80s Were Back at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey

It was a trip down music memory lane, and I was glad to be on hand to bring you a look at some of the biggest names in 80s music who were live in New Jersey this week to bring their hits to the PNC Bank Arts Center on a hot summer-like night in Monmouth County. It is the  "Alive & Kicking Tour 2025".

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Concert Review: Simple Minds, Soft Cell, and Modern English at PNC Bank Arts Center, New Jersey 6/11/25

First up was Modern English, which brought not only hits from the 80s but also their latest work from now on. The band that sold millions of albums had the huge 80s hit "I'll Melt With You". Their current album is 1 2 3 4 (2024). They had sunlight and the heat of a hot summerlike afternoon. Robbie Grey (Vocals), Gary McDowell (Guitar), Mick Conroy (Bass), Stephen Walker (Keyboard), Steven Walker (Guitar), and Roy Martin (Drums) played a quick but rockin' set, and folks enjoyed the band that brought old and new to the Arts Center. I had seen them before and once again enjoyed their sound and wanted more.

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Next up was the techno/electronica sounds of Soft Cell. Another multi-million album-selling band that had their huge 80s hit "Tainted Love". Marc Almond (Vocals) and David Ball (Instrumentalist) performed their hits and brought a "techno" 80s theme, and lots of folks were dancing like they were back in their favorite 80s club, despite being nearly 50 years later lol.

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The conclusion of the night was hosted by 80s Icons Simple Minds, which brought their catalog of hits and personality for a fun night of music and great sounds! Led by original members Jim Kerr (vocals) and Charlie Burchill (Guitar), the band from Glasgow, Scotland, kept the audience on their feet from start to finish. The current lineup not only includes Kerr and Burchill but also Ged Grimes (bass), Sarah Brown (backing vocals), Gordy Goudie (additional guitar, keyboards), Cherisse Osei (drums), and Erik Ljunggren (keyboards). I enjoyed their set, and they sounded spot on.

Photos From "Alive and Kicking 2025" Tour