an overwhelming display by people who love what they do.
The energy coming from these musicians was amazing. They tore the place up and the more the audience loved them back the better it got. Talk about getting entertainment value for the dollar - this show was light years away from a milk-the-old-fans-and-get-outta-town gig. Heart and soul were in full effect at the Fillmore in Detroit with the delicious toppings of talent, skills, camaraderie, and a joy for what they do from all six musicians.
In case you were wondering - Jim Kerr is in very fine voice, thank you very much. His vocal power was unleashed at all the right times as the band explored their big catalog. Kerr is very comfortable being the point man - but he is equally comfortable sharing the spotlight with his band mates. One of the really cool things about this show was the way the Minds interacted with each other and moved about the stage - jumping from spot- to limelight and back again with fluid ease. Charlie had some key boards to play, but as you might expect the majority of his time was spent with one of his arsenal of guitars strapped on so he moved all over the place.
Jack of all musical trades Gordy Goudie switched from keys to electro-accoustic guitar and back again like the musical chameleon he is. He showed up, and showed off, on every part of the stage - hopping back up on the big riser to play the keyboards and/or add some harmonizing vocals.
Did someone mention vocals? Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Sarah Brown.
Does Sarah have the vocal chops to cut through Charlie's n Gordy's sonic barrage, Ged's killer bass work and one wild drummer named Cherisse? Oh my goodness YES!
I believe she first toured with Simple Minds in 2009 and has been a regular since. Having enjoyed her on four or five Minds albums, my expectations were high and Sarah surpassed what I expected. She took center stage on several songs - for example she pretty much sand the entirety of "Dirty Old Town" which was written for Glasgow, but might as well have been penned for The Motor City. Oh - she plays a mean cowbell as well. Sarah's voice was and is truly wonderful, she has full control bringing soft or rattling the cheap seats - funny thing, I just read on her Facebook page that Sarah was not feeling up to par in Detroit. Mercy, if she sang like she did at less than full power, then watch out for her in full voice.
Ged Grimes loves what he does. If he quit smiling at any point during the 2 1/2 hour show, then I missed it. When Kerr would throw some love his way - it got magnified and bounced back. The guy builds the musical foundation like a skilled bricklayer - rock solid with no waste of materials and an ease of playing his part that might make one overlook how important the bass line is in many Minds songs. Well done Ged.
I have to admit I was a bit miffed when I realized Mel Gaynor was not going to be providing the beats on this tour. I wondered if a young lady who (as Kerr pointed out) was not even alive the last time the Minds played Detroit would have a chance to fill his shoes?
Ha! Energy is Osei's middle name. I have never seen a drummer play that much of the time standing up (never mind the high heels on her feet). Wow - Cherisse is in full command of her kit. As a hobbyist drummer, beats are very important to my musical experiences. She nailed it - she was on fire from the opener until the end. Bravo. Who the heck is that Mel guy, anyway?
If you have a chance to catch this tour before they go back home - DO IT. I could not have been happier - the grin plastered on my face stuck for hours. I cried twice and my wife thanked me for getting tickets. (She liked Simple Minds before the show - she loves them now.)
I cannot say enough about the professionalism, killer chops, and enthusiasm Simple Minds brought to all of us. Thanks Jim and Charlie. Thanks Ged and Gordy. Thanks Sarah and Cherisse. You made my night - week - month and maybe ever quarter with your talent in Detroit. Bless each of you.
I agree they killed it in Cleveland last Thursday night!!!!
What a fantastic review from a true fan, I am jealous of the US tour with the full sets but they have waited a long time for your return I suppose. Never mind we wait in anticipation for the next chapter back in Blighty 🤘
Traveling shoes waiting to be packed, plants watered, chocolate bought, ... the countdown is official on! Can’t wait to see you next week!
hang on..Dirty old town is about Manchester . not having that!
I saw U2 this past summer and I thought they were so lame.. Ended up walking out half way through.. couldn’t take it any more.. Bono’s voice was awful.. with that being said Simple Minds sounds better every time I see them and Jim’s voice is incredible
I was skeptical too without Mel Gaynor. I saw him on the Big Music tour. Cherisse was incredibly to watch. Amazing talent and energy.
