2025 is the Summer that 80’s nostalgia tours come through Indianapolis- Rick Springfield/Wang Chung/John Waite as well as A Flock of Seagulls/Bow Wow Wow- but the one that had people talking the most was the package of Simple Minds, Soft Cell and Modern English, which hit Noblesville’s Ruoff Music Center.
It was the final night of the tour and a tough date because the heat index had the temperature well over 100 degrees, but the Indiana Pacers were in Game 7 of the NBA Finals as well, which definitely impacted the crowd size.
The bands didn’t care, though, they played like there were 30,000 people in the crowd. Modern English kicked it off early with guitarist Gabriel Sullivan donning a Pacers t-shirt and the band ripping into “Gathering Dust.” Singer Robbie Grey danced around the stage like he was in his 20’s again, without a care in the world, having the time of his life, while the crowd danced around, enjoying it just as much.
Soft Cell was up next and opened with an extended “Memorabilia,” including snippets of “Turn the Beat Around,” “Holiday,” “Into the Groove” and “Vogue,” making the crowd go wild from the start. Singer Marc Almond walked around from one side of the stage to the other, making sure every end of the crowd got the full experience. Throughout the set, he told stories and reminisced about where some of the songs came from and couldn’t stop smiling. It was clear the band truly appreciated the fans coming out and supporting the band over the years.
Simple Minds ended the night in dynamic fashion, delivering a compelling, high-energy live experience that stays true to their legendary status. Singer Jim Kerr utilized the stage masterfully, getting on his knees, while dancing around the stage.
The band had jokes too, making light of the fact that they couldn’t recall if they’d played Ruoff Music Center before, but they wanted everyone in attendance to tell their friends about the show, so that the next time they return, the place can be packed, which would “mean the world to an up-and-coming, young band” like themselves. They also said that they hoped the crowd was enjoying their “potential first time playing the venue.”
They also joked about the heat, saying that it was great to end their tour on such a cool and chilly night.
This was one of those shows where, even though the crowd wasn’t huge, it was loud and full of diehard fans. If you were at the show, you meant to be at the show. The crowd was loud and deafening for every song, making it a night that no one would easily forget.
-Reggie Edwards