AFTER an absence of 20 years Simple Minds were back in Liverpool - and what a way to return. It was very much a reunion for the class of '82.
There was hardly anyone under 35. "All right wack," were Jim Kerr's first words as he greeted the roaring crowd and Charlie Birchall, his right hand man, still looked as moody as ever.
Used to the big stadiums in the '80s, the Kings Dock could have been a bit of a let-down to the super-group but Kerr and Co were showing no signs that this latest stop-off in their world tour was inferior.
As Kerr has said himself after years of touring and sleeping rough in vans, he can step out on stage and perform no matter what.
Yet the songs still seemed fresh and the Kings Dock was treated to a collection of Simple Minds' finest.
The crowd needed no warming up - it was hot enough in the tent - and Jim Kerr jumped and leapt about, arms continually waving. With a musical career spanning more than two decades the Minds could pick and choose from their many hits and these included East At Easter, Promised Land and Out Of Control, as well as Mandela Day which Kerr introduced by wishing Nelson Mandela a happy birthday.
Simple Minds has never been short of passion in its lyrics or music and they showed it in love songs, Ghost Dancing, Alive And Kicking, and Waterfront.
These rock anthems brought everyone to their feet.
Gestures, waves and smiles spoke volumes about the connection Liverpool has with the Glaswegian band and Kerr was more than happy to renew his acquaintance.
"I've waited too long for this. I have missed you. It's been about 20 years." There's been big changes here. Capital Of Culture - very posh. You're going to be as posh as Glasgow." He then went on to reminisce about a girl from Wirral whom he met the last time they played in Liverpool.
"Tear Drop Explodes knew her, Echo And The Bunny Men knew her, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark knew her, China Crisis knew her very well," confessed Kerr in a dig at Simple Mind's support group which was, in fact, China Crisis who performed to a welcoming crowd.
It was a night to bring back memories and renew old friendships.
Don't You Forget About Me just about summed it up for everyone, with the crowd giving a chance to practise their vocal talents as well as testing their memory as to the lyrics.
"Come on, don't be shy," encouraged Kerr.
It was definitely a sort of homecoming - oops that's another eighties rock group sorry - but Simple Minds rocked the Dock on Tuesday night.