Saw them the night before in Milwaukee. I would echo everything you said. Great stuff!
I’m still on cloud 9 from the RedBank Philadelphia shows!! I’ll be tapping into that Joy to carry me through for years to come. Walk Between Worlds album is the best release by any artists in yearrrs!! Gorgeous release - start to finish- perfect sequential order, from Magic to Dirty Old Town!! Can’t stop / won’t stop listening ♥️
Beautiful written....through the eyes of a fan, so honest and right from the heart! You make people so happy...never stop doing that!!
Say you’ll return one day. Grateful to have seen you ‘live’ again but *heartbroken* to think that may have been my last Simple Minds show. Miss you guys already. The show was just incredible. And Alan Kovan You are the coolest. So very proud to have bought so much vinyl from you at PIA back-in-the-day.
What a fantastic review of a truly fantastic show. I go way, way back with Simple Minds Official and catching up with them before the Detroit show was very special indeed. If my math is correct this was my 14th Simple Minds show. Most of them in the 80's. This band means so much to me. I could never have worded a review like that as I am a man of few words but the audience band interaction was off the charts. It gave me goosebumps watching it. Judging by the reviews not just this one from Detroit but from all over the US and Canada I hope the love the band feels gets them back sooner than later. Thank you Simple Minds.
Wow, just wow!!! What a wonderful review and every word true! Bet Ged has never been compared to a bricklayer before and I think we can very safely say that Cherise has well and truly put to bed all of the ‘where’s Mel?’ Comments!! Love you Simple Minds, you just keep getting better and better!!! 🎶❤️🎶
I was there in detroit..was so cool see jim kerr n simpleminds...my first concert of simpleminds..cool amazing show
Wow!!!! Amazing awesome review! Brilliantly written and you could feel the heart and soul of those words! Just the best so far! 😮 ⭐️❤️⭐️
Another very glowing review. Wonderfully worded too. You get some rather articulate fans, I must say...even if some can only be that articulate in written form (points to self).
Jim is in his elements again. Thanks for this hot summer. I have seen you now on tour for the first time in my life this year. But I love that kind of music since the early 80's.
What a lovely review and brilliant written. You are so true about all you have said about the band members. You could check out the tour diary as well. You will find out that Sarah has a connection to Stevie Wonder and love to sing in churches as well as do love horses and chocolate 🙂 and Ged is also a soundtrack composer for computer games, a man of many talents. Check out the soundtrack of the newly released Bard's Tale IV which came out this year 09/18/2018. It is a beautiful collection of celtic songs with brilliant musicians. I truly love it! 🙂
Love reading these as we count down to San Diego - 6 days, 4 hours and 15 minutes!!
Awesome review! I wish I could go to another show this tour! The Minds are rockin in the USA, and I can't wait to hear what they have planned next! I still have a smile on my face from the concert I attended, and that was 10 days ago! ❤😘🎶🎤🥁🎸🎹
What a fantastic review, having had the privilege of seeing them on a number of occasions they are still magnificent.
I wish I could attend one of your US shows ... but no time and no money anymore after 9 shows in Europe this year 😉😍😁
Simple Minds definitely played live in Detroit at Clubland (which became The Filmore) in June of 1991 on the Real Life tour. Still one of my top five concerts of all time.
The music 🎶 of the Minds is more powerful and energised than ever this tour round, and reminds me of Street Fighting Years tour 1988/89 😉x
Son geniales mi banda de culto los escucho desde hace mucho y cada disco que sacan para mi es todo un ritual de nobleza escucharlos Ojalá alguna vez regresen a la Argentina para verlos!!!!
Incredible review! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Video
Simple Minds are proud to announce a brand new studio album with some very special tour dates!
‘Walk Between Worlds’ is OUT NOW.
Live Shows
Oct
18
Thu
2018
Simple Minds play Paramount Theatre – Denver, CO, USA
VIP Ticket Packages – Meet The Band
Simple Minds are delighted to announce that they will tour North America in September and October 2018, playing two full sets featuring iconic songs spanning their whole career and including tracks from the new album Walk Between Worlds!
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 27th April at 10.00am Venue Local Time.
