15 Feb, 2012 First Nights
I´ll let you in on a secret of mine. As much as I love touring, and I really do. And as much as I feel the excitement as every new tour begins. I really rarely enjoy the first nights of any concert tour. Don´t get me wrong please; last night in Lisbon made me a happy guy both afterwards and during the show. However, there is just something about first nights that make it difficult to relax in the way that I feel it takes to put over an inspired set. I guess it is because with everything becoming so new again for the band, the tech crewe, the lighting etc. The effect of that causes everyone involved to be thinking just a little too intensely throughout.
And so what is wrong with that you may be asking? Well, in my opinion music – or in fact anything – always works much better when it is done as though it is flowing of its own accord and seemingly without thought. In our case, that kind of performance usually happens after a few shows, when everyone is that bit more familiar with the new set and although still excited, much more at ease with the challenge.
And this 5×5 tour is a challenge make no doubt. Not many are out there touring – without playing their mega hits. Not many are out there playing anywhere between 2:15 and 2:30 hours, as we will be during this tour. Likewise, not many find that they are still as passionate now about playing live music as they were when they were kids – but we are, and very much so. Then again and in putting things in perspective, not everyone has had the great level of support and enthusiasm that has been given to Simple Minds at various stages of our career and for this we show our appreciation and thank our lucky stars.
And so with that, I say thanks to all who gave us good times in Lisbon – but especially those who came to the concert and made us feel so a wee bit special. It was a fine start to a tour, that is for sure.
Okay, Madrid next!
Jim Kerr