Simple Minds' Jim Kerr on why Amsterdam concert was perfect for their live album
'Live In The City of Diamonds' is out now
Last updated 29th Apr 2025
Simple Minds' Jim Kerr joined Simon Mayo at Greatest Hits Radio to chat about their latest live album, 'Live In The City of Diamonds' and his connection to live music.
'Live In The City of Diamonds' completes the band's tryptic of albums, the previous ones being 'Live in the City of Light' (1987) and 'Live in the City of Angels' (2019). Simple Minds' latest offering was recorded live in Amsterdam at a venue purpose-built for music, and Jim explained why that particular gig was chosen for the album.
"The big deal there (in Amsterdam) is that apart from the great audiences and the enthusiasm for Simple Minds, is that the actual venue itself," Jim explained.
"The Ziggo Dome is purpose-built for music. It's a very rare thing because arenas and such are usually built multi-purpose, so we thought this is the place to try and capture it."
The singer also opened up about his connection with live music, reminiscing about some of the early live gigs he went to.
"Growing up as a fan of live music, and going to see the great live artists, some of my favourite all-time records are great memories of listening to Bob Marley live, David Bowie live, Genesis live - that was my first gig..." explained Jim.
"So I've got this real connection to live albums, (Bob) Dylan's live 'Before the Flood', The Doors... and I guess through the years at different times and the story of Simple Minds, you feel this is a moment, and it’s a moment when the band is particularly feeling good, the great vibe of the crew or audiences... Just something going on and you think you should try and capture this one now."
The band will also be going on their summer tour later this year, starting at Lincoln Castle on Saturday 28th June. Speaking about their live gigs, Jim said: "People invest so much to go to gigs now, not just financially, although that for sure, but they invest emotionally, they remember they saw you 20 years ago, they're coming with their mates or maybe even with the same four pals.
"They know it's going to be good, probably thinking about it won't be good like in the old days and all that, and you have to try and somehow make sure that it... More than this."
Tickets are still available to buy from Aloud.com
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