GuilFest 2005. The Guildford Music Festival on 15th, 16th and 17th July 2005

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Artist: Simple Minds
Genre: Pop
Performing: 17th July 2004 / Stage 1
Website Address: http://www.simpleminds.com/
Author: James Hirst

I came straight to Simple Minds from the acoustic set by the Levellers, a major contrast and another example of the way in which Guilfest continues introduce festival goers to new sounds on a daily basis.

Where the levellers had hand carved their performance from the recycled timber of English pub furniture, Simple Minds had a polished chrome and black leather sofa and it certainly felt comfortable. As the cashmere chords of Mark Taylors keyboards wrapped around my festival weary body I luxuriated in the warming touch of the Simple Minds.

For more than twenty years Simple minds have been producing chart topping albums and sell out tours worldwide. Despite 30 hit singles to their name, they have always suffered a little from the perception that Simple Minds are the spaghetti hoops to U2's Heinz Baked Beans, the hoops a variation but the Heinz beans a staple.

Such comparisons are of course futile, the key to good health is a varied and nutritious diet and a regular portion of Simple Minds is recommended by leading nutritionists and this reviewer alike.

Jim warmed up the crowd with a selection of the Minds favourites and it wasn't long before the crowd were dancing and singing to "Don't you (forget about me)" and "Belfast Child". Even a few confirmed Minds cynics standing by me were soon joining in the festivities and when Jim stopped singing and the band stopped playing the whole of Guilfest carried on the chorus and could be heard acapella on Radio 2.

With an encore that included "Alive and Kicking" only the most cynical of musical snobs would have declined a seat on the Simple Minds sofa, even if it did look slightly 80's.