NOTE: There will be a special fan pre-sale from Wednesday 25th of April at 10.00am (venue local time) until 10.00pm on Thursday. To access the pre-sale, click the black ‘Tickets’ button on this page and enter the code: WORLDS when prompted.
There will also be pre-sales held directly by Ticketmaster (excluding DC, Milwaukee, and Denver) and Spotify on 26th of April 2018 at 10.00am Venue Local Time. These are accessible using the same black ‘Tickets’ button on this page and entering the code: TMSIMPLE for Ticketmaster and: MINDS18 for Spotify when prompted.
‘Walk Between Worlds’ Meet & Greet Experiences and ‘Sense of Discovery’ Soundcheck Experiences will also be available. Includes a chance to meet Simple Minds, an invitation to the pre-show soundcheck and Q&A session, a signed show poster, and much more! Click here for more details.
***Tickets go on general sale from Friday 27th April 2018 at 10.00am Venue Local Time***
Doors: TBC
Simple Minds: TBC
Get The Album Now
“We would like to remind all of our fans and members that despite hearing announcements elsewhere regarding possible concert performances etc, it is only when the date is announced here at simpleminds.com that you can be sure the information is 100% official and that contracts have been agreed” – Simple Minds
Can’t get the tickets you’re looking for? Try the Official Simple Minds Twickets Page where fans sell tickets at face value. Say NO to ticket touts. Visit Twickets Now !
Oct
20
Sat
2018
Simple Minds play Grand Sierra – Reno, NV, USA
VIP Ticket Packages – Meet The Band
Simple Minds are delighted to announce that they will tour North America in September and October 2018, playing two full sets featuring iconic songs spanning their whole career and including tracks from the new album Walk Between Worlds!
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 27th April at 10.00am Venue Local Time.
NOTE: There will be a special fan pre-sale from Wednesday 25th of April at 10.00am (venue local time) until 10.00pm on Thursday. To access the pre-sale, click the black ‘Tickets’ button on this page and enter the code: WORLDS when prompted.
There will also be pre-sales held directly by Ticketmaster (excluding DC, Milwaukee, and Denver) and Spotify on 26th of April 2018 at 10.00am Venue Local Time. These are accessible using the same black ‘Tickets’ button on this page and entering the code: TMSIMPLE for Ticketmaster and: MINDS18 for Spotify when prompted.
‘Walk Between Worlds’ Meet & Greet Experiences and ‘Sense of Discovery’ Soundcheck Experiences will also be available. Includes a chance to meet Simple Minds, an invitation to the pre-show soundcheck and Q&A session, a signed show poster, and much more! Click here for more details.
***Tickets go on general sale from Friday 27th April 2018 at 10.00am Venue Local Time***
Doors: TBC
Simple Minds: TBC
Get The Album Now
“We would like to remind all of our fans and members that despite hearing announcements elsewhere regarding possible concert performances etc, it is only when the date is announced here at simpleminds.com that you can be sure the information is 100% official and that contracts have been agreed” – Simple Minds
Can’t get the tickets you’re looking for? Try the Official Simple Minds Twickets Page where fans sell tickets at face value. Say NO to ticket touts. Visit Twickets Now !
Oct
21
Sun
2018
Simple Minds play Pearl Theater – Las Vegas, NV, USA
VIP Ticket Packages – Meet The Band
Simple Minds are delighted to announce that they will tour North America in September and October 2018, playing two full sets featuring iconic songs spanning their whole career and including tracks from the new album Walk Between Worlds!
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 27th April at 10.00am Venue Local Time.
NOTE: There will be a special fan pre-sale from Wednesday 25th of April at 10.00am (venue local time) until 10.00pm on Thursday. To access the pre-sale, click the black ‘Tickets’ button on this page and enter the code: WORLDS when prompted.
There will also be pre-sales held directly by Ticketmaster (excluding DC, Milwaukee, and Denver) and Spotify on 26th of April 2018 at 10.00am Venue Local Time. These are accessible using the same black ‘Tickets’ button on this page and entering the code: TMSIMPLE for Ticketmaster and: MINDS18 for Spotify when prompted.
‘Walk Between Worlds’ Meet & Greet Experiences and ‘Sense of Discovery’ Soundcheck Experiences will also be available. Includes a chance to meet Simple Minds, an invitation to the pre-show soundcheck and Q&A session, a signed show poster, and much more! Click here for more details.
