Simple Minds, Soft Cell and Modern English Bring an ’80s Revival to Irving

On June 1, the Toyota Music Factory in Irving buzzed with electricity as fans lined up for a night filled with the echoes of an iconic decade.

The Alive & Kicking Tour 2025 promised a euphoric journey into the golden age of new wave, bringing Modern English, Soft Cell and Simple Minds together to create an unforgettable celebration. With the night air carrying the pulse of synthesizers and guitars, the stage was set for a show that transcended time and ignited pure, unfiltered joy.

Modern English Breaks the Ice with Style

Modern English opened the show, setting the perfect tone for the evening. Robbie Grey greeted the crowd with playful energy, immediately pulling the audience into their post-punk world. “Gathering Dust” kicked off their set, a thrum of deep basslines and cosmic-sounding electric notes that radiated across the venue like ripples in time. Grey, ever the energetic host, joked with the audience, “I see some dollars, or maybe cards these days, in those pockets. Don’t forget the merch!” as they segued into “Long in the Tooth,” a track from their recent album 1 2 3 4.
The highlight of Modern English’s set was, predictably, their most iconic hit, “I Melt with You.” Grey encouraged the crowd to rise, urging, “Come on, everyone, don’t be lazy!” as they launched into the beloved anthem. The audience didn’t need much convincing; fans of all ages sang along with exuberance. While leading the crowd in the famous humming section, Grey hilariously jabbed, “You’re not dead yet!” as some faltered, drawing laughter and louder participation. During the stripped-down chorus, just drums and voices layered the atmosphere, and Grey, clearly moved by the energy, exclaimed, “I’m getting high on that!” It was an opening act that left everyone buzzing for more.

Soft Cell Turns Down the Tempo But Turns Up the Charm

Next came Soft Cell, contrasting Modern English’s lively start with a more subdued yet stylish set. The duo of Marc Almond and David Ball brought their soulful synth-pop sound to life with a mix of hits and deep cuts. As the first few songs unfolded, the crowd visibly shifted to a more seated and reflective mood.

Almond, however, was determined to keep the energy upbeat. During their extended rendition of “Tainted Love,” he leaned into its anthem status, attempting to rally the crowd into Jazzercise-style moves. He quipped, “Come on, let's stretch those legs,” though participation was sporadic. Still, his tenacity earned smiles from the audience.
Almond's storytelling brought warmth and humor to the set. Introducing their 2022 collaboration “Purple Zone,” recorded with the Pet Shop Boys, Almond shared a lighthearted anecdote about the song's creation.

“Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe came to hear it live, loved it and asked to take it home. What came back was this incredible duet! But unfortunately, they’re not here tonight, so you’re stuck with just me.”

He then chuckled, “By the way, I truly regret wearing velvet tonight!” acknowledging the Texas heat with a touch of theatrical flair.

The cover of Four Seasons’ “The Night” and the Madonna-infused “Memorabilia” medley, melding tracks like “Like a Virgin” and “Into the Groove,” showed Almond’s playfulness, even if the reception was mixed. A notable highlight came during a sweet impromptu moment when Almond spotted a solo dancer, saying warmly, “I see you dancing there in the middle. This one’s for you.” It was these genuine touches that brought life to a set that occasionally struggled with a punch but never faltered in the heart.

Simple Minds Shatter the Ceiling

The real fireworks began as Simple Minds took center stage to close out the night. With the iconic Jim Kerr at the helm, it was clear from the outset that the band wasn’t just here to perform; they were here to astound. Kerr bounded across the stage with an energy that belied his years, stretching on speakers with rock-star bravado and exuding charisma in every movement. The crowd couldn’t help but leap to their feet, swept away by his dynamism.

Kerr’s voice, remarkably preserved and versatile, matched the intensity of the band’s lush arrangements. Early in the set, a technical glitch with the bass interrupted “I Travel,” but Kerr took it in stride. “You’ve got your longhorns,” he said with a grin, referring to Texas, “but we’ve got the Loch Ness monster. I think we win this one!” The crowd roared with laughter, and the band restarted the song with reinvigorated finesse.
The night was a masterclass of musical showmanship. Drummer Cherisse Osei stole several moments with her sheer precision and flair, including a jaw-dropping two-minute solo that had the audience cheering uncontrollably. Kerr fanboyed her performance, declaring, “That, ladies and gentlemen, is what Simple Minds call girl power.” Sarah Brown, another standout, impressed with her backing vocals that turned rich and radiant, particularly during “Alive and Kicking” and her
solo on “Book of Brilliant Things,” which captivated the entire venue.

Simple Minds delighted not just with their music but with their visual storytelling. The intricate light design and screen projections—from serene florals to glimmering cities and bursts of space imagery—not only matched the band’s soundscapes but elevated the entire experience to a cinematic level.

The pinnacle of their performance arrived with an extended version of “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” Kerr played conductor, transforming the song’s iconic “La, la-la-la” refrain into an international chorus. Fans sang it in French, Spanish, Italian and Japanese as Kerr jubilantly mused, “See? Some lyrics are universal. Why complicate art?” It was a moment of unity that transcended language and time, perfectly encapsulating the night’s essence.

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Simple Minds’ drummer Cherisse Osei powers the rhythm.

Preston Barta

A Nostalgic and Exhilarating Affair

The tour stop in Irving was a collective memory, vivid and joyful. Modern English brought charm and humor, Soft Cell the intimacy and soul and Simple Minds delivered a spectacular performance no one will soon forget. It was a night where music’s power to unite and uplift was on full display. Jim Kerr may joke about getting too old for this, but if this tour has shown us anything, it’s this—Simple Minds are nowhere near ready to wind down.

For those who came longing for yesterday, the night didn’t just take them back; it left them legacies to carry forward. Music like this doesn’t just live in the past. It reverberates, evolves, and, most importantly, keeps us all alive and kicking.