Simple Minds - Valencia

Valencia’s iconic Conciertos de Viveros cemented its status as a summer musical powerhouse on Sunday, 20 July 2025, when Scottish rock icons Simple Minds lit up the Jardines de Viveros  in a breathtaking sold‑out event.

Ten days before showtime, Valencia’s municipal organisers confirmed that all tickets had been sold, a testament to the band’s enduring appeal across generations. This triumph followed an earlier sell‑out by Hakuna—underlining the skyrocketing popularity of the Viveros festival series. Mónica Gil, Councillor of Fiestas y Tradiciones, hailed Simple Minds as “part of the history of music,” emphasizing the concert as one of the most anticipated moments of the summer in Valencia.

With over four decades of musical milestones behind them—including hits like “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” “Alive and Kicking,” and “Belfast Child”—Simple Minds delivered an emotionally charged setlist. Tracks such as “Promised You a Miracle,” “Glittering Prize,” “Someone Somewhere in Summertime,” and “Book of Brilliant Things” filled the muggy July air with nostalgia and energy. Their performance was part of the Global Tour 2025 – Summer Live 2025, with Valencia slotted among several Spanish dates including at Cap Roig and Murcia festivals, running through a packed European summer schedule.

Since July 1, the Conciertos de Viveros have offered an eclectic musical journey across 18 nights, blending national and international artists across genres—pop, rock, indie, jazz, flamenco and urban music. Valencia's verdant Jardines de Viveros (avec césped artificial, zona gastronómica y accesibilidad total) has served as a scenic backdrop to headline artists like Europe, Luis Fonsi, The Human League, and Camila.

Frontman Jim Kerr has often described Valencia as a “magical” music city. From their early shows in the 80s to repeat visits at Viveros, Silla, and Arenal Sound, the band feel a particular affinity with the city. In 2018, Kerr recalled playing in Valencia as heart‑felt: “There was something in the air… a vibe we can still feel”

Simple Minds’ 2025 return to Valencia wasn't just another concert—it was a celebration of legacy, connection, and shared musical memory. Against the lush setting of Viveros, a euphoric crowd sang along to decades of beloved anthems, reaffirming the timeless power of the band.

For many in attendance, the night wasn’t just about hits—it was about a cultural moment that wove together generations, reaffirming Valencia's summers as a stage for world-class musical experiences.

For more information on the remaining concerts: Conciertos De Viveros

Words and photos: Rhyan Paul