***Tickets go on general sale from Friday 27th April 2018 at 10.00am Venue Local Time***
Doors: TBC
Simple Minds: TBC
Get The Album Now
“We would like to remind all of our fans and members that despite hearing announcements elsewhere regarding possible concert performances etc, it is only when the date is announced here at simpleminds.com that you can be sure the information is 100% official and that contracts have been agreed” – Simple Minds
Can’t get the tickets you’re looking for? Try the Official Simple Minds Twickets Page where fans sell tickets at face value. Say NO to ticket touts. Visit Twickets Now !
Oct
22
Mon
2018
Simple Minds play Humphrey’s Concerts – San Diego, CA, USA
VIP Ticket Packages – Meet The Band
Simple Minds are delighted to announce that they will tour North America in September and October 2018, playing two full sets featuring iconic songs spanning their whole career and including tracks from the new album Walk Between Worlds!
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 27th April at 10.00am Venue Local Time.
NOTE: There will be a special fan pre-sale from Wednesday 25th of April at 10.00am (venue local time) until 10.00pm on Thursday. To access the pre-sale, click the black ‘Tickets’ button on this page and enter the code: WORLDS when prompted.
There will also be pre-sales held directly by Ticketmaster (excluding DC, Milwaukee, and Denver) and Spotify on 26th of April 2018 at 10.00am Venue Local Time. These are accessible using the same black ‘Tickets’ button on this page and entering the code: TMSIMPLE for Ticketmaster and: MINDS18 for Spotify when prompted.
‘Walk Between Worlds’ Meet & Greet Experiences and ‘Sense of Discovery’ Soundcheck Experiences will also be available. Includes a chance to meet Simple Minds, an invitation to the pre-show soundcheck and Q&A session, a signed show poster, and much more! Click here for more details.
***Tickets go on general sale from Friday 27th April 2018 at 10.00am Venue Local Time***
Doors: TBC
Simple Minds: TBC
Get The Album Now
“We would like to remind all of our fans and members that despite hearing announcements elsewhere regarding possible concert performances etc, it is only when the date is announced here at simpleminds.com that you can be sure the information is 100% official and that contracts have been agreed” – Simple Minds
Can’t get the tickets you’re looking for? Try the Official Simple Minds Twickets Page where fans sell tickets at face value. Say NO to ticket touts. Visit Twickets Now !
Oct
24
Wed
2018
Simple Minds play Orpheum Theatre – Los Angeles, CA, USA
VIP Ticket Packages – Meet The Band
Simple Minds are delighted to announce that they will tour North America in September and October 2018, playing two full sets featuring iconic songs spanning their whole career and including tracks from the new album Walk Between Worlds!
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 27th April at 10.00am Venue Local Time.
NOTE: There will be a special fan pre-sale from Wednesday 25th of April at 10.00am (venue local time) until 10.00pm on Thursday. To access the pre-sale, click the black ‘Tickets’ button on this page and enter the code: WORLDS when prompted.
There will also be pre-sales held directly by Ticketmaster (excluding DC, Milwaukee, and Denver) and Spotify on 26th of April 2018 at 10.00am Venue Local Time. These are accessible using the same black ‘Tickets’ button on this page and entering the code: TMSIMPLE for Ticketmaster and: MINDS18 for Spotify when prompted.
‘Walk Between Worlds’ Meet & Greet Experiences and ‘Sense of Discovery’ Soundcheck Experiences will also be available. Includes a chance to meet Simple Minds, an invitation to the pre-show soundcheck and Q&A session, a signed show poster, and much more! Click here for more details.
***Tickets go on general sale from Friday 27th April 2018 at 10.00am Venue Local Time***
Doors: TBC
Simple Minds: TBC
Get The Album Now
“We would like to remind all of our fans and members that despite hearing announcements elsewhere regarding possible concert performances etc, it is only when the date is announced here at simpleminds.com that you can be sure the information is 100% official and that contracts have been agreed” – Simple Minds
Can’t get the tickets you’re looking for? Try the Official Simple Minds Twickets Page where fans sell tickets at face value. Say NO to ticket touts. Visit Twickets Now !
